Last Update: 10/14/08
10/14/08
It is coming up on one year since Chris received his stem cell transplant. It has been a very difficult year for Chris. He has had a lot of ups and downs. He has been in and out of the hospital on many occasions. Throughout the year we have wanted to send regular updates to let everyone know how he is doing. Every time we would think he was on a positive road to recovery he would end up in the hospital for one reason or another. This made it difficult to give updates because we never knew what would happen from one day to the next
The good news is that Chris is getting progressively better all the time and he has not had any major set backs in a long time. We now feel that we can give everyone an update with the confidence that Chris will continue on this positive course. He recently rented an apartment not far from his Mom’s house so he can begin to get his independence back and live his life again. He is eating better, gaining weight and recently has even started looking for work again. He is not back to full strength yet, but he is getting there and he is very positive about his future.
This update is not only to let you know how Chris is doing, but also to thank everyone for all the support and positive thoughts. I can’t tell you how much it meant for Chris to see how many people really cared about him at his darkest hour. I have absolutely no doubt that it made a real difference in his recovery. The financial support went a long way to ease Chris’ stress over the piles of medical bills he began receiving. The emotional support of just knowing all these people (some he knew and others he has never met) were thinking about him and hoping for the best was a great motivator for Chris.
Chris has a long life ahead of him and there is nothing we could ever say or do to thank you enough for being a part of that effort. Your contribution, whether it was financial, good thoughts, prayers or just a positive message on this website for Chris has made a huge impact on Chris and his family. Thank you for that.
01/28/08
Chris has finally left the hospital and is recovering at his mom's house. He continues to have regular checkups at the hospital and is doing well. Thank you to all who continue to support Chris in his recovery.
01/14/08
Chris was moved to room 1209 which he says is a nicer room and he is starting to feel better. Chris' friends Nicholey and Lynette are throwing Chris another benefit party on Saturday, January 19th. If you are in the Dallas area and would like to attend, please leave a message on the guestbook with your email address and I will get back to you with all the details. You may continue to send Chris cards at Medical City in Dallas, Texas.
Chris Husbands
Room 1209
C/O Medical City
7777 Forest Lane
Dallas, Texas 75230
12/31/07
Chris began chemotherapy on Christmas Eve and had another treatment the following day. He then had three days of radiation treatments in preparation for the bone marrow transplant he received on December 28th. Chris is doing well, although he is starting to feel the effects of the chemotherapy and radiation. Hopefully, these side effect will subside soon and he will begin to feel better. We expect Chris to be in the hospital for several more weeks and he will then be allowed to go home to continue his recovery. Again, we would like to thank all who are supporting Chris through this difficult time. We know that your positive messages and monetary support have been very inspirational to Chris and welcome you to continue sending encouraging messages to Chris at Medical City in Dallas, Texas.
Chris Husbands
Room 1208
C/O Medical City
7777 Forest Lane
Dallas, Texas 75230
"Please do not send plants or flowers as they are not allowed on his floor."
12/10/07
NEW MESSAGE FROM CHRIS:
Hello everyone,
I saw the doctor today and he has a calendar for my treatment! I've been meaning to get this out sooner but it keeps changing. In fact even this new calendar is tentative depending upon further donor testing. The donor, by the way, is a perfect match which will go a long way in lessening the severity of Graft Vs Host Disease. I don't know who the donor is yet but I'm looking forward to someday meeting him.
Here is the calendar so far: I will be admitted to the hospital Dec. 23rd. I will have Chemo and radiation the 24th through the 28th and have the transplant on the 28th. From there I will stay in the hospital for several weeks under close surveillance. The length of my hospital stay will of course depend upon my progress. However, they have told me that I will need a total of 2-3 months including recovery time at home.
That's it so far. I'll let you know if things change.
I want everyone to know how much I appreciate all that you have done for me. No matter what happens, knowing that I have such awesome family and friends behind me is the only thing that really matters.
Talk to you later,
Chris
11/21/07
First, we want to thank each and every person for their continued support, be it monetary contributions, donating blood or by leaving an encouraging message for Chris on the website’s guestbook.
If you have not contributed as of yet, we encourage you to do so. Whether you can donate $5.00 or $500.00, it means so much to Chris and his family to know so many people care and support him. We would also like to encourage you to give blood on Chris’ behalf, forward this web site to everyone you know and sign Chris’ guestbook.
As of today we have raised $3,500 from friends, relatives and strangers. Also, thanks to Chris’ friends Nicholey and Craig, they raised another $1,100 last weekend at a benefit given on Chris’ behalf (Thanks guys!!). I would also like to give a special thanks to all those who do not know Chris, but heard about this website and wanted to help. Chris continues working when he can and having blood transfusions as needed. We are all confident he will find a bone marrow donor soon. Please continue to check this site for messages and updates.
Sincerely,
Friends of Chris
11/12/07
Chris currently is working when he feels well enough and receiving blood transfusions as needed. Three potential bone marrow donors have been identified and are being contacted for additional testing. We hope to hear something soon about a compatible donor.