My husband was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
One fateful Saturday, my husband thought he had been bitten by a spider as he was cleaning behind our shed. Little did we know how quickly everything would change. A minor concern escalated into a life-altering moment when a coworker noticed a red line creeping up his arm. In that instant, our world was turned upside down as he rushed to the ER on October 22, 2024, uncertain of what lay ahead. Our journey into the unknown has been filled with fear, togetherness, and an unwavering love that grows stronger with each challenge we face.
All of his blood work came back inconclusive. The doctors informed him that it was not a spider bite, but it might be cancer. He was referred to an oncologist, and his appointment was scheduled for October 30. During this visit, they drew more blood and conducted numerous tests. The results came back a few days later, and he was directed to go to the university hospital, where he was admitted on November 1.
After undergoing additional tests, he had a bone marrow biopsy on November 4 and was sent home afterward. It felt like a long wait before we received the results. By November 8, he was readmitted to the university hospital, and treatment for Acute Myeloid Leukemia began.
He had 7+3 (induction chemo). His mutations are NPM1 and IDH1. He was told he
had a favorable outcome. He finished induction chemo on the 15th of November. He had another BMB on day 14. It showed increased blasts, but they said they were recovery cells. They repeated the BMB on December 4, and he was sent home to wait for the results. The results were much better this time. The blasts show 5-10% in hot spots. They will be doing another BMB soon. We have to visit the hospital twice a week for bloodwork, PICC line cover change, and also in case he needs a blood transfusion. Thank God he has not needed one yet. He had a few during his stay in the hospital. He had an allergic reaction to one of those transfusions. It was terrifying.
He was our family's only source of income. All the bills and medical bills are mounting. I am unable to work because I have to be his caregiver. He is highly immunocompromised. His WBC is only at 1.1. We still have two kids at home in our care. I’m worried about our future. I’m concerned about how I will feed my family. I’m worried about not having gas to get my husband back and forth for his appointments. I'm afraid we will lose our home. I'm scared we won’t be able to pay for his medications and other medical supplies. I’m so fearful of the unknown. I pray and pray. I cry and cry. I can’t eat, and I don’t sleep much. Please, God, heal my husband. Please don't let us lose everything he has worked hard for.
I find it very hard to ask for help, but we are in a desperate situation. The thought of our future fills me with deep fear. My oldest daughter created this GoFundMe in our time of need. We are profoundly grateful for any support, no matter how small, and your prayers mean the world to us. 🙏💛 I also have a cash app if you want to donate to that instead of GoFundMe. My cash app is $MJAML444 We need all the love and support we can get in our time of need.
My husband's 4th BMB was completed on December 19. We are waiting for the results. We will keep everyone updated on this blog page. Please pray for us.
A little about us: I have been with my husband since I was 17 years old, and I will soon be 52. We have four wonderful kids—two grown and married with their own families. We also have one grandson and two more grandchildren (twins) on the way in June 2025. Our other two children still live at home with us, and my husband also cares for my mother. My husband has been our sole source of income, working over 60 hours a week to barely make ends meet. He works/worked as a checker in a produce warehouse, earning a modest hourly wage. As for me, I am a children’s book author, but my books generate very little income, typically ranging from $0 to $82 monthly. In addition to writing, I also homeschool our two youngest kids.
My husband is a good man and a very hard worker. He has worked his fingers to the bone to care for us. He loves to play his guitar when he has the time. Lately, he has had a lot of time. He is depressed because he can't take care of his family, and fighting this cancer is very hard on him. I did not realize just how much I love my husband until this cancer came into our lives, and it is trying so hard to tear everything apart. Please pray for us. We need all the prayers, love, and support we can get. Thank you for taking the time to read our journey.
If you feel moved to donate to help with my hubby's medical bills, you can do so through our Cash app or GoFundMe. We thank you for any help you can provide.
***UPDATE***
December 23, 2024
The bone marrow biopsy results from December 19 showed that my husband has 25% blasts, indicating that he is not in remission. As a result, he will need to undergo a stem cell transplant. On Monday, December 30, he will begin treatment with Azacitidine and Venetoclax, which will be administered on an outpatient basis. If you have any experience with this treatment regimen, please share your story with us.
It is going to be a very long year. We need your help now more than ever. Please consider donating to our GoFundMe, and please keep my husband in your prayers.
***UPDATE***
December 26, 2024
My husband's lab work at the cancer center went well today. His cell counts are gradually improving, and his white blood cell (WBC) count is now at 1.5. However, when he starts his new chemotherapy regimen, we expect all his numbers to decrease again. Since his month-long hospital stay, he has not needed a blood transfusion. During his time in the hospital, he received several plasma and platelet transfusions.
***UPDATE***
December 27, 2024
My husband will start his new chemo regimen on January 2, 2025. It will be injections and pills. Names of chemo are Azacitidine and Venetoclax. He will receive 6 rounds. Please keep him in your prayers. I will update again soon. Thank you for being part of our journey.
***UPDATE***
January 2, 2025
My hubby’s blood cells are coming up. Praising God. His WBC is at 1.9. They are not abnormal now. They are just low. And there were no blasts in his blood test today! The first chemo infusion went well, and they are on their way home from the hospital. First, they have to stop by the hospital pharmacy and get his chemo pills. He returns to the hospital tomorrow for more lab work and infusion number 2. Please keep my hubby in your prayers. Thank you 🙏💪❤️💪🙏
***UPDATE***
January 4, 2025
Day 3 of hubby’s chemo infusion. Only 4 more days of infusions. The pill he has to take for 28 days. He said he is feeling okay other than being tired. I know that’s not true. He is just trying to make me feel okay. His WBC and other blood cells have dropped slightly, but it is expected. I still couldn’t be there with him, but Melly and Mars were right there with their father. I am so thankful for them. I can’t wait until this cancer is gone from my hubby’s body. I can’t wait till he doesn’t have to endure this chemo stuff. It’s so hard to watch him go through this and to see his pain and not be able to make him feel better. Please keep him in your prayers.
***UPDATE***
January 5, 2025
Day 4 of chemo infusion complete. Mike is doing good. The only side effects so far are nausea and puking if he forgets his nausea medication and being more tired. His bloodwork is the same as yesterday, except his platelets have dropped slightly. It has been a week since I twisted my ankle, and I’m still not able to make it to the hospital with him for his treatment.
***UPDATE***
January 8, 2025
My husband received his 6th chemo infusion today. Unfortunately, he missed one earlier due to the heavy snowfall here in Maryland. Tomorrow, he'll have his final infusion for this round. He hasn't had any bloodwork done since January 5th, but they'll check it tomorrow. He's been feeling quite nauseous and extremely tired. Please keep him in your prayers.
***UPDATE***
January 9, 2025
My husband just completed his 7th chemo infusion—the last one for this round. His next round of chemo will start in February, consisting of 7 days of injections. He's thrilled because today they removed his PICC line, which he's had since the beginning of November. Thankfully, his blood cell levels have remained stable since his last bloodwork. He won't need to visit the cancer clinic again until January 16th unless he develops a fever of 100.4°F or higher. His next bone marrow biopsy (BMB) is scheduled for January 30th. We're praying for complete remission and that he won't need a stem cell transplant.
***UPDATE***
January 13, 2025
I wanted to give a quick update on my husband. He's doing okay overall, but he's experiencing some belly issues, feeling quite gassy and bloated, and very tired. He won't be going to the hospital until this Thursday. I worry he might need a blood transfusion, but he's insisting he's okay to wait until then. His sodium levels are very low, so he needs to consume a lot of salty food, but it still doesn't bring his sodium levels to a normal range. His sodium has been low since his first chemo session. Please keep him in your prayers. Thank you all for your continued support! 
***UPDATE***
January 16, 2025
My hubby went to have bloodwork today. The nurse said his bloodwork looked good, and he did not need a transfusion. His platelets and WBC dropped slightly, and his other blood cells increased slightly. He is still taking the chemo pill. His next appointment is on January 23 for more lab work. After the lab work and possible transfusion, he will see the stem cell transplant specialist for a consultation.
***UPDATE***
January 21, 2025
My husband is doing good, though his fatigue is increasing. He has an appointment at the cancer clinic on Thursday for bloodwork and possibly a transfusion. Please keep him in your prayers. I will update you again on Thursday. Wishing you a blessed day.
***UPDATE***
January 23, 2025
Today, my husband had his weekly lab work and nurse visit at the cancer center. His blood counts are continuing to rise, which is an excellent sign. The nurse mentioned that this indicates his body is responding well to the treatment. I'm overwhelmed with joy and tears. His hemoglobin levels are now in the green zone! Although it’s still too early to determine the full extent of his response until after his 5th bone marrow biopsy on January 30th, there are no blasts present in his peripheral blood. The only count not increasing is his white blood cell count, which is expected with chemotherapy. Please keep him in your prayers—God is listening. Thank you all so much for your support! 🙏
***UPDATE***
January 30, 2025
My husband was at the cancer center, getting his 5th bone marrow biopsy today. He completed his bloodwork and the results are promising—two of his counts are in the green, and his red blood cells are almost there. His white blood cell count is improving despite the chemo pills. However, his platelet count is unusually high. I looked it up, and I hope it means something positive. I’m shedding happy tears. Please pray for complete remission for my husband and everyone else facing a cancer diagnosis 🙏❤️🙏
After my husband's bone marrow biopsy, he had to go see the Stem Cell Transplant doctor. The doctor was brutally honest during the consultation. I listened to my husband’s stem cell consultation over speakerphone since I still can't attend his appointments, and it was overwhelming. I felt like I couldn't breathe and couldn't stop crying. My poor husband—I can't bear the thought of losing him. Please, God, let him achieve and maintain remission, even if he decides against the stem cell transplant. The doctor's words were terrifying 😭
***UPDATE***
February 7, 2025
Today, I’m filled with joy as my husband’s bone marrow biopsy results are in, and the chemotherapy is showing positive results! There are only 5-6% blasts in his marrow now, and they are concentrated in tiny clusters instead of being spread out. This means his bone marrow is starting to function again!
He has embarked on the second round of chemo, receiving an infusion once a day for seven days and taking the chemo pill for 28 days. Once this round is over, he will have another bone marrow biopsy. After that, the stem cell transplant doctor will monitor his progress and follow up once he achieves remission. Check out his blood numbers below.
I am shedding tears of happiness 🥲 God has been so good to us! Thank you all for your continued prayers, and please keep them coming 🙏❤️🙏
***UPDATE***
February 13, 2025
My husband was at the cancer center receiving his sixth chemotherapy infusion. Today should have been day seven, but yesterday's appointment was canceled due to snow. He is scheduled to complete his seventh infusion tomorrow and will continue taking chemotherapy pills until March 6th. The pills follow a 28-day cycle, and the infusions are on a 7-day cycle. His bloodwork looks promising, with only a slight decrease in white blood cell count; the rest remains within normal ranges. The chemotherapy makes Mike very tired. Please keep him in your prayers. Thank you all so much
***UPDATE***
February 20, 2025
My husband went to the cancer clinic today for his bloodwork, and everything looks good. His WBC count is dropping again, but that's expected with the chemo. He'll finish his chemo pills on March 6th, which is also the day of his bone marrow biopsy. We’re praying for remission with this biopsy. Please continue to keep him in your prayers. Thank you
***UPDATE***
February 27, 2025
Mike visited the stem cell doctor today and had a lot to discuss. He's feeling apprehensive about moving forward with the treatment, leaning toward taking his chances without it. However, if he relapses, he'll have no option but to proceed with the stem cell transplant. He's scheduled to finish the chemo pill on March 6th, the same day he’ll have a bone marrow biopsy. He will begin round three of consolidation chemotherapy on March 13th.
His bloodwork is good except for the white blood cell count, which is back down to 2.9. I’m trying to remain positive, but this is so hard. I want to be strong for him, but those tears keep sneaking out of my eyes. I have so much anxiety today. I just want everything to be okay. I pray that God gives him remission and that he will never relapse. Please keep him and everyone dealing with cancer in your prayers
🙏❤️🙏
***UPDATE***
March 6, 2025
My hubby had his sixth bone marrow biopsy today. His white blood cell count is alarmingly low at just 1.3, and his platelets have dropped to 60. Today marks the final dose of his chemo pills, and if his counts recover in time, he’ll begin his third round of chemotherapy next Thursday. This journey is terrifying and completely overwhelming. My heart breaks for my husband. Cancer doesn’t just take—it steals everything. It took his job, his savings, and his health. I just pray he reaches remission. Praying for good results from this BMB. Please keep him in your prayers. 
***UPDATE***
March 13, 2025
My husband is in remission!!! There is no sign of leukemia in his body, and we are so incredibly relieved and happy. However, the doctor mentioned that without a stem cell transplant, the relapse rate is about 95%. The combination of Azacitidine and Venetoclax is fairly new—it was only approved by the FDA in 2020—so there aren’t many long-term studies on it, making it difficult for the doctors to give a concrete relapse percentage. While the doctor recommends a stem cell transplant, if Mike decides not to go that route, they will continue to keep him in remission with Azacitidine and Venetoclax as long as it remains effective. It was a lot to process today. I thought getting into remission would be all good news. His white blood cell count is really low again, at just 0.9. He has to start taking antifungals, prophylactics, and antivirals again. The doctors are giving him a few weeks off from chemo to allow his body to recover. Please keep my husband in your prayers.
***UPDATE***
March 17, 2025
On Thursday, March 13, 2025, when my husband returned home from his appointment, we had to call the PAL line. The doctors decided to admit him directly to the hospital because his fever had spiked to 102.3°F. He was admitted that evening and was able to come home on Sunday. While there, he underwent numerous tests and was treated with IV antibiotics. Thankfully, no infections were found. The fever was caused by his neutropenia, and although his blood levels are still low, his white blood cell count (WBC) improved to 1.4—better than the previous 0.9, but still not within the normal range.
During his hospital stay, the doctors also discovered a blockage that was preventing him from fully urinating. They inserted a catheter, cleared the blockage, and now he's able to urinate properly.
It’s been a tough few days for our family, but we are incredibly grateful that he is home with us now. Every day with him is truly a blessing. Please keep him in your prayers.
***UPDATE***
April 3, 2025
Mike started Round 3, Day 1 of chemo today. This should be his final round before the stem cell transplant, which is expected to happen in May—if all tests and scans go well. His WBC is still low at 2.9, so please keep my husband in your thoughts and prayers. The road to recovery will be long, and doctors say the transplant is his only chance for a cure. I hate cancer so much.
A Warrior's Heart!
In the quiet of the night, the weight descends—a heavy burden, a world that bends. Acute myeloid leukemia is a thief in the dark, stealing moments and leaving its mark.
The weight of the world, crushing and cold, is a silently told story of pain. Each breath is a struggle, each step a fight. In the shadow of illness, my husband searches for light.
Our world slowly falls apart, piece by piece, as we cling to God and seek release. Amid the despair, we find our strength. With love and courage, we go to great lengths.
Though the journey is challenging and the nights are long, we hold on to each other and stay strong. For in the darkest hours, we find our way. Together with God, we'll face another day. -by Me
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