My Thundering Herd that keeps the HOPE alive for an ATG cure
So, I’ve been chillin’ in my germ-free bubble for over 3 weeks now, trying to dodge any and all possible body invaders such as lung pneumonia infections, liver infections, kidney infections, low pulse rate, eye irritations, high glycemia, high blood pressure, nausea, low magnesium, headache, itching. low potassium, and others. OK, so right about now, you’re thinking, “Dude, I know her and the way she likes to fart around with her reader, so I’m going to guess that she has had all of these annoyances over the last 3 weeks and that’s why she has not written lately on her blog.” And to that I would respond, “Weener, Weener!” The ATG (Antithymocite Globulin – Equine) I was infused with for my first 4 days at City of Hope is known to cause adverse reactions, so that is why I had some of these… It also is known to lower your immune system, which was already on the brink of being non-existent, so that can account for some as well. Many of these pesky lil’ f-ers are from the meds I’m taking to combat other lil’ f-ers. The benefits of the ATG (hopefully knock out the severe Aplastic Anemia) are not due to make their presence known for another week or two. So, we wait. In the mean time, we are closely monitoring all of these f-ed up reactions via 4am blood tests and vitals, CT scans, X-rays, bronchoscopies, and other terrifically fun procedures. We are very hopeful that the ATG will kick in soon and kick my Aplastic Anemia’s sorry ass. If that does not happen, it will BLOW, but we will move on to our last resort: bone marrow transplant.
There is a fantastic program called the National Marrow Donor Program (www.marrow.org), where you can register as a potential donor for someone in need. Imagine the feeling of satisfaction saving someone’s life!
Dr P did a preliminary search of the approximately 1 million registrants in the program and we learned that there were about 3,000 potential matches. These individuals all would need to be screened for a DNA match, but my docs were pretty optimistic that we could find a close match. In the meantime, my brother was tested, because a sibling has the highest chance of being a perfect match.
Who woulda thought back in the 70’s that my sidekick, my Boy Wonder, my Tonto, my Gilligan, my Potsie would become my potentially life-saving hero four decades later? The one I spent hours and hours with in our beloved cul-de-sac, Olympia Way, riding Big Wheels, Schwinns with training wheels, and playing kick ball (sorry to the Pillons and the Loewes for the constant destruction to your mailboxes – first and third base). The one with whom I tormented our next door neighbor, Mrs. Lenhart, by spying on her through the fence as she lounged by her luxurious water-filled hole in her concrete backyard, then after knowing the coast was clear, running to our front yard border donning our metal skates with Lightening, our basset hound in tow. Just as our skates were tagging her lovely lawn/cedar chip combo display and our canine companion was pinching off his calling card, usually in close proximity to her pink flamingoes, we’d hear her front door open, then a deafening howl, “Stay off my grass!” The one I plotted with to get everyone on the block drenched during the annual Olympia Way 4th of July Waterfight, including ambushing our neighborhood priest, Father Pillon, as he drove down the street on his way to mass. The one I hung out with in our awesome architect-designed (Dad) treehouse in the backyard, complete with a pulley system for hoisting all supplies sky high, including our pet rabbits, Charlie Brown and Charlie Black. The one with whom I witnessed my first R movie, Billy Jack (gladly taken by our parents in 1971 at ages 5 and 8). My back seat companion who constantly sparred with me for a month about the imaginary line in the upholstery of the backseat of our Mercedes sedan all the way along the southern states, then up the Eastern Seaboard to Montreal for the 1976 Olympics and back through the Midwest. The one I worked so hard with trying to scare the sh*t out of all the trick or treaters and their parents if they dared come to our door on October 31. My dad would rig all of his fishing rods with huge gnarly spiders and we would cast those f-ers through the living room windows, successfully landing on our prey more times than not. The one I almost witnessed the death of thanks to a faulty latch on our rental car on a Hawaiian highway. The two of us were building forts in our luggage in the back compartment of our rental car, when all of a sudden, the latch opened, and my sidekick fell out onto the highway, I heard tires screeching to a halt and saw a big Cadillac within inches of his little body on the asphalt. Just then I fell out (my parents were unaware that they no longer had their adorable children in the car with them, and continued on their merry Hawaiian holiday), and scraped my sidekick off the highway and we both began running down the sidewalk after our parents’ car. After glimpsing in the side view mirror, our mom asked no one in particular, “Why are our children running down the sidewalk?”
Leason and me at Eisenhower Park, where we would capture pollywogs, take them home, suffer the brutal stench until they turned into noisy irritating frogs, when our mom would make us flush ’em, which would make us cry.
Somehow we manage smiles even though our darling matchy sweaters are as comfy as brillo pads.
I have an endless amount of treasured memories of my sidekick and me, and thanks to him and his ultimate commitment to me, there will be many more to come 🙂 It’s been determined that he is my perfect bone marrow match!
LEASON FREDRICK POMEROY IV IS MY HERO!
JOSELYN'S BRAWL 
Sounds like you have an amazing partner in crime!!! Sending more hugs to your way!!!
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SO grateful for this long awaited blog update and to hear about Leason being a perfect match!!!!!!! Hopefully the ATG will kick the AA and you and Leason can begin chapter 2 of what sounds like an amazing childhood!!! Sending love, hugs and gratitude! Fight on baby!!!!
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Absolutely perfect! I had no doubt, but am thrilled it is confirmed. You are an amazing person . . . and deserve no less! I am more a spititual than religious person, but you are definitely blessed.
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Hang in there jos! You have a lot of love coming at you!
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You are OUR hero Joselyn. ……Your family Rocks!
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Laughing through joyous tears! Thrilled Leason 4 is your perfect match. What a wonderful recollection of childhood memories. I have a feeling there are more heroic stories in the very near future, marrow sharing or not (necessary)! You give your auntie…twinkles in her wrinkles…Love both of you dearly!
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Wow! Cannot quite believe all you’ve endured and are enduring…my prayers remain with you and I am super excited to hear about Leason being your PERFECT MATCH! Excellent…so happy for you. Thank you so much for continuing to share, via the blog…that is amazing in itself and I’m always happy when I see there’s a new post to read and be hugely inspired by! Love to you, Linda ….and always Ryan.
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Really, a basset hound named Lightening? Ours was named George after my grandfather. George somehow sounds slow. Slow is what you think when you hear “basset hound.” Lightening sounds fast, and fast is how we’d like to see you recover. Loved your growing-up-with-Leason IV stories. Laughed until we cried. Bawled when we learned IV is a match for a bone marrow transplant. Hope those thoroughbreds come through and you don’t need it, but Leason IV, you and your DNA totally rock! Next time you show us your behind, take a lesson from Jos–show some skin! (Disclaimer: Ken does not want to see your behind!) We love you and you are on our minds and in our hearts every day. T & K
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Wish you could see the huge smile on my face as I read this post. So, so happy about this good news!!! But geez, Joselyn, you even pestered the neighborhood priest? Fearless then, fearless now. Cathy Kent
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I am so happy to read all of your entries… I am thinking of you and praying for you daily! And of course cheering extra loud at the USC games for you!! All my love,
Roma
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That’s great news! Sibling to the rescue! Prayers on prayers on prayers for you!
I’m registered on there! Everyone go do it!!!!
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Well I love your side kick!!!! SO SO SO happy to hear Leason is a match! IT’S A MIRACLE! I am so happy for you as I have been so worried. So glad to hear you’re back on the blog again! Love you my pony pal pokey! ENFU!
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How precious is that blog! I can so relate as I have that special relationship with my brother! It is so great to hear from you as we have been so worried about you. I await your beautiful blogs and you ultimately amaze me with every one! You are my hero and I am praying for you every step of the way… Xoxo Gretchen
Sent from my iPhone
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HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!! So happy for you, Jos! xoxoxoox FIGHT ON!!!
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So glad for the update…. think about you every day! So glad to hear that little kid that followed us around everywhere on Olympia Way is a perfect match! Nice to know the little kid with the perfect hair cut also has the perfect stuff in him to make you well again if needed.
When you are all done with this, we should have an Olympia Way reunion and maybe even a fashion show for old times sake…. I bet our Mom’s would be willing to sit and watch us one more time!?! Ha Until then you keep kickin it and know that you are being thought of and prayed for often! ❤ U
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I am so stoked for you Jos, that is awesome news…thinking about you and your incredible strength!!!
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Nice that you have a match! Nice that you have hero in the family!
BTW Love the Billy Jack reference. That was one of my first R movies, also. Actually, Longest Yard was the first and I remember my Dad falling asleep in the theatre.. A story for another day. Hope you get the bone marrow transplant and get out of the bubble!
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Go Jos! Go Leason! We ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ you!!
🐴
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…..it was definetely worth the wait! A perfect match……..absolutely the best news….even better when you tell us it is not necessary!!! Sending loving thoughts towards Duarte!
xxoo xxoo xxoo xxoo xxoo xxoo xxoo xxoo
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If it comes to the Marrow transplant that is great news about Leason. A Delta-Eta bro from Spring 88, Dan Lucas, Brother of Bro Joe lucas from a few years earlier, I think still a few years after Todd, got leukemia while at SC and his Sister was a perfect match and Dan is doing great with kids of his own now. Two things though Jos, Dan is now allergic to chocolate because his sister is and his hair is now curly and darker as his sisters is.That’s from the marrow BUT I look forward to a second marrow miracle right here and now. We’ve got your back Joselyn. Dan Lucas was the chapters miracle Bro and you are going to be our miracle Broette or first lady if you prefer.Dan did the bubble and chemo for the leukemia before the transplant and that was 20 years ago and they know so much more now. I hope there is nothing you like that Leason is allergic to!! lol This is a true miacle as all siblings are not perfect matches. Joe Lucas wanted to be the match for Dan but he wasnt BUT his sister was. Fight on, as you can see, its worth it. Love your blogs and sense of humor. Take cae of Todd, Rex and Machaela for us. Bart
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Interesting… Maybe Jos will grow gray hair (wink wink) and like tomatoes..?
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Jos, I had to read it twice to doubly enjoy the wonderful feeling welling up inside of me. I suspected that Leason was a match, it fits your story. Your amazing wild ride of a story. You are blowing me away with all of this. Your spirit, strength and courage are really something.
XOXOXO Love, Mary
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Yay! Hooray!
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What’s wrong here? We’re trying to lift your spirits and you wind up lifting up ours! Great news about Leason. ‘Bout time we could do some cheering. YaaaaaaaY, Joselyn. Boomalotta, boomalotta, boom!
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Jos & Leason are an amazing sister & brother combo! So wonderful to hear that Leason is here to help out as a donor if necessary. No one gets to choose their brother – but few are lucky to have a terrific relationship like the one you have with Leason!
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Sometimes the sweetest victories come after the toughest fights! Sending love and cyber hugs to an amazing woman!
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Great news. A perfect match. Another inspiring heartfelt blog. You are an amazing lady. God Bless.
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Jos,
I was thrilled to hear from Todd that Leason was a match….Thank you for sharing the heartfelt stories of growing up..I always felt you had such an incredible family and it just confirmed all I knew and loved about the “Pomeroy Gang” Hang in there your are an amazing woman and I love you so much..Sending you a big hug …..
Love,
Jennifer Miller xo
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Joselyn: God gave you a wonderful brother, Sweetheart… I am so so so happy he might be able to help you…. giving part of his very body to do it. Not only that, He gave you a family (plus so many others) who love and care about you so much. Wonderful Toady and your children are all cheering for the horsey to do its work. We humbly stand by praying and pulling for you everyday to step out of your tent and join us. The way you submit and bravely “fight on” (USC) has earned you a secret place in our hearts. Your Blog finally arrived and I am relieved to hear from you. Awaiting your restoration to health…..with love and pride, Your Auntie Char
Date: Sat, 6 Oct 2012 02:13:44 +0000 To: charlotte_mayfield@hotmail.com
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yes, you and your sidekick were quite a pair! you two have always had a special relationship with each other that dad and i have always watched with great admiration and pride. we always knew you would be willing to do anything for each other. reading your blog brought back wonderful memories that we have always kept deep in our hearts. i am thrilled that you are feeling a little better and am anxiously waiting to hear some more great news. joselyn, you are my hero!
with lots and lots of love, mom
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Hi Joselyn,
So very happy and excited about the news……in daily communication with mychaela. Love reading your blog and appreciate your sharing this journey……..you really are an inspiration and I know good days are coming soon……
Our love
Caron and Steve.
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Side effects blow. Hoping they are reducing ASAP. SOOOO glad Leasie Boy 4 is a match! Words cannot express the joy I felt when Todd told me. Between your horsey and your Leasie, you should be rockin soon!
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Joselyn,
How wonderful that Leason is a perfect match. You deserved that promising news ! Hopefully the ATG is going to be the final step but if not, lucky you to have such a special brother!! Our prayers are with you constantly ! I find myself laughing and crying along with your blog, always hopeful that you are improving. Keep fighting…. Your tremendous spirit, and sense of humor prove that “laughter can be the best medicine”. It certainly helps those of us praying for your recovery. Hugs!
Terri and Blake
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You BOTH are my heroes! Time for the Dynamic Duo to kick some butt & defeat Dr Schulman & his pesky sidekick A. A. Nemia!!!
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jos,
Wonderful news about Leason your HERO being a match…loved reading all about your adventures with him. Keep that awesome spirit high!!God Bless you and your Beautiful family…
Love xo,
Patty
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Joselyn, its Amie Curnutt, from Foothill days.
I have just heard about your, uh, “adventure”…(is there a good word for what you’re going thru? I think not.) My prayers are WITH YOU. Your blog is brilliant and you are amazing. Sending healing love to you.
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Joselyn & Leason! This is the very best news ever! I am so relieved to hear that you match! I’ve been keeping you close in my thoughts…and will continue to do so…Take care and hang in there…I know how tough it is. Jos – my offer still stands if you want to talk with my two friends who both had aplastic anemia, treated by BMT with sibling marrow…They are both doing wonderfully – almost 20 years later.
Love,
Kara
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You and your entire family are an inspiration to us all. Keep up the fight, because we all know you are a winner! John and Pat Devine
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You amaze me, your fighting, kick ass, humerous spirit. your beloved community is cheering for you and anxious to have you home again. Stay strong! Love the pics of you and leason. I remember braiding your hair with envy in aspen! So envious, I with my short Dorothy Hamil and you with your beautiful long locks!!! Xoxo
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Hated hearing about everything you have been enduring over the last few weeks/months. Loved hearing about your childhood – I can honestly say that after 50 years on this earth (almost 51, but who’s counting) Mary, yours is the most idyllic childhood of anyone I have ever met. I’ve always thought that ever since I met you and your family. You are truly blessed. I’m so very happy that Leason is a perfect match – another miraculous blessing. Your angels are looking out for you, Joselyn. Looking forward to your return home. Love, Mary
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Sorry, somehow, “Mary” was put in the wrong place! I wondered where it went when I typed it!
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So glad to hear that you’re hanging in there… Fingers crossed that your treatment works wonders. Miss running into you at our favorite meeting spot 😉 I’m sending lots of good thoughts.
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Thrilled to learn Leason is a perfect match!! Your recap of childhood with your bro had me laughing uncontrollably. The rental car story-off the charts ! So proud of you for the humor-I know this s–ks-we are all here with you-just wish you weren’t going through H–L!!
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Honored to be able to follow your blog Jocelyn………….but even more honored to know you and know the courageous battle you are fighting! You are going thru hell and we sympathize with you. Our son had a brain tumor at age 15 and we spent 10 months going through hell and back at Choc hospital. My heart goes out to you every step of the way………keep fighting the fight!!! You are one amazing woman and love your brother!!! Heros surround us!!! Positive thoughts to you always, everyday!!!
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Good article and right to the point. I don’t know if this is actually the best place to ask but do you people have any thoughts on where to hire some professional writers? Thx 🙂
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Joselyn, Jeff Morris here…..thank you for uplifting my spirits with your incredibly witty and entertaining blog…..you need to have your own nationally syndicated column…….you would change the world….I am giving you GREAT THOUGHTS every single day….Bless you…..
_____
From: Joselyn’s Brawl with Shulman’s Syndrome [mailto:comment-reply@wordpress.com] Sent: Friday, October 05, 2012 7:13 PM To: dnjmorris@cox.net Subject: [New post] My Hero
joselynmiller posted: ” My Thundering Herd that keeps the HOPE alive for an ATG cure So, I’ve been chillin’ in my germ-free bubble for over 3 weeks now, trying to dodge any and all possible body invaders such as lung pneumonia i”
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Loved reading about your joyous childhood and all the fun memories you and your brother shared! Brothers are the BEST! I am fortunate to have 2 myself, which is why we girls have guts…no pussies, us! So glad to read through the tears that your bro’ is a match…you always knew he’d be there if you needed him, now didn’t ya?! Although, he may lord this over you for like the rest of your life…which is, in this case, legit, right? Small price to pay for the constant harassment! (Well at least, that’s what my bro’s would do~) Besides, I’m sure you give as good as you get, right Jos?! (I know your type!) Anyway, glad to read an update, as all of us out here in blog land have been waiting anxiously for another of your fabulous posts. (We worry about you, ya know?) So glad that the side effects haven’t totally gotten you down and you’re still your funny, upbeat self! You amaze us all with your heart, courage and hilarious sense of humor~Love you girl!
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He’s my hero too for matching with u! So glad you came out of the bubble world to give a report, we all worry but keep you always in our prayers!
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Adorable pictures!
Keep well and keep making small steps’
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I’m no hero. I’m just willing to help out my sis if she needs it. (Even though she did mess up my room and call me a dummy one time.) Besides, it can’t be as bad as those itchy sweaters. What were they made of? Eyelashes?
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Such wonderful news about the match! Thanks for sharing your memories. This was my favorite post yet.
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