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jg diagnosed with AML

I haven’t done a blog in years. My last two (planniffication | sfdesktop) kinda fizzled out, and since I have a website: http://www.johngreene.org I just tend to update that from time to time.

Much more than the website, Heather and I update our Flickr Photos all the time. You should check 'em out if you haven’t recently.

Anyway, I think the current situation calls for a blog. Why? Because last Friday, November 5, 2010. I was diagnosed with AML — Acute Myeloid Leukemia. You can read all about it here.

Rather than answer individual texts/emails, rather than blasting out updates via email — I’m not a fan of push, besides, some of you won’t want the gory details — and rather than Facebook (sorry, Zuck, way too impersonal), I decided on a blog.

The support Heather and I have received over the last few days from everyone has been amazing. Thank you to all who have helped and who have offered to help. We’re going to need it over the next few months — that’s for sure.

So here’s the dilly: I’m going to finish this post, and send out the link to everyone. Then you can check in as often as you like, or not at all. Comments and questions are welcome.

Over the next couple days (before I start feeling really shitty) I’ll try post some more about how I found out, the symptoms leading up to the diagnosis, experience from my first few days in the hospital, info on treatment, etc. I think it’ll be therapeutic for me, and helpful/informative for you. It’s interesting, I actually really enjoy writing — weird that I don’t do it more. Hopefully, I'll feel good enough to keep this going.

First dose of chemo about to begin. Time to buckle up.






Comments

  1. This is my second try at posting by your computer illiterate brother. If there ends up being two similar posts, then I apologize.

    You have the fight and the positive outlook to beat this thing and I know you will join one of the many who call themselves "cured" of AML. I can't wait to host the "JG is cancer free" (has a catchy ring to it) party in SF in the very near future. --DG

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  2. Hey, I just heard about this from Benji as he sent a note out to a bunch of folks at SFDC. Take care and best wishes. Hope to have you back at Salesforce in not too long.

    Dave Hauser

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  3. John, I'm so sorry to hear this news. You are right, you will kick it's ass. We need you back here kicking butts.

    So you know, I've been very involved with Team In Training and the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society. I've run 3 marathons with them and my wife and I together have raised a bunch of money, over $20K, for research. I had already signed up for this Winter Season and will be raising more $ this Winter before the LA marathon in March.

    TNT has a bunch of Leukemia survivors who come to our meetings and do events with us.

    Here's a link to the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society's website, there are tons of resources that can help you, if you are interested:

    http://www.lls.org/hm_lls

    TNT's website is here in case others are interested in helping out:

    http://www.teamintraining.org/

    Greg Costanzo

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  4. John, I'm so sorry to hear this news. You WILL kick its ass!

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  5. John,

    hope you accept the words from a person that barely knows you but likes your personality.

    You are carrying the weight of the world on your shoulder, keep your positive attitude. You'll teach us great things.

    I hope for the best, but I really know deep inside that you are going to make it just fine.

    Paolo

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  6. You'll kick it's ass so hard you lose your shoe. Here's to buying you a new pair of shoes soon, John.

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  7. Hi John, you know I'll keep things up while you're out, but definitely look forward to your return! Keep on kicking ass,
    - Dan

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  8. Hi John- I've only seen you in action once, but based on that, I am positive you will kick its ass in no time. -Evan Chou

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  9. JG---What craziness!! We are here for you and Heather and F and O. You are in amazing spirits and it's great to be able to keep up with your progress this way...lots of love...the McCandlish's

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  10. I've seen you in action - on multiple occasions - and no doubt you're going to kick ass. Your transparency, honesty and strength are inspiring. Sending good thoughts your way... Looking forward to having my sushi buddy back soon!

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  11. Mark and I send our love, good thoughts and prayers your way. We will keep up to date by reading your blog and from info from Laura. We've let her know that we will help anyway we can though we are a ways away! Take care. Speedy recovery and much love to you and Heather and the little muchkins! ;)
    Stacey Griffith

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  12. Wadoo yeah!

    Psyched you're blogging this. Cool way to document your experience and share it with others. Thanks meng! Kickit!

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  13. John, I am so sorry to hear this. You are in my thoughts. I know you have the strength and love to get through this.

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  14. You're from Philly...definitely going to kick AML's ass. Hang tough...my thoughts are with you.

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  15. Dat do dalking dout duddus???

    Silliness aside, our thoughts are with you, Heather, Floyd and Orion. As many have already said, you've got an awesome outlook on life and this will no doubt work in your favor.

    I know you'll kick its ass with a bazooka and a can o' beans like you used to back in the days of network Quake in CSCF!

    -Ethan

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  16. John - I'm so sad to hear this news about one of my oldest friends. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family....Now go kick some ass!
    Laurie (Bellet) Shah

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  17. jg, be strong brother. My deepest thoughts and wishes for a recovery are with you. I will be seeing you soon.

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  18. JG, so sorry to hear about all of this! I'm glad to see you're doing your best to make lemonade. Stay strong and know I'll be thinking about you and your family!

    - Matt

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  19. Be strong John, we'll pray for you. You'll be fine!

    -C (Prayers from India)

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  20. Thanks for all the warm wishes everyone. I draw strength from each one.

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  21. JG,

    This is Dara... BBates' wife. I cried when I heard the news yesterday and have been thinking a lot about you and your family. I watched my Mom go through chemotherapy last year (she had pancreatic cancer) and I know how awful and all-consuming it is for everyone involved (which is probably why I cried :). I am sending you and your family lots of positive thoughts and strength, just take it one day at a time and stay strong. You'll get through this.

    xo,
    Dara

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  22. John, all the best and speedy recovery. We all miss you in Premier Support and can't wait to have you back in the office. Keep on kicking ass.
    - Horst

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  23. Hi John:

    Just wanted to share with you that my Father, who is now 81 has been battling liver cancer for the past 7 years.

    The technology these days is amazing.

    Hang in there, no doubt, you will kiss it in the Ass!!

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