1.11.2008

can you even imagine...

A girlfriend recently told me that she had some great news and some terrible news to share with me. I knew she and her husband had been trying to get pregnant for several months, so I had a feeling what she was about to share. First, she confirmed her pregnancy. For an instant I was so thrilled for her, until she shared the terrible news. At their 8-week check-up, they heard the baby's strong heartbeat. They were also told that her white blood cell count was extremely high. After an agonizing few days and a bone marrow biopsy, it was confirmed my friend was diagnosed with Chronic Mylogenous Leukemia (CML). What are the odds of CML being discovered during pregnancy? 1 in 750,000...They were faced with the nightmare decision to terminate the pregnancy (and frankly, the baby saved her life) or risk delaying treatments until the baby is born in just over 6 months. What do you do when you feel a baby saved your life? Shouldn't you save its life? Well, that's what they decided to do...They are now in their 11th week of pregnancy and going in for weekly blood tests to ensure both mommy and baby are doing well. I agree with Jolene, cancer sucks and I hate you too!

I think about my girlfriend all day and I just can't even begin to imagine how she and her family are feeling, but I do know she's trying to be strong and live a normal life. I'm leaving it up to God and I hand Him all my worries, cries, and sorrow...

Praying for peace and strength.

7 comments:

swell.life said...

Wow I can't even imagine being faced with such amazing/devastating news! I'm proud of your gf's decision and I wish her the best!!

dapotato said...

i can't imagine. :( so sad to hear, and best wishes going to your gf, her husband, and baby.

~ Jolene said...

so sad Alyssa. I will add this family to my daily prayers. :(

R said...

Amazing and terrible all at the same time. My best to them!

amber said...

so incredibly sad :(

lots of prayers and well wishes to your friend and her baby.

Sarah said...

That is beyond upsetting. I lost my best friend to AML in high school. My thoughts and prayers are with her.

wan said...

oh, my. a ton of prayers coming from me too.

[speechless] how wonderful and terrible at the same time. :(