These last few days have been quite a whirlwind! On Tuesday July 22nd I was informed that I would be needing to head to the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, AZ and here I am exactly one week later packed and ready to leave this afternoon. It has been very hard for me to accept the fact that I am not going to be finishing my treatment in one month as I had previously thought but I have faith in my doctors and the doctors at the Mayo Clinic that I will be getting better soon! I have been trying to mentally prepare myself for the next few months and the treatments that are to come and I think that although it is still a mystery as to what exactly is going to happen, I am as prepared as I can be. Having gone through most of the tests already and experiencing my lung pocket being drained three times in the last week I think that I am ready for anything that they can throw my way. Like my good friend Masa told me, I need to look this thing in the face and make it regret that it ever chose to mess with me...
I want my family, friends and coworkers to know how appreciative I am for everything that they have done for me in these last few months. I am extremely lucky to have people as great as all of you in my life. It is amazing to see the outpouring of support and love that I have received not only within this last week but since I was initially diagnosed in January. I am not quite ready to leave yet (I probably never will be), but I know that it is something that I have to do! Just 3-6 months and I will be back home healthier than ever and ready to embark on the journey that is life!!!
Below are some pictures from my last two nights out with friends, once again thank you so much for being there for me! I am going to miss each and everyone one of you...
19 comments:
I love you Leeks! Wish I were going to be there in AZ with you...just so you know, WE are the lucky ones! You're the bestest brother in the world and I love you to the ends of the universe! Kiss the babies for me :) xoxo.
Alika, we are all pulling for you and know that you will come back kicking ass and even more fabulous than you already are. You'll be in our thoughts and prayers. Take care of yourself.
hey alika...all of our good juju is with you (crunchy talk from here in the NW). love you my little bro...
I believe in you. Big heart = big love = big life. Be strong shorty.
- Andy
Just got word about your blog from Aaron-it is such a great idea. We think about you often and wish we could see you soon! AZ is closer to WA than HI:) I will keep checking on how you are doing and praying for your body and mind to remain strong. We love you man! Chelsea and Aaron
Oh, and my email is chelso935@hotmail.com. Aaron's is pangaaron@hotmail.com. If you every want to talk to a nurse-friend (besides the ones taking care of you) please don't hesitate to call (206) 854-6961. I have worked some in a bone marrow transplant unit with people receiving high dose chemo. I have always heard really good things about the Mayo Clinic-you're in good hands.
I found this resource for those interested in being a bone marrow transplant donor. It is really easy. It may be something you can let people know about, if needed, at some point. 'Bone marrow donation: What to expect when you donate. Bone marrow donation most commonly involves filtering stem cells from your bloodstream.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bone-marrow/CA00047'
Alika,
Ray, Susan, Wyatt and Cole are with you on this journey, you may leave Hawaii for now but just know that our family spirit will always be with you. Janet gave me the info on your blogspot, and I am happy now to have a way to wish you the best. We know what it is like to fight this stuff and are proud of you. Take it one day at a time, focus on yourself and kick this. May the strenght of your family rise you over all challenges.
The Hulick's
Alika,
Sorry we weren't there to greet you with open arms, but we'll be home soon. We're all in this together and we can't wait to see you!!
Lee Lee
Alika your blog is awesome and so are you. You sound so wonderful and strong. So glad your Mia sent me your blog, although I have no idea what I'm doing as this is my 1st blog attempt ever. The Mayo Clinic is the best & with your great attitude you can get through this. I'm going to say a Rosary for you, my first in ions.
I sent Malia some pix of Chris' graduation that she could forward to you. He went up on stage with his robe open and swimming trunks ... what a kid.
Stay strong for all that love you. Love Lee
Alika- Rusti, Sydni and I wish you all the best. Always remember that you are not alone. We're with you all the way! My website is: pages.teamintraining.org/hi/ honolulu08/jgephart
"This one's for you" - Gep
Thinking of you all day everyday wishing we were there! Love you tons!! Enjoy AZ and don't forget sunscreen! :) xoxo.
Alika,
da blog is cool finally was able to log on, and i'll write as much as i can its not like i have to actually teach all day, but hope you are doing alright up there. if theres anything you want from home let me know and i'll send it to you asap. nah with you gone at least theres more girls out there for da rest of us,but anyways get better fast so you can come back home and my email is mykai808@yahoo.com.
shoots den,
maika'i
Hey Alika! Great Blog - Wow, we miss you! We're thinking of you and love you lots. BTW, it hasn't "pineapple juiced" since you left - must mean something. Love A. Sherri. Ps. Alice sends a slurpie!
Alika,
Dis is Vail, your blog is very professional. I like the way you are battling it like a fight. Remember it's not the size of the dawg in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dawg! or something like that. Well, as far as you are concerned the beach will be knee high till you come back. Stay strong Homey hit you up later. Oh yeah Allan won his last fight.
I've been introduced to you by John Gephart. Besides John being my Team in Training Mentee, two things in your profile jumped out. I live on Kolohala Street and am an Iolani elderly alum.
This past week we have mourned the passing of our Biology teacher (1955-1962), Al Alberts who lost his battle to lung cancer. Likewise, our English teacher, Reed Taylor (1958-1962) and mentor to many of us reports that his wife is in stage 4.
So, we've all been writing and thinking messages of prayer and encouragement to family members.
Now, I will add you in my list of honorees for Team in Training's 2008 Honolulu Marathon.
Go Team and Iolani No ka oi.
hey alika, got your blog info from vail and michelle. my first time writing on a blog. i just want you to know that i am praying for you and i know with your positive outlook you will be home soon surfing with the boys. You are always in our hearts and prayers. You have so many friends and family cheering you...helping you to win this fight.
love, Mrs. Minn
Alika,
I have read your Blog and felt I need to write to you to let you know how proud we are of your fight. Not fun to face the doctors, not fun to have to write news on a blog. You have overcome these challenges by hard work and it shows. We are thinking of you and as always, wishing the best.
Aloha
ray susan wyatt cole hulick
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