Sick DUer alarcojon gets good news

[alarcojon]

Many of you asked for updates on my fight with acute myelogenous leukemia. While I am not one to report every minor up or down, I thought many of you would like to know what I heard today. While I will need a second round of chemo (this time only 5 days), the doctor is almost certain I will be non-leukemic after that. It extends my hospital stay (I'll probably be here another month), but things are looking up at the moment, and my wife and I are going to cherish it.

Thank you to all my DU friends for your well-wishes. As many of you have seen, I am still around, still posting, still enjoying life.

Oh, and one last thing - Bush is an idiot!!!

[GreenPartyVoter]

1. Up is good! *hugs*

[Bunny]

2. Great news!

Keep on keepin' on, my dear friend. :hug:

[DemExpat]

3. I, for one, am very happy to hear this great news, alarcojon!

How wonderful to see such a positive, life-loving attitude throughout this ordeal for you, your wife and your family/friends!

:hug: :hug: :hug:

DemEx

[Dinger]

4. Thank You alarcojon!

Glad to hear about your good news. Believe me, I can tell you personally that DUers make a difference, especially when you're going through tough times.

Ding:grouphug:

[Rick Myers]

5. That is wonderful news!!!

Congratulations! Stay strong, and keep up the fight!!! Bush is PSYCHOTIC!!!

[Henny Penny]

6. Great news!

and you are right about Bush!

:toast: :party: :hippie: B-)

[XanaDUer]

7. Good news!

:hi:

[babylonsister]

8. Wonderful news, alarcojon! Keep your spirits up, and

hugs to you and your wife! :hug:

[Mr Rabble]

9. Keep fighting!

Sending good thoughts your way.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

10. Bless you!

May you continue to heal!

[SammyWinstonJack]

11. !

:hug:

[ThomCat]

12. I hope all goes very well.

Hang in there. :)

[Brigid]

13. Happy News!

I'm new here, but :hug: anyway.

And yes, Bush is still an idiot! :evilgrin:

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

14. Good for you. Is there any need for bone marrow transplant, or is the

chemo going to be it?

[alarcojon]

19. A transplant will be needed

but we'll cross that bridge when we get to it. But we are closer to the edge of that bridge now.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

25. Good for you. A college friend went through this, with CML. He was not a

high probability to find a marrow match, being Asian, but he did, went through the transplant, and though it was a rocky road, made it through.

I wish you as much good fortune.

http://www.cllf.org/story-sakuo.php

I encourage all DUers to sign up on the National Marrow Registry.

http://www.marrow.org/

[XemaSab]

15. SWEET!!!!!

Keep fighting the good fight! :bounce:

(What's the opposite of "viva Bush" en Espanol?)

[alarcojon]

21. Bajo con Bush

or you might prefer "bajo con el pendejo"

[XemaSab]

29. Thank you!!!!

:hi:

Bajo con Bush!!!!

[guinivere]

16. Great news!

You have my continued good healing thoughts. Fight hard, beat that beast.

Peace to you and yours.

[Katherine Brengle]

17. What wonderful news --

I am so happy for you! Stay strong. :hug:

[flamingyouth]

18. That is great news indeed.

I'm so glad to hear it. In fact, you've made my day. :)

[Raksha]

20. God bless you, alarcojon...and stay strong!

Stay strong and defeat the disease that killed my husband. It will help to restore the cosmic balance. That way when you say "Bush sucks!" you'll be saying it for him too.

[alarcojon]

22. So sorry to hear about your husband

I will stay strong with this - this news just gave me a major infusion of hope and positive vibes.

He is in my thoughts.

[Raksha]

26. When I saw the words "myelogenous leukemia" I had to let you know

although now isn't the time to get into the "backstory" you might say. Maybe another time, when this ordeal is behind you. Right now I'm going to light a candle for you and join my healing thoughts to all the wonderful people on DU. We've got your back!

[Benhurst]

23. Thanks for sharing the good news.

:hi:

[hopein08]

24. I was just thinking about you...

and wondering how you were doing! Thanks for the update and I am very glad that it was good news for you!!

Best of luck and my best wishes and good thoughts are with you!!

[redwitch]

27. I love good news!

:loveya:

[tularetom]

28. Keep the good thoughts alarcojon

Keep thinking bush is an idiot. I'm certain that will hasten your recovery. You wanta be able to dance around for days when his ass is chased out of Al Gore's house.

[Karenina]

30. YES!!!!

:loveya:

[Gato Moteado]

31. alright! some great news for a change!!!

glad to hear you are on the mend and that you're gonna beat that sickness. you are a real fighter and i'm glad you're on our side! you're an inspiration to us all....i for one will be raising a cerveza in your honor tonite and i suspect a ton of other DUers will too.

and, tomorrow, as soon as we sober up, let's resume the fight against the criminal filth that has infested our government. never, never, never, never, never give up!

rock on, alarcojon!

[UrbScotty]

32. If there is a God, let us praise Him! (nt)

[tandot]

33. Keeping you in my thoughts and sending you positive vibes

Get well soon! :hug:

[BreweryYardRat]

34. Excellent! Congratulations!

Good to hear you'll get better!

[malaise]

35. Great news

Hurry up and get out and enjoy the sunshine.

[katinmn]

36. Wonderful!!

Glad you will be done with your treatments very soon! You'll be out in time to enjoy a glorious spring and summer.:)

[Mnemosyne]

37. Treasure each moment becomes quite

a bit more meaningful when you are ill. Does it not? I've learned, though not as ill as it sounds like you've been.

Good luck with all. Here's to your improving health alarcojon! :toast:

[Booster]

38. Great news, and, yes, Bush IS an idiot.

:grouphug:

[goclark]

39. Bush IS a Big Idiot and we are delighted to hear your good news!

[helderheid]

40. Glad for the good news!!

[Catamount]

41. More good vibes to help you heal!

Bush ist ein Idiot!

Since we're being multi-lingual!













Edited for german!

[rustydog]

42. Cheers, and many good thoughts your way

:bounce: :toast: :beer:

[Auntie Bush]

43. I'm so glad to hear such good news... Every Dem is important! lol

Oh, and one last thing - I'll say lots of prayers for you!

[northofdenali]

44. This is good to hear!

Hang in there - we're here for you.

[Judi Lynn]

45. So glad to hear your news, and to hear it from you, in DU person!

Best wishes on your way to a complete recovery. You've got an excellent, strong mind and attitude: this should be your powerful ally.

DU'ers will be thinking of you and your wife, and looking foward to more good news. Thanks a lot.

[Oversea Visitor]

46. ....

:hug:

[blondeatlast]

47. Saying a prayer to read more good news from you! Strength, friend. nt

[lonestarnot]

48. Alrightie! Woooodamnwhoo alarcojon!

and ps. you're right bushitler is an idiot! Hang in there!

[Lochloosa]

49. And this is a great time to tell everyone to get your ass down there

and get your bone marrow typed and registered. Ask your doctor.

Just a thought.

Congrats alarcojon!

[DemReadingDU]

50. Thank you for sharing your good news!

[nicknameless]

51. Hurray for great news!

:toast: To your good health!

[July]

52. Great news, alarcojon. Be well, you are in my thoughts.

Enjoying life -- that's what it's all about. Happy for you.

[SalmonChantedEvening]

53. Great news alarcojon!!

All the good thoughts and love I can send are yours! :pals: :hug: :loveya:

[SmokingJacket]

54. Good to hear!

Thanks for the good news -- we relish and need it!

:toast:

[DemGirl7]

55. that is good...I hope you get well soon

:)

[blm]

56. Looking forward to being in the trenches with you again.

We need all the hands we can to GO GET THOSE BUSH BASTARDS!

[faithnotgreed]

57. beautiful - were so glad youre here

all our best to you and your wife

[nonconformist]

58. Great news!! nt

[bear425]

59. Great news! May you continue on your path to good health.

on edit: oh, and one last thing: I agree with you - bush is an idiot.

[Dr Fate]

60. You are going to be alright. n/t

n/t

[annabanana]

61. most excellent news!

Thanks for letting us in on your good progress, and all best wishes for your continued improvement!!

[Cleita]

62. That is good news!

It looks like a happy ending for you. :hug:

[ulysses]

63. excellent news!

:toast: from one cancer survivor to another.

[Richard Steele]

64. Thanks for sharing the Excellent news! nm

[Festivito]

65. We need every good fighting cell of you.

My best wishes to yourself and your wife.

Idiot, huh? You're much too kind.

[AwakeAtLast]

66. {{{HUGS}}} to you!

So happy to hear good news! It sounds like you well taken care of. Hope you are feeling better soon!

Happy dance! :woohoo:

:hi:

[H2O Man]

67. Great news!

I'm glad that things are looking up now.

[flyarm]

68. oh bless you and i am so happy for you!! you just keep fighting this

and i will keep thinking of you and light a candle for you!!

all the best health to you!!

fly:applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

fly

[bliss_eternal]

69. Thank you for sharing this, alarcojon!

:grouphug: on continued success with healing! :hi: Always good to see you!

Best to you,
bliss

[Nicole]

70. That is wonderful news

Here's to your health. :toast:

[Blue_Tires]

71. ttt n/t

[Judi Lynn]

72. !!

[ClayZ]

73. Good News! Keep up the good spirit!

Here is a tiny healing garden for you!

[NMDemDist2]

74. excellent news! I'm so happy for you and your family

in these days of horrible news on top of unbelievably stupid tragic news, it's great to get a little ray of sunshine

:hug:

thanks for updating us! :grouphug:

[RevolutionStartsNow]

75. I didn't know you were sick, but this is great news!

I'm very happy for you, and yes, Bush is an idiot!

[stepnw1f]

76. Kudos

I get to meet another real fighter. Simply inspirational. Keep up the fighting! :toast:

[pacalo]

77. Wooooohoooooo!

:thumbsup:So good to hear! Wishing you & Mrs. alarcojon the best!:thumbsup:

[Cobalt Violet]

78. So glad it looks hopeful for you.

[uppityperson]

79. Congratulations and bush is an Idiot

[WestHoustonDem]

80. Excellent news! Best wishes for your recovery!

:toast:

But really, don't insult idiots like that. :rofl:

[smoogatz]

81. Good news indeed, alarcojon.

Can you still drink Vernor's? We've got a 12-pack at home with your name on it.

[alarcojon]

89. To quote our pretzeldent...

...brang 'em on! You know I love me some Vernor's.

[area51]

82. That's great!

I'll keep you in my thoughts & hope you'll be leukemia-free.

[caligirl]

83. Wow, thats great news. You sound so hopeful for the future, and

it will be better 'cause Bush won't be in it.



Be gone Bush! Be gone! 2008 or sooner! Impeach the bastard!

[spindrifter]

84. Great news!

Thanks for sharing with us, your community. We are rooting for you.

[Generic Other]

85. Great news alarcojon!

Stay strong. And stay mad at Bush!

[Ilsa]

86. I wish you tons of good luck! I lost a really sweet friend, a

trial attorney, to AML a number of years ago. I hope you come through this next round with flying colors. :hugs:

I'm on the bone marrow registry, BTW. Maybe I'll get the call to help out a good soul like you.

[MadAsHellNewYorker]

87. This is just great alarcojon

:bounce::hug:

Im so happy things are looking good

[rockymountaindem]

88. Good for you

Get well soon!

[Telly Savalas]

90. Rock on.

:thumbsup:

[Shine]

91. Great news, indeed. Thanks for the update, alarcojon.

:hug: You are on a healing journey....

[readmoreoften]

92. I wish you well alarcojon!

Get well! We need you!

[Swamp Rat]

93. ¡Órale!

:hug:

¡Toca la guitarra guey!

[alarcojon]

100. Por supuesto, mero!

Pinche simon!

[AAARRRGGGHHH]

94. Happy to hear the great news.

God bless, friend.

[EFerrari]

95. That's wonderful news. Thank you!

:hi:

[IndyJones]

96. That is great news!!

[roguevalley]

97. savor this, darling. there is nothing like it. HUGS!!!!!!!!!

[orleans]

98. wishing you all the best.. hang in there.

put down the newspapers, turn off the radio and the tv news--a month in the hospital should leave you plenty of time to start writing that book/play/article you always wanted to write but never had the time.

[Hissyspit]

99. Great to hear.

Keep posting!

[KitchenWitch]

101. That is very good news indeed!

:hug:

From one survivor to a soon to be survivor!

[alarcojon]

114. Still hoping to see you at the U of M sometime this summer

You're an inspiration, KW.

[AussieDave]

102. Great news - I'm glad you're well on the way to better health

Now if we could only use the chemo to rid us of the cancer that is Bush.............:o

[JI7]

103. very good to hear

keep it up.

[Sugar Smack]

104. YOU. ARE. THE. BEST.

Thank you for the good news. I'm thinking about you, and this is so good to hear!!:hug: :loveya:

[Random_Australian]

105. Agreed: Bush is an idiot! And that update is wonderful news! Hi!

:hi:                       :hi:
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:hi::hi::hi::hi::hi::hi::hi::hi::hi:
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:hi::hi::hi::hi::hi::hi::hi::hi::hi:

[riona]

106. I admire your attitude

It sounds like if anyone can get through difficulties, it's you. Sounds like you have friends at DU. Take care and keep fighting.

[pecwae]

107. From a 2 time survivor

of breast cancer, my very best wishes for you and your family! One thing cancer doesn't change; Bush is indeed still an idiot.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

108. Great news, alarcojon!

:hug:

[melissinha]

109. Concentrate on getting better

We'll hold down the fort for ya.....


Best wishes for a speedy recovery!!!!


:grouphug:

[kwassa]

110. Congrats! Great news!

A good friend of mine fought the fight, and has been leukemia free for over six years now. He's back to his backpacking, and downhill skiing ways.

[myrna minx]

111. A big hug to you.

That is wonderful news. :hug:

[Sparkman]

112. Do you alter diet or anything like that, was chemo the main treatment?

[alarcojon]

113. I'm on a neutropenic diet, and so far chemo is the only treatment

together with antibiotics to keep me from getting sick while my immune system is compromised, anti-nausea meds, and assortes as needed pain meds, etc.

A neutropenic diet is a regular diet minus fresh fruits and vegetables and black pepper. It hasn't been a major inconvenience. I can still drink processed fruit juices.

[Sparkman]

116. Thanks for your info & your COURAGE.

[Dangerously Amused]

115. Oh, but it does my heart good

...to hear of your strong progress! Even though I never had a doubt that you will recover completely. So many people love you here, and certainly in real life as well. (What's not to love, right?) I hope you absorb all that positive energy and it gives wings to your healing.


In celebration of your good news, here is the Dancin' Get Well Soon Smilies Team to cheer you on in the final stretch:






Go alarcojon!

:woohoo:

[dogday]

117. I am glad to hear things are going well for you

My Sister had Hodgekins when she was 15 she is now 52... Best of hope and wishes going out to you and yours....

[lukasahero]

118. Glad to hear this.

So, do you need anyone to sneak some "real" food in for you? ;)

[progressivebydesign]

119. Thanks for the good news!

I've been thinking about you, wondering how you're doing!!

[Call Me Wesley]

120. Great news!

And the good vibes still flowing from both Heidi and me. Enjoy the life, it's worth it! :hi:

[enigmatic]

121. I'm so glad for you, bro

Keep fighting, and know that there's a wave of good vibes headed your way every minute of every day

:hug:

[me b zola]

122. !

:hug:

[Strong Atheist]

123. Great news!

:pals:

BTW, you won't remember me probably, but I have not forgotten that you welcomed me on my 5th post! Thank you, and get better soon!

[alarcojon]

125. Sure I remember you

I directed you to the Atheists and Agnostics group, too. Thanks for the well-wishes.

[Strong Atheist]

127. Yes, you did. Best of luck to you! I have not (yet) had those kinds

of health problems:scared: , just much lesser stuff (pulled tendons in the groin) that does indeed impact my life... good luck again!

[Misunderestimator]

124. Oh wow... that is wonderful news!

:thumbsup:

[Zhade]

126. I almost asked, did you 'save' a bunch of money by switching to Geico...

...but this is better. :)

Be well!

[Cha]

128. Good for you, alarcojon!

And I agree with your sentiment! :toast:

[npincus]

129. that's wonderful!

keep on keepin' on!

[Lydia Leftcoast]

130. Good news!

:hug:

:bounce:

[BooScout]

131. Great News!

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[CrispyQ]

132. I'm glad you are doing better & will continue to hope for the best.

The best to you & your family during this difficult time. And hang in there with that good attitude!

:hi:

[Sacajawea]

133. www.marrow.org -- National Marrow Registry -- JOIN IT!!!!

All it takes to join the registry is a small blood sample - NOT a sample of your bone marrow - so it's really, really easy to register. I've been on the list for maybe 12 years or so. I got called once for further testing (again, with only another blood sample) to see if I was a complete match for someone who needed a transplant, but, unfortunately, I was only a partial match for that person. I was so disappointed!!!

I'm very happy for your good news, alarcojon. If the time comes when you need a transplant, maybe I'll be a match for you. It would be my pleasure! :hi:

[Vektor]

134. Best wishes, and a speedy recovery, alarcojohn.

Hugs for you and your family. :hug: