My brother Charlie lives in Texas. Before that, he and his family lived in DesMoines, which was a lot easier to visit since its only about a 5 1/.2 hour drive from Chicago. I’ve actually not lived with him for 28 years.
He hadn’t been feeling well so he went to the doctor a few weeks ago. The doctor asked him if he any stress in his life, and well, yes he does. He works 80-90 hours a week for a Japanese gaming company. It’s lucky if he even takes one day off a week. He had a cough. The doctor gave him a Z-Pak and sent him home.
Only things didn’t get any better. Dry cough, low grade fever, no appetite. They finally went to the hospital last week. They run a bunch of tests. Elevated liver enzymes, enlarged lymph nodes, high white blood cell count, low platelet count.
My brother has non-hodgkins lymphoma. While this is a treatable cancer, it is aggressive. The doctors think he’s only had it for 2-3 months. Today he has a bone marrow biopsy to see what type of lymphoma it is, and will start chemo as early as tomorrow.
So this Easter, I enjoyed the time with my family. Yes, I was Bizzy in my Kitchen, but my focus was more on the family than it was the food.
Check out my brother’s post about his oldest daughter going to college – its hands down my favorite post of his.
Just want you to send good thoughts his way – he’s going to have a bumpy ride these next couple months.
That’s Charlie, circa 1976 playing the guitar at a concert the neighborhood kids put together.
Then we all growed up! But I’ll still remember him just like this – with my sister and I peppering him with kisses.
I love you Charlie!
Biz, I’m so sorry your brother is sick but I know he is a fighter and has the amazing support of a loving family and prayers from people he has never even met. I pray he gets the best possible treatment and on to the road to recovery as quickly as possible. Love and prayers….
I just got around to catching up on blogs. Biz I’m so sorry to hear about your brother. I am familiar with his blog. I’ll be sending thoughts and prayers his way. You are lucky to be so close and be able to lend each other that emotional support. All the best to Charlie.
I’m so sorry to hear the news Biz, I will be thinking of your family often. You are both lucky to have so much love in your lives – it is the best medicine! Wishing a very speedy recovery for Charlie.
I will most definitely keep him in my prayers! I’m glad he was OK with you sharing this, with so many positive thoughts and prayers going out for him, it will help him!
Ah Biz, i’m so sorry to hear about your brother. My thoughts are with you and your family. Sending lots of healing vibes your way and to your brother as well!!!
So sorry to read this….it has been on my mind all day. My Dad was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2009, so I have a good idea what your family is going through. I think the initial treatment regimen is similar. The chemo is very tough, but my dad got through it and your brother will too. Tell him to go kick some cancer ass. *hugs*
I’m so sorry to hear about your brother! Thoughts and prayers are going out his way! I know this is hard….someone in my family was diagnosed with a similar issue last year. So far so good with the treatments. I wish your brother well!
Your brother Charlie is awesome and he is going to be fine. With such a wonderful family surrounding him, how could he not be? Thinking of you all with love and prayers
<3
MaryBe
I am sending lots of strength and positive thoughts to you and to Charlie!
So sorry your brother is going through this tough time, I’m sending positive thoughts and hugs. Love the pics, especially the neighborhood concert!
Hi Vat. I’m sending nothing but good wishes to your brother, and to your whole family. Thank goodness it’s been caught early….please keep us posted on his progress, we’re routing for a speedy recovery!!!!!! Hugs.
SO SWEET – sending you and your family thoughts and prayers!! I hope this is resolved as painlessly and as quickly as possible!! (these pics are presh by the way – you and your sis putting kisses on him is cute overload)
Oh Bizzy B – you and your family have had quite the year. You are all in my thoughts and prayers!
Sending good thoughts and prayers for Charlie and your family. I too loved the pictures.
Sending prayers Charlie’s way and yours Biz. Loved seeing the pics of you all.
My heart is with you and your family Biz. Much love
I’m sorry. Get well wishes to your brother. I hope everything turns out well.
Hugs and prayers to you and Charlie
I am so sorry to hear about your brother. Definitely sending healing thoughts your way and keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Sorry to hear this about your brother. Sending lots of good thoughts your family’s way!
Biz I’m so sorry to hear this. Sad times for you and your family. Hope the treatment goes well and you and Charlie can enjoy life together for many, many years to come.
I’m sorry to learn that Charlie is facing this struggle. I’ve enjoyed his posts over the years (that’s how I found you). I’m glad they’ve finally got a diagnosis and that it’s treatable. I know he has the strength and determination to conquor this along with the full support of a loving family and crowd of friends and admirers. Please pass along all these good wishes and let him know that he’ll be the subject of many a popcorn prayer. Love and hugs.
Biz, I’m so sorry to hear about Charlie. You can bet I’ll be sending good thoughts and prayers his way! Tony kicked cancer’s ass and Charlie will too!
I’m so sorry to hear this – but I’ll be sending positive thoughts to your whole family! Hugs!
I’m so sorry to hear this – I feel a strong connection to Charlie as the first post I ever read of his was about Spaghettios and I remember thinking “someone else gets it” – so Charlie, my best wishes and healing thoughts are with you!
Oh Biz, thinking of your brother and the rest of your family. He will pull through this!
So sorry to hear that, Biz. Treatable cancer, thankfully – if one can really be thankful. Best wishes for Charlie, and for all of you.
Oh, Biz. This sucks. The time you take for your own health will help you to be a great support system for your brother.
I’ll be thinking about him and sending a lot of positive energy from Virginia.
xoxo
Biz I am sorry for your bother. I have followed is blog off and on for a couple of years now. He is a great man. I will pray for him and all of you.
My father-in-law was diagonised with non-hodgkins lymphoma 20 years ago. He is still alive and working the family business full time plus more. Charlie will be okay with all the doctoring and healthy diet and the love of his family. He can get better, he’s strong willed. Keep those thoughts in your head at all time Biz, we had to also.
Take care my friend and have a blessed day!
Biz, I’m so sorry to read this. I’ll be thinking about you and your brother!
Oh no! This makes me so sad, I love Charlie and don’t even know him except through his blog. Sending every positive thought I can his way – and some prayer too, for all of you.
I’m so sorry about your brother, def sending good thoughts his way, and for your whole family!
I’m so sorry to hear this, Biz. Sending lots of prayers to your brother and family. I hope that while it’s a bumpy he road, he kick’s the cancer’s ass.
Oh my! My heart goes out to you and your family! I love his posts as well and I totally love his book. My prayers are with you!
Oh Biz, so sorry to hear about your brother. If he is half as tough as you he’ll kick this in the butt in no time. Sending healthy thoughts his way!
Sending healing wishes to your brother!! So sorry to hear that he has to go through this. I know it’s hard for you as well.
Best,
Bonnie