Back in April we had a client lose her husband suddenly and during that time her son came in for a month to stay with her to help handle affairs associated with the loss of a loved one. During that time he became very ill but was unsure what was wrong. Upon returning home (Arizona) he was admitted to the hospital for fever, nausea, pain, lymph node swelling amongst a plethora of other symptoms. He receive a complete work-up, spinal tap and biopsy included, and finally was sent home to rest.
After calling to check in, he gave me the run down of the possibilities of what his illness may be. The list was Fungal Meningitis, Valley Fever or Lymphoma. Being connected as deeply as I am to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society my heart dropped with the possibility of Lymphoma and that he would potentially have to fight for his life, in addition to just losing his step-father. During our conversation, I assured him that if it were the latter of the three that I would help him connect with LLS in Arizona and provide him all the patient service information he would need. Of course he was appreciative, however, this was the first time in my life that I wished someone meningitis or valley fever. It was the strangest feeling ever.
Today I received a wonderful call from Danny's mother to let me know that they finally had results............................VALLEY FEVER and FUNGAL MENINGITIS!!!! I don't think I have ever been happier for someone; NO LYMPHOMA!!!!! WHEW! Needless to say this call made my day and am so thankful that he received better news than he planned for!
I realize that the "C" word is one of the worst words in the English language and I am so grateful to have healthy children and a healthy family!
Hug your loved ones just a little more and a little harder today!
Love,
Jessica L. Cassidy
Mrs. Michigan International
