Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and Burkitt's
My husband has long accused me of being an overachiever. Hence, instead of getting just one cancer, I have been diagnosed with "double hit cancer". It saddens me greatly to let you know I have Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and Burkitt's. They say that attitude matters greatly with cancer and I do expect a cure. My version is labeled aggressive to highly aggressive which actually offers a better chance for cure. I spent one week at Scottsdale Healthcare - Shea. My physician's are terrific as are the nurses and staff (including a very sweet maid) at the hospital. They instill confidence and have excellent bedside manner to those of us on the "onc ward". So I now embark on a four month process of chemotherapy and ask for your prayerful support for me and all cancer patients (including the animals battling cancer!). During this time I will likely blog somewhat less and be a little slower to respond to questions. But, I will do my best to keep blogging.
For all of its challenges, life does present us with wonderful gifts along the trail. One of those gifts appeared in my hospital room in the form of Kaos and his handler Lance Henderson. It was arranged by a wonderful nurse named Alissa. She saw them downstairs in the hospital and asked if they would come upstairs to surprise a veterinarian. The initial chemotherapy had been quite rough and it brightened my spirit greatly to see this beautiful dog and visit with his handler. It turns out that Scottsdale Healthcare has a terrific security force which includes many dogs. Lance arranged for Athos and his handler Gabe Mejia to visit me when the shift changed. I hope in the ensuing months, they will continue to visit and I will get to meet more of these beautiful canines and their devoted handlers. As is often the custom for working dogs, they have cards providing some background. Here are the cards for these teams. Kaos is a Malinois/Shepherd mix and Athos is a German shepherd.
Here's to a cure!
For all of its challenges, life does present us with wonderful gifts along the trail. One of those gifts appeared in my hospital room in the form of Kaos and his handler Lance Henderson. It was arranged by a wonderful nurse named Alissa. She saw them downstairs in the hospital and asked if they would come upstairs to surprise a veterinarian. The initial chemotherapy had been quite rough and it brightened my spirit greatly to see this beautiful dog and visit with his handler. It turns out that Scottsdale Healthcare has a terrific security force which includes many dogs. Lance arranged for Athos and his handler Gabe Mejia to visit me when the shift changed. I hope in the ensuing months, they will continue to visit and I will get to meet more of these beautiful canines and their devoted handlers. As is often the custom for working dogs, they have cards providing some background. Here are the cards for these teams. Kaos is a Malinois/Shepherd mix and Athos is a German shepherd.
Here's to a cure!
Posted by Dr Kris Nelson at 9/18/2010 8:32 PM 
Categories: Current Events
Tags: Burkitt's Working dogs Lance henderson and Kaos Gabe Mejia and Athos cancer Scottsdale Healthcare Security Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Categories: Current Events
Tags: Burkitt's Working dogs Lance henderson and Kaos Gabe Mejia and Athos cancer Scottsdale Healthcare Security Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Dear Kris,
What a beautiful, special blog post. Of course, even in the midst of what you are going through, you managed to focus on the gorgeous animals! How kind of Nurse Alissa to surprise you with the visit from Kaos.
You have our prayers, David and I and the rabbi have prayed for you at temple during the High Holidays and every day. We are confident in your strength, humor, and resilience, and know that you have a wonderful support system in Steve and your other loved ones. I only wish we could be closer by to help you and Steve with the every day stuff.
Sending love, blessings, and prayers, and as you know, Steve and you can contact us anytime.
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Dear Kris Nelson,
sending my best wishes to you and your family. I enjoy reading your blogs.
Liz Ormerod MRCVS, Scottish Human- animal bond veterinarian
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I'm so sorry to hear this bad news of your diagnosis, and certainly hope and pray that the cancers will be vanquished.
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Love you! - and your blog! You are in my prayers
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Dear Kris, as a cancer survivor (breast - infiltrating ductal carcinoma) I hope you know that surviving is what life is all about. You are in our prayers and are here if you need anything. You have a wonderful husband, Steve, as the core of your support network. I know you will be cured!!!!!! Susie and Ken Brousseau
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Hi Kris,
I have never been to your web blog page and enjoyed all the articles posted. My heart goes out to you at this time and knowing your amazing strength, dedication and drive , I am confident you will have a successful recovery. Philip and I have you in our prayers and if Bacio were there I can assure you he would give you a big bear hug. I was pleased to see that you have enveloped yourself with your canine hospital friends. I too love the color purple;good choice!! Stay strong and take it day by day. We are here for you and Steve if you need anything. Nadine
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