Saturday, April 30, 2011

Luiz health update


It has been a while.  That’s a good thing. Things will be going poorly for Luiz when things start to change quickly. Nothing has changed much for Luiz in several years. Graças a Deus.
Our last visit to the National Cancer Institute in Rio (INCA) was remarkable only in that we now have another in a series of interns looking after Luiz’s case.  Our last doctor, whom we loved, has been reassigned. The new doctor is a bit shy and made less than a top-notch impression.  Her supervising physician was in the room the whole time – and frankly, I spoke with him, not her, when I had questions.
I’m sure she will be fine.  Luiz is, after all, attended to by the TEAM at INCA, not the physician in training who meets with him during this period of his care.
His blood count numbers remain stable and some have even improved.  Luiz is a remarkable Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia patient who has refused, over these past three years, to decline into mortal combat.  For now he is staying above the fray.
If you know Luiz you know that his secret weapon is his joyfulness and remarkable ability to live life every day to its fullest.  No bit of daily happiness slips past him.
Thank you to everyone who keeps Luiz in your thoughts and well wishes.  It means a lot to us.

16 comments:

Meredith said...

This is wonderful.

Anonymous said...

That is good to hear:)

Greg said...

That's great news. God bless you both - best wishes...

The Reader said...

So glad for another happy update!

Anonymous said...

Luiz is so clearly an exceptional person, with a huge contagious smile. Glad to hear the positive update. Hugs to you both!
Peg

Rachel said...

SO happy to hear!!! Great update :D

Stephanie said...

Awesome!

My new goal is to strive to be more Luiz like!! :)

American Heart Brazilian Soul said...

This is great news Jim, it is very important to keep up the positive attitude!
Forte abraco to you and Luiz! :)

Unknown said...

Beautiful words Jim.

amhenning said...

love to hear this news! besos besos!

Jim said...

Meredith, Jane, Greg, 'The Reader' (I know who you are :-) ), Peg, Rachel, Stephanie, Ray & Gil, Dü, and AMHenning (Hi Anne Marie!) -- Thank you SO MUCH for leaving a comment.

Living with cancer is a lonely business. It slowly saps your energy. Hearing from friends is rejuvinating. Thank you.

ppereira said...

Yeahhhh! Viva Luzi and Jim!! Good to hear from you. ;)

Val said...

Hi Jim! Hi Luiz!!
Everythime I think of Luiz I remember his smile... What a sweetie! I am so glad to here that he is doing and continues to do well.

Tell Luiz I said hello! And you take care of yourself also..

Wishing you both well..

Best,

Val

David Ambrose said...

Thanks for the update Jim, wonderful news! Beijos pra vocês!

Thomas Alleman said...

Very good, very good! Keep on going...

Jim said...

Thank you everyone. We feel the love.