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Overflowing

This last week was tough. Not tough like in-patient 24/7 lockdown tough, but tough because Luke had appointment after appointment, more tests than you can imagine, and had to sign more paperwork and consents than if he were signing off on traveling to Mars. More on our “work-up” week at a later time. But last Sunday…

Fifty four fraternity brothers loaded a greyhound bus at 10 PM Saturday night in Lawrence to drive through the night to surprise Luke in Denver. 6 more traveled in cars from Lawrence, about a dozen alumni from the Denver area showed up, two hopped on flights from Kansas City including the KU Chief Executive Director of Beta Theta Pi. Allllll for Luke. But you know how the story goes. I don’t think any of these amazing humans will ever forget how this act of kindness and sacrifice inspires not only Luke and themselves but so many people we aren’t even aware of. To be a part of this remarkable gift they not only gave Luke, but my entire family, is remarkable. Remarkable is my new favorite word. My heart is overflowing. The happiness emulating from Luke right now is contagious. (that is the only kind of contagious we want right now)!

We check-in to Children’s CO on Monday to continue the path to transplant. More tests Monday and then I am told a very very early start to “conditioning chemo” Tuesday morning. 6 full days of chemo that will wipe out every single thing in Luke’s body. I have heard it referred to as “devil’s juice.” After that onne day of “rest,” and then transplant, we hope the following day. March 7 is the goal. I will start GCSF injections and daily physicials on March 2 for 5 days with harvest the morning of the 7th. We hope to get enough stem cells out of me in one day (6 hours) but they have me scheduled for 3 consecutive days, just in case. Then the stem cells are tested and literally escorted upstairs to the 7th floor to Luke and they go into him via his broviac. Usually about 2 hours after I finish, Luke will begin the actual transplant. We have been told that the actual process is anti-climatic. I hope it is indeed anti-climatic. He will be monitored closely by the smartest and kindest people. I will do my best to stay out of their way 🙂

Personally, I am anxious. We are inside of a week to going back. Sundays surprise arrival of a bus full of love, motivation, and unconditional friendships couldn’t have come at a better time. The continuous love and support from so many people helps in SO many ways. SO SO SO SO SO! Our family, our friends, our basketball teams, our baseball family, our neighbors, friends of friends that just reach out to pray and support is overwhelming. And it counts for so much. It really is incredible a difference one person can make. But together, it is limitless. I will do my best to update as we continue our trek. It’s been hard to find the words and feelings all floating around in my head. We got this, together.

Buckets of Buses,

Suz

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12 responses to “Overflowing”

  1. Suz, thank you for your big heart and wonderful sense of humor. Our church family at WaterStone Church in Longwood, Florida is praying for you, Luke, your family, doctors, friends. You are covered in a blanket of prayer, love and grace! Jeremiah 29:11

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  3. How do you maintain your energy and hope? I so admire your ability to share your challenges, fears, and prayers for Luke and your family. You are the cheerleader for all good things! We’re thinking of you and Ben, Luke and Mason, cheering for the best.

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  7. Wow, that is a beautiful letter, Suz, and you are an awesome mom and spirit. Blessings to you and Luke as you go through this journey together. We shall continue to keep you and Like in our prayers.

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  8. What an incredible story of how individuals come together with so much compassion and love. I am sure that group of young men gave all of you, especially Luke, so much support and encouragement to last a lifetime. Absolutely a wonderful gesture. We pray every day for all of you and Luke and no this journey with mother and son will be successful. The spirit of God will wrap his arms around both of you… You can count on that. So much love coming your way and prayers follow each minute Steven and Karen Miller.

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  9. I am in awe of your love for Luke! Only a Mother’s love! We are lifting Up your whole family as you progress thru this procedure! 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️

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  10. Dear Suzanne Luke Ben &Mason,
    We are praying, have been praying & will continue to pray, root, cheer whatever we can do to support you and your family.
    Love Bob & Linda O’Neill

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  11. I am the grand father of Adam Jolles, one of these magnificent young men who came to visit Luke. There is so much hope for Luke’s recovery. There is so much pride in what his friends did. I know it is not easy for all of you but with so much love, care and goodness around, Luke has to get better and join his fraternity brothers.

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  12. Sami…I am Luke’s gg! I remember meeting your wonderful grandson! What an amazing group of young men. Our world is in good hands! Thank You for having a grandson like ADAM! We were all overwhelmed.

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