14 Comments
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Ed Fensholt Sr.'s avatar

I don't know how I missed this a month ago, but read it tonight and am so pleased to hear Lou is on the mend. It seems trivial to say so, in a context like this, but your writing is poetry.

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Jeff Tamblyn's avatar

Thanks very much, Ed! So nice to hear both things.

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Shawn McCullough's avatar

I almost stopped reading after his diagnosis, as I was already crying. I’m so glad I finished. How wonderful that he’s in remission!!

Both of my parents received a cancer diagnosis just months apart. It was devastating. I was their main caregiver. That was 5 years ago. I still get anxious any time someone gets sick, including my pets. It triggers the past trauma.

Thank you so much for sharing your story.

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D P's avatar

Jeff, So sorry you and your family had to go through a terrible childhood illness like that. Powerful stuff. Very moving. Most of all I'm glad that Louis is back to being a normal kid. Hopefully the whole terrible episode will fade from his memory as he grows up. And as Charles said, hats off to the people who work in intensive hospital units. Take care.

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Claire Haire's avatar

Your writing of Lou’s experience is moving. I cried through a second reading but am so happy that you have been able to have the close knit family that worked together . I continue to send strength and love to you all.

.

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Jeff Tamblyn's avatar

Claire, thanks for reading! Kind comment means so much. Hope to see you again soon.

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Dawn Valadez's avatar

Thank you for sharing this harrowing story. I’m so glad Lou survived and is doing better. I know he benefited from having such a strong loving family around him and you all grew through the experience. I’m wishing you all continued health and love.

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Sharon Flynn's avatar

Having survived advanced cancer over 20 years ago. I know what it is like as an adult. But I cannot imagine doing this with a child or grandchild. I’m so happy to hear the good outcome and suspect all the support he has had has mattered. Warm thoughts for you and your family. He is a fortunate boy.

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Jeff Tamblyn's avatar

Thank you so much for your perspective. We feel so fortunate to have Lou and each other.

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Jenny Benjamin's avatar

Phew. Such a challenging ordeal for you and your family. I feel all the love that got you through the suffering to tell it so true.

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Charles Higginson's avatar

Jeff, this is heartbreaking and heartwarming, scary, thrilling. Reminded me of so many simple truths too easy to overlook. Family is all; medical care is a human right; not least, there's a special place in heaven for the people who work in intensive/rehab hospital units.

I'm so happy this story concluded as it did.

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Jeff Tamblyn's avatar

Thx, Chazz

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Doctrix Periwinkle's avatar

I'm so glad to hear Louis recovered. Thank you for sharing this.

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Jeff Tamblyn's avatar

Thanks for reading, and for your kind words.

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