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.