If you want to write a letter to Lisa you can email her at:
lisa@grizbabesteam.com
Here are a few of the many letters Lisa has received. We appreciate your taking the time to write; your support means so much to Lisa.
July 22, 2009 letter from melissa ~ ALL survivor
I do not know Lisa - but I know what she is going through. I was an adult diagnosed with
ALL 5 1/2 years ago. I also had small children that had to go through this with me. If Lisa
ever needs someone to talk to, please giver her my email. She can make it through this, it
is extremely hard. With love and support of family friends, it will make it a little easier for
her.
My treatment lasted 9 - 10 months. It was at the Cleveland Clinic. We had to drive there
everyday Monday - Friday (except when I was hospitalized). My Dr. there was Dr. Kalaycio
(he is supposed to be the nations top Leukemia Dr.) I chose not to do the bone marrow
transplant. My brothers both went in the day after I was diagnosed and were tested. My
oldest brother ended up being a perfect match for me- he was upset because I didn't do
the transplant. I chose not to do the transplant because of the dangers of it. I was told
with a transplant you have a 6 week window. #1 you are isolated from EVERYONE (which
means I would n't have been able to see my children for 6 weeks) #2 with a transplant -
within that 6 week period it's either you live or die - no gray area. (your body does not reject
the marrow - the new marrow can attack and kill you body) I was told I would have at least
2 more years of chemo. So I chose 2 years instead of a possible few weeks because of
my children. It was really rough - everyday blood work, blood transfusions, platlets ( I
used to get terrible nose bleeds), I have an Omaya Resevour permanently in my head, CAT
scans, uh they did biopsys on my kidneys and lings. It was pure hell - but it was worth
it because I am still here for my boys.
I really hope that Lisa is feeling better. She'll have up and down days - hopefully more
up than down. Praying for her!!
God Bless!!
Melissa
Dear Lisa April 23, 2009
April 27, 2009
It's Alta. I checked your website this week. My friend, Shelly, told
me that you're feeling weak and a bit discouraged. Are you going through
the 30 day induction therapy at home? If that's the case, I know that
it is extremely difficult to be anything but down. I want to share some
thing that I learned. Crying is a good thing. I know you might not want
your children to see you cry, but 1) it actually can help ease the pain
you're feeling and 2) your children are probably a lot stronger than
you might think, even as young as they are. You want to protect them
from the crisis you're facing, but the truth is that they are in it with
you or they wouldn't be yours. Some of the most profound people I know
have experienced tremendous challenges as children, challenges that made
them strong and compassionate and wonderful. Cry. Let your babies cry with you.
Then hug them and laugh together and tell them that it hurts but it won't
always hurt.
Lisa, it won't always hurt. The time will come when you will actually
be pain free and have the energy to get out of the bed or up off the couch
easily. You'll be able to cook and drive for ice cream and sit outside and
play catch with your babies. You're on the battle field and the best thing
you can do is hold the vision that you'll make it back home in one piece.
You can do it.
With love, hugs, and kisses,
Alta
Hi Lisa;
It's me, Nancy again. Knowing that you are going through chemo has me reflecting on my own "chemo daze" 22 years ago. Those memories are still intact-conjuring up feelings of nausea,fatigue,terror,anger and loneliness.
There is something about chemo that makes you feel so isolated. No matter who is with, you feel alone in the battle. The questions drove me crazy,especially at night-Why does the treatment have to be worse than the disease? Why me, why now? Will this all be worth it? How can I be sure?
I could never sleep at night,and everyone else was asleep, so I would leave the TV on all night for company. If there is ever a "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" based on Kojak reruns, I'm in!!!!!Most of my questions went unanswered, but I did find the answer to Will it be worth it? I found it in my last chemo party where I was so tired I could barely participate. I found it in so many things: The blue of the sky on the first day I had the energy to look at it, the beautiful stars that followed that evening, my cat licking a tear from my face when I was having a sad day,my dad holding me and telling me that I was beautiful,my nieces sitting on my bed all in their pajamas,and friends-lots of them that came through for me. No matter what happens, I have had another 22 years of life. Some of it has been hard, as life is,but YES, it was worth it! I can tell you honestly that there were days during treatment that I said I couldn't finish,that one more poke
would send me over the edge, and that I couldn't cry one more tear without dehydrating my body. I put the B in bitch a few times too!
But, somehow, just when I thought I couldn't-the strength came from either God, friends, or family-maybe all three. God has forgiven me for a few nasty remarks I said during moments of weakness. He always does. So if you want a survivor's opinion-it was worth it. Itwas so hard, but it was so worth it. With all my love and respect, Nancy
PS You look so beautiful in your pictures. I would kill to look as gorgeous as you!
April 23, 2009
Hi Lisa,
You don’t know me, but I was one of the original KETKers and worked with Robert Dodd. I learned of your cancer battle through the KETK Facebook page.
I wanted to share with you my cancer battle when I was 40. I went through breast cancer and because I was so young and because it was considered very aggressive I had the book thrown at me for 8 chemo treatments (2 meds each) and 36 radiation treatments. I also had a lumpectomy and have since had a hysterectomy to prevent ovarian cancer (since it is the same gene and my mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer one month before I was diagnosed. We went through chemo together… she in
Lisa, it was not easy and I still battle effects from lymphedema and weight gain but I have been able to return to life, at my “new normal” (not quite as much energy!) and be with my family for the last six years and I am still cancer free! There were times I just wanted to go home (heaven) but my children, family and friends kept me going. Praise the Lord they did.
You obviously have a wonderful support system so you are already very blessed. Hang in there and know the Lord loves you and will provide for you every step of the way!
Fondly,
Leslie Roberts
April 17, 2009
I’m not exactly sure why but for some reason tonight I had an urge to look you up. Find out where you are, what you’re doing, etc… Being you can find anyone or anything on the internet I simply googled your name. I was so happy to find you but was quickly saddened to hear of your diagnosis. There are no words I can write to express how I feel for you and your family right now. Things like this just should not happen. I came across the webpage setup on your behalf and read in disbelief, I had to read it several times over just to convince myself it was you I was reading about.
Your kidos are getting so big, Gracie is absolutely gorgeous and Jack is a handsome young man or as we say in
You are still as pretty as I remember even with all you have been going through you still have that photographic aura of class, poise and beauty that I remember. It is so strange how things seem to work in life, most are unexplainable and out of our control. Stay positive, stay strong and know I am thinking of you and wishing you and the family all the best. I have no doubt you will whip this thing, you’re not exactly one to just give up, you’re just not wired that way.
Robert Dodd
4-11-2009
Hi Lisa! It's Zeke's mom, Mary. Remember Zeke in Grace's preschool class? He still has Grace's school picture in his wallet. And we still wear the gray knitted scarf Grace gave him. Yes, I did say "we". :)
Judy Piatt has been keeping me updated. What a blessing to have her by your side. She is such a dear, caring person.
I just read the letter that is posted on your website. I am so glad that woman who is in the same battle took the time to encourage you with those words. They are truth. I know the doctors tell you facts. And that's okay. But His Word is Truth. John 17:17.
I have been praying for you and will continue to. I pray that the power of His Word which is living and active will transform your mind and body as well as encourage and strengthen you and your family.
Love, Mary Yost
Lisa,
I'm battling leukemia and winning. I wish I could give you a big hug. I
know that this is one of the most frightening things that has ever happened
to you. Your mind is constantly on your babies, how they are handling this,
and what is happening to them. I hope that your family and friends are
rallying to give you and your children full support.
What can you do? First, call on all of your spiritual teachings and put them
into practice. Your body is weak and needs "encouragement." Offer constant
prayers and give your body messages that you are going to defeat this
invader that is NOT WELCOME in your temple.
Second, maintain an attitude of ABSOLUTE confidence that you are winning
this battle. There is not room for doubt. I know that sounds extreme. But
the truth is that our thoughts have so much power. Will your body to
respond to treatment and to recover so that you can get back home. It's
like riding a bicycle. If you think you are going to fall off, you usually
do. So be positive. Believe that you are going to win and attack this
challenge with all your might. Your family needs you to win this one. Yes,
there will be moments of doubt, but let them be just that, moments, not
hours or days - MOMENTS. Then go back to attack mode.
Finally, encourage people with whom you come in contact. Everybody is going
through something. When we encourage others, it helps put our problems in
Perspective, and it's also a good cause for victory.
You are facing a tremendous challenge. Keep your faith and your spirit up so
that you can fight and win. You can do it. Your babies will make it
Through, and you will all appreciate each other so much more when this is
over!!!
With love,
Alta
A note from Nancy – cancer survivor
Angie, you(&Lisa)are so welcome. Dad and i are happy to help such a worthy cause. We are praying so hard that God gives her the strength to get through this crisis. They say that you have to go through hell to get to heaven sometimes. Chemo is as close to hell as you can get, and remission/cure is as close to heaven as you can get. So-you plod along, one foot in front of the other, and you try to be strong.We love you so much!!!! Nancy
Hi. I was Lisa's roommate/pledge sister at Mansfield and although we've tried to keep in touch, it has never been as often as we'd like. I was stunned when I read what Lisa and her family are going through. I forwarded the link to Lisa's website to as many of our sorority sisters as I have emails for. 2 things we would like to do is flood her with yellow roses, our AST flower, and cards to let her know she is in our thoughts and prayers. Would you be able to tell me what room number she is in or what floor she is so we can get them to her? Lisa is a strong willed and determined woman, there's no doubt in my mind she will beat this. Lisa and her family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely
Debi (Mychak) Erney
Hi Angie. I know how hard it is to hear a diagnosis of cancer. I myself had cancer when I was 20, and I beat it! I know that Lisa will too. I don't know her, but she looks like a beautiful strong woman, with a wonderful family who really loves her. The website is amazing! Great job! Miss you guys, and hope to see you real soon.
love
Lia xxoo
Hi Angie,
I am an old friend of Lisa's. She was my maid-of-honor in my first wedding. How sad to hear of her situation. This is not how I wanted to be reconnected with her. My husband had a cancer battle a little over a year ago. I know how difficult this situation is for everyone involved - it is never just the patient that battles this incredibly horrible disease. My hope and prayers will be with both Lisa and her family during this very difficult time. I would like to help with meals (take out) and possibly a gas card.
Please give Lisa a hug and kiss for me and let her know that I have thought about her often over the years. She will win this fight. If I can help in any other way, please let me know.
Tammy Meyers
Angie,
Hi, my name is Mary Margaret (Bernat) Caragan. I went to collage with Lisa at Mansfield University, and was also in Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority with her.
Lisa and I lost touch over the years, but I just recently got back in touch with numerous of my Sorority Sisters, and one of them sent me this email.
I would like to donate some money by check, so please send me an address to mail my check too. Also, I would love to send Lisa a card and letter. Is there an address at the hospital, or someone collecting her mail to give to her.
I live in Virginia, so unfortunately I can not be there in person.
Please let Lisa know that she is in my thoughts and prayers, and I know she is strong and can fight this.
Thank you in advance for the information.
Regards,
Mary Margaret
