My blog started back in April 2005 as a journal of my wife’s battle with leukemia. I’ve always loved writing and used it as a way to get my feelings and/or frustrations out of my heart and head and onto something else. I started the journal, “Lisy’s Battle with Leukemia” two days after my wife was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. These are the posts I’ve written throughout her journey, dealing with her victory over cancer.
The first section is her story, in order, for the first five months of her battle.
Like a ton of bricks – April 9, 2005 – Day 2
Where do I begin? One day things are going fine, the next your world is turned completely upside down, almost stopped in shock. Today is Saturday, April 9, 2005 and two days ago, April 7, my wife and I found out that she had cancer. Leukemia to be exact. How this happened we don’t know. … Continue reading Like a ton of bricks – April 9, 2005 – Day 2
Support – April 12, 2005 – Day 5
It’s Tuesday, April 12, 2005 and I’m starting to feel beaten. The house is a total disaster. I’m tired (mostly mentally) but would like to get on the computer and type in my journal and reply to emails. So I’m doing that now, it’s 11:42pm. Things are starting to change now. Lis is starting to … Continue reading Support – April 12, 2005 – Day 5
Worried – April 13, 2005 – Day 6
Tomorrow will be one week since Lis was admitted into the hospital. I can honestly say I’ve never had a more scarier, emotional, stressful, tense week in my life. I really can’t think of another time where I felt like this. And now, battling through this I think of times when I thought life was … Continue reading Worried – April 13, 2005 – Day 6
“Her recovery is in doubt” – April 14, 2005 – Day 7 – Week 1
Okay, so no one actually came out and said those words to us, but the doctor handed Lis a letter to send to the embassy in Brazil and those words were written in that letter. I don’t know if it’s true or just a way to show the embassy the seriousness of the disease. We … Continue reading “Her recovery is in doubt” – April 14, 2005 – Day 7 – Week 1
My little hero – April 16, 2005 – Day 9
He’s been the only sunshine in my week full of gray clouds. He’s stood up to the challenges that I told him that we would be facing in the next couple of weeks together. He’s been my best friend and we’re beginning to form a strong bond and team together. All this and he turns … Continue reading My little hero – April 16, 2005 – Day 9
AML – Attacking My Lisy – April 20, 2005 – Day 13
Another odd and disturbing story that I will not share with Lis. The Boss Lady knew of someone that went through chemo. A client in the office. She decided to call this client. The client’s husband answered the phone and told her that the client had passed away last Saturday. Ouch! What exactly did she … Continue reading AML – Attacking My Lisy – April 20, 2005 – Day 13
A Most Depressing Day – April 21, 2005 – Day 14 – Week 2
This was one of the most depressing days since this ordeal has started and oddly most of the depressing stuff didn’t come from Lis. However, the day started off kind of rough due to Lis. She called sounding really upset. The x-rays on her intestines had come back and she had an inflammation in there … Continue reading A Most Depressing Day – April 21, 2005 – Day 14 – Week 2
At the Car Wash – April 23, 2005 – Day 16
Thursday Tony called me and asked me what I was doing on Saturday. I told him I’d be hanging out at the hospital. He told me that he was doing a car wash for Lis, in South Everett, and wondered if I would like to help. I quickly replied “yes” and he asked me to … Continue reading At the Car Wash – April 23, 2005 – Day 16
My Bald Beauty – April 24, 2005 – Day 17
I’m not going to write too long cause munchkin is still awake (it’s 11:30pm) and won’t fall asleep. He’s rolling around the floor here laughing. He’s so funny! And cute! What a wonderful baby! I think I’ll try to get him into commercials. Sara shaved Lis’ head today. It doesn’t look too bad. I kind … Continue reading My Bald Beauty – April 24, 2005 – Day 17
Remission – April 26, 2005 – Day 19
This morning Lis called to tell me that she was scared. Today would be the day she found out if the cancer was still alive in her body. I told her I was scared too but I think she’s going to be okay. I wasn’t too nervous before that, I guess I tried not to … Continue reading Remission – April 26, 2005 – Day 19
Sleepy Girl – April 28, 2005 – Day 21 – Week 3
Welcome to Week 3 of Lis with Leukemia. When I last wrote I talked about how Lis has gone into remission. The cancer has supposedly left the building and Lis is on the way up. Well, if you looked at her you couldn’t tell that was the case. Poor Lis. She’s drugged up 23 hours … Continue reading Sleepy Girl – April 28, 2005 – Day 21 – Week 3
Mentally Exhausted – May 3, 2005 – Day 26
I’m spent. Mentally exhausted. The weekend brought so much promise and now its back to the usual. Monday Lis was tired and I spent maybe two hours there cause she was asleep the entire time. Today, she was sleeping for most of the night. She woke up around 8pm though and showed flashes of the … Continue reading Mentally Exhausted – May 3, 2005 – Day 26
Alone Again – May 5, 2005 – Day 28 – Week 4
The stage has been set. The machines have beeped their last beep. The medications have all drained out. At last Lis stands alone with just the catheter in her chest and a couple of IV’s hanging from her wrist. She no longer needs to bring a “buddy” into the bathroom. She can go at it … Continue reading Alone Again – May 5, 2005 – Day 28 – Week 4
Welcome Home – May 7, 2005 – Day 30
It’s finally over. The month stay at the hospital has ended and Lis has come home. My mother-in-law, sister-in-law, son and I headed over to the hospital at about 11:30am. My Mom and Dad had already arrived. As we were walking into the room I overheard the nurse saying “Do you want to wait for … Continue reading Welcome Home – May 7, 2005 – Day 30
First Appointment – May 11, 2005
It’s Wednesday, May 11, 2005 or Day 4 of the Post-Hospital era. Things have been going great for Lis and the family. Lis is eating well and gaining weight and energy. She’s doing a great job and I’m very proud of her. Lukas is doing good also. I think he’s starting to adjust to his … Continue reading First Appointment – May 11, 2005
The Force is Strong With Us – May 18, 2005
Okay, so I’m using a Star Wars cliche but oh well, I can make it relate to my situation. Wednesday, May 18, Lis and I had our second appointment. It’s actually Lis’ appointment but c’mon this is sort of a “we” thing, except she does all the hard work, like pregnancy, childcare, dishes and sex. … Continue reading The Force is Strong With Us – May 18, 2005
Our 2nd Anniversary – May 24, 2005
Today was our second anniversary. Yes second, that’s it. It feels like it’s been close to five years but nope, just two. In these two years we have certainly had our trials and tribulations. Forget the past two years, just this past year has been troubling, exciting, ah, every emotion you can possibly think of. … Continue reading Our 2nd Anniversary – May 24, 2005
Team: The Force – June 5, 2005
This weekend our family and friends got together to support cancer and participate in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life cancer walk. You get a team together, raise some money, and walk for 24-hours in support of cancer research and the people who have battled cancer. It was a lot of fun, some hard … Continue reading Team: The Force – June 5, 2005
A Reunion of Sorts – June 13, 2005 – Round 2, Day 1
Ding, ding, ding…Round 2 has begun. Last night we went to bed, somewhat depressed because we knew that Lis was going to return to the hospital for at least three days of chemotherapy. I could tell Lis was sad. She lay in bed, saying nothing. I heard the occasional *sniff, sniff* meaning that she was … Continue reading A Reunion of Sorts – June 13, 2005 – Round 2, Day 1
Round 2 Ends – June 16, 2005
This morning Lukas and I went to the hospital to pick up Lis. Her three days of chemotherapy ended last night with her last bag coming at 11:30pm. Now she gets to spend the next two weeks hopefully side effect-free. I’ll try to keep a close watch on her and hopefully we won’t have any … Continue reading Round 2 Ends – June 16, 2005
Scrubs Fever – June 22, 2005
Ahh yes, it’s that time again. A week has passed since Round 2 ended so now it’s time for our favorite part of the show…side effects. Let us first start weakness in your body, and while we’re at let’s mix in some nausea, when you’re beginning to enjoy that I’d like to throw in a … Continue reading Scrubs Fever – June 22, 2005
Quick update – June 24, 2005
Just a quick update…we have some good news and some bad news. Which would you like first? The good? Okay, Elen, Lis’ youngest sister and the sister who is currently here in the US is a bone marrow match for Lis. Awesome! I think we’re going to keep her here until we know for sure … Continue reading Quick update – June 24, 2005
A Slight Scare – June 23, 2005
I need a hug. Not one of those – “Hi, good to see you again”, standing two feet away from you, tapping your back – kind of hug, a real strong hug. The kind where you can feel that the other person cares about you. Okay, so you’re probably wondering why I’m giving out definitions … Continue reading A Slight Scare – June 23, 2005
O’ Mother, Where Art Thou? – June 26, 2005
Another weekend in the hospital for the Johnson Clan – well, sort of. Late Saturday night, after everyone left, the nurse let us know that Lis has an infection in her body that is caused from a contagious bacterium. Which means we can get whatever she has gotten. So Sunday morning the nurse recommended that … Continue reading O’ Mother, Where Art Thou? – June 26, 2005
The Catheter is Out – for now! – July 22, 2005
Yesterday Lis went into the doctor’s office to get her port flushed. She came back with her second fever in as many weeks. Again, the flushed bacteria into her port thus making her chill out then heat up. Her temp got to 102-degrees but we were able to slow it down by taking a couple … Continue reading The Catheter is Out – for now! – July 22, 2005
Her Final Weekend of Freedom – July 31, 2005
It’s time to get back to the reason why I write in this journal. Lisy! This weekend was her final weekend of “freedom”. We say “freedom” because a) that’s the term the doctor used on Friday and b) it was our first weekend alone together, just the three of us, since we can’t remember when … Continue reading Her Final Weekend of Freedom – July 31, 2005
The Prince of 7A – August 4, 2005
Lis is home and Round 3 is in the books. Now it’s lock down time as we’ll try to keep bacteria away from Lis for the next couple of weeks. None of this getting an infection and staying in the hospital for a week. I can’t take it anymore. The other night Lis and figured … Continue reading The Prince of 7A – August 4, 2005
How Lis is doing – August 11, 2005
Many of you have asked how things have been going with Lis since she’s been out of the hospital. Well, I’m here to inform you that Lis is doing alright. She’s been good about not going places and staying away from people with germs and cooties and what not. Unlike last time, she hasn’t gotten … Continue reading How Lis is doing – August 11, 2005
Does anyone have a giant bubble? – August 12, 2005
This totally bites! We need a giant bubble. Something to encase Lis in until her immune system gets back up to par. Some thing to get her away from whatever causes her fever. So if you have a big bubble then send it my way. To catch you up to speed…yesterday Lis got a refill … Continue reading Does anyone have a giant bubble? – August 12, 2005
Why am I here? – August 15, 2005
I’m not one to complain about the medical treatment that Lis or I receive. I don’t like doing that. I think too many people come into a medical situation and already think negatively about their doctor. Too many people in this country complain about the medical treatment they receive. They don’t think about the fact … Continue reading Why am I here? – August 15, 2005
Below are my most recent posts, reflecting on Lis’ battle years later.
Finding Hope for the Present in the Past
Much like we are all doing now, fifteen years ago today my family and I battled an unseen life-threatening enemy. Uncertainty, fear, frustration, worry and stress consumed us. But in the midst of this battle we found HOPE, and we walked out of those trials stronger than when we walked in.
My (S)HEROES are …
Who are my (S)heroes?! To celebrate International Women’s Day I share four in four different areas of my life.
Concern Level: Zero!
A cancer scare, and a weekend with family and friends highlight this month’s Johnson Five update!
Songs in the Key of Life: Rascal Flatts’ “Skin (Sarabeth)”
There are certain phrases in life you just don’t want to hear. “You have cancer” usually makes the top five of that list. On April 7, 2005 – nine years ago today – my wife and I heard those news as the doctor informed us that she had leukemia. I had always enjoyed the “Songs in the … Continue reading Songs in the Key of Life: Rascal Flatts’ “Skin (Sarabeth)”
Thinking Back on Seven Years Ago
It’s been a hectic last few weeks. As most of you know I opened my own little Nationwide agency on March 1 and have been busy attempting to get clients and get my name and face out in the community and social media-sphere so that when YOU think insurance YOU think THIS GUY! It’s actually … Continue reading Thinking Back on Seven Years Ago
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Life With Three Kids 