Wednesday, September 16, 2015

A-P-L

Wait. Isn't it A-B-C? 

I have had a hard time putting this past week into words. It comes down to this. My brother-in-law has cancer. He is 34 with a wife, twin 2-year old little girls and a 6-week old little boy at home.  My sister's husband, has APL Leukemia and he is going to kick it's hiney to the curb.  It wasn't invited to their party and it sure isn't welcome. 



This news has been nothing short of devastating, heartbreaking, and emotionally draining for Ashley and Landon and those close to them.  A journey that started last Wednesday when Landon went to his primary care doctor for some bruising he noticed that was unexplainable.  No other symptoms at all. After some blood work and some incredible guidance from Landon's brother and a good friend of ours in Oklahoma, Landon found himself at the ER Thursday for more blood work and was admitted right away for a bone marrow biopsy later that day. The next several days would be a rollercoaster to determine his true diagnosis of what type of leukemia he has. 

Very late Sunday night, they received the diagnosis it was APL. This was a prayer answered. Landon said it best, "This is the BEST BAD news I have ever received."  Yes, really.  He is pretty amazing. To have APL and to catch it early is one of, if not the best, diagnosis of leukemia you can get with a very high cure rate and also usually a low need for bone marrow transplant. We have been praying daily for certain results and each and every day we have had reason to cheer. Is this going to be an easy road? Absolutely not.  Is there light on the other side?  Absolutely yes.  

Landon is not only a friend, an Aggie, a son, a brother, an uncle but an amazing husband and the best father to 3 adorable little ones.  Ashley hit jackpot in the husband category, ya'lI. With that, we hit jackpot with another brother.  I had mentioned to Landon I think last Friday I was praying for him and all he could say back was "I am at peace and have no doubt this is just a hiccup. Please pray for Ashley and the kids".  This guy leads his life with a heart centered on our Lord and his family. It is evident in every step he takes. 


What happens next?  Landon will be in the hospital for a month at a minimum.  He has a great team of oncologists fighting this with him and is getting fantastic care at Medical City. He started treatment Monday through his PICC line. It isn't considered chemo (blessing!) but is still very toxic. He gets it daily for 3-4 weeks. There will be ugly side affects of the drug no doubt. At the same time, his blood counts are being monitored extremely close and he is given blood and platelets as needed to aid his fight. He is on a very strict diet. No fresh fruits and veggies. No cold meats. No pepper. All to prevent an infection. The smallest sniffle, bacteria, germ that comes in contact with Landon puts him at a very high risk for a setback and a very serious one at that. 


Perhaps the hardest part of this journey right now for Landon is that he cannot see his kids because of the risk of infection.  There is a whole lot of FaceTime happening with Daddy! We are not sure if and when getting to hug those sweet faces will be a reality for him again. Ash has packed up the family for the foreseeable future and has found a home at my mom's with the kiddos.  She is splitting her time between the hospital and her kids, trying to find that right balance. By staying in Plano, she is over an hour closer to Landon than if they were home which is very important now and also thru his recovery once they bust out of the hospital. 




Ya'll. Prayer is so powerful. Through prayer and our gracious Father, we have seen so many blessings amidst the storm this past week.  The people in Ashley and Landon's life have the most generous hearts. It is going to take a village to weather this storm and a village they have. Their village is so deep with love and most importantly faith.  

I'll finish with this. If you are the praying kind, would you consider joining us in this fight? 

Heavenly Father, we trust in You. We pray for strength. Strength for Landon, Ashley and their entire family physically and emotionally.  We pray this only strengthens their marriage. That they always know how much they are loved.  We pray for Landon's body to react to his medication in the greatest of ways and to remain infection free throughout this journey.  We pray Father for you to be a source of comfort and counsel for both Ashley and Landon.  I pray for my sister. That she leans on You and those around her as she navigates these choppy waters and life in two different places. That she finds comfort in knowing her kids are in loving hands when she is away. And peace with a new normal.  I pray for Harper, Landry and Beckham. That they feel showered with love while they are away from Mommy and Daddy. That they always know how much their Daddy misses them and loves them.   Lastly, I pray Ashley and Landon always feel your presence Lord and never doubt your  ability. You are a wonderful, powerful God. In your gracious name, Amen. 


If this were a boxing match, no doubt Landon won Round 1.   We are some of your biggest fans and are cheering you on, Lan. Bring it Round 2. 

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

AMEN!!!!!!!!!! Very well said Need to compose a FB page so all can post to Landon and Ashley through this storm. Kim

Reba Dehls said...

I do not know you personally but I know your sweet Ashley. God bless you with healing, comfort and peace. I pray that each new day finds you better than the day before. God not only walks with us through hard times.. He turns them into stepping stones that take us places we could have gone without them. God bless your family in this time of trial.
Reba Dehls

Edith Baldwin said...

Prayers are pouring in from Roanoke, VA!!!!! Hugs & Love from the Baldwins on Bluemont!!!!!!

Edith Baldwin said...

Prayers pouring in from Roanoke VA!!! Hugs & Love from the Baldwins on Bluemont!!!

Unknown said...

Amen Lindsay!!! We are all praying here in Tyler and love you all very much!!!

Anonymous said...

Praying for the entire family!

Anonymous said...

Landon- you probably don't remember me, but I lived in the same condos at A&M. I was friends with Lindsay and Shelli. My husband was diagnosed with AML on December 18, 2014. We have three boys and I can remember those first weeks after the diagnosis. Derrick was actually diagnosed the week before Christmas, it was the hardest time for all 5 of us. Derrick is doing amazing, we go back Friday to get his maintenance plan for the next year at MD Anderson. I would encourage you to look for the good, the God things and try to keep the fears and worries away. You seem to have a great support system and that will be so important. Ashley- if you need anything or questions then please email or call me. I gave my information to Shelli. We will be praying for your family. Liz Gibson

Abernathy said...

Ned and I will certainly keep praying for this Smith family. May God Bless you and keep you. Sincerely, Ned and Marsha Abernathy, Paradise, Texas.


Neal and Jean said...

What a beautifully written tribute to a precious family. Thank you for the update of facts and the beautiful specific prayers for each of them. All of their extended family and friends are in our hearts and prayers. We love these guys.

Eloise said...

Praying for Landon and Ashley and their precious family. Please keep us posted. I live about ten minutes from Medical City so please call on me if Ashley needs anything run over there (lunch, phone charger, sweater, anything). Love to all.

Unknown said...

If there is any thing we can do to help, no matter how small, please let me know. We love ya. #Smithoilfieldfamily

Unknown said...

If there is any thing we can do to help, no matter how small, please let me know. We love ya. #Smithoilfieldfamily

Unknown said...

Even Longhorns support Aggie in their time of need. The East Texas Creeds are praying for you brother. Our Lord will be with you and give you peace!!!