Sue Charen

A Friend Passes

A friend of mine passed recently who had been diagnosed with lymphoma. Having helped Sue with leukemia, I had some familiarity with what that might entail. And I want to thank the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (http://lls.org ) for being an important resource. Unfortunately for my friend, J, he passed while in the early stages of treatment after a long period of diagnosis. As he spent considerable time in hospitals and with doctors, and struggled with paperwork and finding answers about his medical condition, I learned by comparison the importance of receiving the best care possible when battling such a serious ailment. I am very shaken by his abrupt passing--it is hard to fathom.

J was a very gentle and caring person who was very outgoing. He and I would have day long discussions about politics and geeky computer stuff while eating at the local deli and walking throughout Washington. And he served his community and country in many ways and will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery in June. I will miss him.

A Normal Citizen

Sitting in the hospital waiting room, Sue's doctor walked by and remarked she looks like a normal citizen. And Sue is doing much better. Many of the petty torments have receded, although there are still a few left. Also, Sue is producing enough blood these days that she may be able to have some taken away to decrease her iron load (very high levels of iron can be bad, and multiple transfusions over a year and a half led to this). Sue has started to drive, including to work once a week.

Although, the news from the doctors was good, there is still a ways to go. Sue will take at least a few months to get back to something close to normal with her energy levels. Also, the neuropathy in her feet is likely to last at least a year or so more which makes walking difficult. And Sue still has a somewhat diminished immune system, so Purell is still our best friend. Also, Sue is up to a daily dosage of Gleevec which she may need to take for life. Fortunately there is a lot of great research that has led to related medicines for Philadelphia chromosome positive leukemia.

So as Sue recovers and stays well (avoiding colds/flus, etc), she will only have to go to the hospital/doctor once a month for a year. We want to thank all of our family, friends and Sue's coworkers who have been crucial in making it through the toughest year and a half ever.
Love,
Sue and Daniel