UPDATE ON MY BROTHER IN LAW

I had done a post back in January about my brother in law who was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome: http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/watchtower/medical/170540/1/DOES-ANYONE-KNOW-ANYTHING-ABOUT-MYELODYSPLASTIC-SYNDROME

On this Thursday past, they got the worst news imaginable:  It's turning into leukemia.  This is not regular leukemia, but what is called Acute Myelogenous Leukemia which is far, far worse than regular leukemia.  At present, there is no known cure but there has been some success with a stem cell transplant.  We were all set to have his family members tested to see if any of them are a potential match, when it came to light that the only way they can do the stem cell transplant is with a blood tranfusion (along with chemotherapy).  All of his blood counts are way down except his white counts which are starting to climb, and there's no way he'd survive the chemo with his blood in the condition that it's in.  So his brother, his sister and the rest of them all said there was no point in being tested for the bone marrow match because obviously he can't have a blood tranfusion. 

Fortunately, my sister and brother in law (both fairly dedicated Witnesses) are not that blinded by the religion.  My sister said "I will do whatever I have to do to keep him alive".  I was able to talk (cautiously) about how wrong the Society's view on blood transfusion is.  Without going over everything here, I was able to get her to see that the only reason the Israelites weren't supposed to eat blood is because it was supposed to be used as an atonement for the life they'd just taken.  I was also able to get her to reason that Jesus put the life of the person ahead of the Law and that he said "I want mercy, not sacrifice."  I also told her that the WT would almost certainly be making the blood issue a "conscience matter" in another 5 or 10 years and they only reason they haven't already done it is because they know they'd have their asses sued from all the Witnesses who died needlessly in the past.

So they are willing to take a transfusion or transfusions if there's any chance it could save his life.  While this is a relief, it's still very depressing.  The stem cell transplant is only successful in about 30% of the cases and there's a high chance of this filthy rotten disease coming back.  We are all trying to prepare for the worst while hoping for the best, but it's hard.  I love this guy like my own brother.  I was the one who answered the phone when I was 9 years old and heard him ask if my sister was home.  Even though he knows I don't believe this is "the Truth" anymore, he's never treated me any differently.  He has not a selfish bone in his body and is loved by most everyone who knows him.  The thought of him not being there is horrifying and I'm truly afraid that my sister might not survive his death, but simply die of a broken heart herself.

At times like this, I truly hate God for letting this happen.  I know that everyone has to eventually face death, but it seems that my family is frigging well cursed as we've had to lose far too many before their time.  My brother in law is only in his early 50s and far too young to die.

I know there's not a lot anyone can do, but sometimes it just helps to vent.

Vent away Mary!  I'm so glad to hear that your sister is prepared to do whatever it takes.  Hugs to you, my friend!

I had a nephew last year ( 8 years old) who had a different kind of leukemia, a rare one for children.

He was only given the blood components necessary for his specific health needs.  And he survived, where many others in the children's ward did not.  He was only given a 50% chance of survival originally.

My heart goes out to you, my wish for your family, is WISDOM to make the best decisions you can,  with the information you have, at this time.

Oh, Mary!  I am so sorry to hear the news but I am OVERJOYED that your family is at least willing to accept treatment!  That is a godsend in itself.

You and your family are in my thoughts.

Love and strength to you and yours,
Baba.

(By the way... your points about the blood issue are marvelous... I am making note of them!)

Strength to you in these tough times for your family. 

It is great that some are able to overlook the stupid cult rules.  That gives much hope.

  That sucks.

I told my sister that I had done 'an essay' about the blood doctrine, and if she wanted to read it to ease her conscience, I would give it to her.  She hesitated, thanked me but said she better not right now.  And I understand why.  Regardless of what they're prepared to do, they're going through a horrible time and are going to need the love and support of their friends, who are of course, all Witnesses.  This is not the time for them to be made aware that the whole religion is a crock.

Regardless of what happens with my brother in law, I've decided that I am going to print off the section in my project about blood and send it out to every hospital in the area.  That way, they'll have something to reiterate with when the HLC shows up.

I have him in my prayers, as well as the rest of your family. Whether you all want it or not:) You have been a rock here for so many, I am so sad to hear of your heartbreak. I hope all goes well and I will pray for it too.

Shelly

(((((( Mary & family ))))))

So sorry for you and your family, Mary.  If he decides to take blood, will his siblings still donate the bone marrow?

Good luck to you all.  

They are lucky to have you around to help steer them in the right direction.

Who knows what decisions might have been made without your input and feedback over the years; it is good they are accepting of the idea of a blood transfusion.

I'm sorry to hear that you all are going through this.  Best wishes to you and your bil. 

So sorry for you and your family,  and what you are going through, I hope things get better for you and your family.

I lost my aunt to that disease after she fought it for 7 years with repeated blood transfusions. I sincerely hope that your family will get through this with peace and are able to comfort him in his most desperate hour. Your love will not fail him. All the best. Keep talking when you need Mary. W.Once

I'm so sorry you and and your family are going through this

So sorry for you and your family, Mary.  If he decides to take blood, will his siblings still donate the bone marrow?

Well, I was talking to my sister tonight and she gets the feeling that his brother (who's an elder) is having second thoughts and may still be willing to donate his bone marrow if necessary.  I think he's taking an "ask me no questions, tell me no lies" approach, which is good.

All the research I've done on this disease is fairly depressing.  Stem cell transplants seem to be the one avenue that offers some hope but we're still about 10 - 15 years away from this technology being really, really able to help cure diseases.  But at least we will have left no stone left unturned. 

Thanks so much for all your support you guys.  It really means alot.

Mary said:  I've decided that I am going to print off the section in my project about blood and send it out to every hospital in the area.  That way, they'll have something to reiterate with when the HLC shows up.

Great idea!  Every hospital in the world should have a copy!

Continued best wishes to you and yours, Hon.

Love,
Baba.

Dear Mary and family,

CoCo

Big hugs for you and your family, I hope all goes well.

Research is so important.

My heart goes out to you and your family...Snoozy

((Mary))

I'm sorry you and your family are going through this and having the WT policies lurking around only make it worse.

I have a dear friend who, while in remission for her breast cancer, developed CML (involves the mature white cell). AML involves the immature white cell.

She has amazing success stories, not only her own, but many others. She's very involved and is an amazing support to others. A positive attitude is a must and there is no reason why your BIL can't be one too. She mentioned there were some clinical trials with a new treatment called gleevec that had promising results.

Also is there a Wellspring close by? Wellspring is awesome and will teach patients and their families how to maintain a good attitude along with some fabulous coping skills including relaxation, visualizaiton, yoga, tai chi.....all Free.

PM me if you'd like her contact info. I told her about you and she said "If they want someone to talk to about it I would be happy to."

(((((((((((((((((((((((((MARY))))))))))))))))))))

I'm glad you were able to get through to your sister. I hope it saves his life. If so, they will have you to thank for it, not the naysayers in the cult.

Keep your chin up sweetie.