Hi everyone,

Sorry it's been so long. Things here have been crazy. I wanted to let you know that I got a message from Sally, Ollie's wife. Ollie was admitted to the hospital because he was having trouble breathing. His oxygen level was really low. The doctors are not sure what is going on because his chest X-ray is normal, but he failed his lung tests. The doctors are going to scope his lungs once he is stabilized. They are not sure if the rash is now internal. I will let you know if I hear anything else.

Abby

Abby,
First, it is so good to hear from you. I've been thinking of you and hoping that things were okay on the AML side of life.

Second, THANK YOU for updating us on Ollie. Frankly, I've been a little frantic and could not fall asleep last night because I was worrying about how he was doing. There are many people who are going to be so relieved to have gotten some word on his condition. I wasn't sure if there was anyone who had any contact information for Ollie so that we could find out. Again, very glad that Ollie's wife called you.

Third, I suggest that we all have a prayer/well wishes/meditation marathon for Ollie at this time. He is in need of our prayers and thoughts.

I am going to start a new discussion thread called Ollie so that anyone, including Ollie when he is better, can post there about him. I'll copy this email there.

Therese

My heart goes to Ollie and his wife. It was very nice of her to update us. I will pray for Ollie tonight and every day. He is an amazing man and went through so much. Please, keep us all posting on what is happening.

Abby,
Thank you for the update. Praying for Ollie, Sally, family and friends that he feels better soon and that they find out what is wrong and guidance on treatment. I have been very worried about him since his last update on how lousy he was feeling. Praying that all turns around soon!
Thank you,
Suzanne

It is my fervent prayer that Ollie recovers quickly. I am happy that we have an update. I also remember that during my ICU days, they found nothing in my lungs, but my oxygen levels were low which is what required me being put on the vent. So, I hope it is just one of those things, that amounts to nothing for Ollie.

Abby, thank you for updating us and I am happy to hear you are ok.

Therese, "there's a pill for that", go to sleep! I love that you started this thread. I am starting a prayer avalanche on my end.

Peace, love & hope always,
Andrea

Andrea and Therese,

As usual, you two lead the way in compassion and selflessness. I actually slept well last night, because I didn't have Ollie on my mind at bedtime. It's funny, but now my wife knows all your names, because I speak about you as the close friends that you are.

Therese, please keep me posted if you hear something.

Cliff

Love and prayers for Ollie tonight, as always, but extra after reading of this setback. Thanks for the update Abby. I haven't been on here in a while but am always thinking about and praying for my second family here.....because that's what you all are, a second family. Time to start assigning new names: Papa Ollie, Uncle Dave, Sister Abby, Cousin Therese......... =) Praying for good news about Papa Ollie next time I log in.

Gloria,
We missed you and have not stopped thinking about you or Nicole. I wasn't sure if you checked the site. It can't be easy. I read your recent Thanksgiving journal entry and just cried. I know that your grief and pain are so enormous after losing Nicole, but yet you still found so much to be thankful for. Seriously, I didn't think it was possible to find so many positive things in the midst of great loss. You are incredible. Your optimism and forward looking perspective is humbling. Nicole was so lucky to have you as her sister. There are simply no words to say how awesome you are. Your heart is so big and so full of love.
Therese

Andrea,
Yes, I need pills. I got a little overanxious and when I'm stressed, I don't sleep :( Actually, I have to admit that I've spent a few hours looking at the ceiling thinking about you, too, but it looks like you are on the right track now and I'm sleeping better because of it. However, sometimes I keep one eye open, just in case you need a few extra good wishes sent your way:)

Cliff,
I know Abby will post if she hears from Sally (Ollie's wife). I am so glad that Abby and Ollie were able to meet in person after being so close on this site for months. That connection will help keep us connected to the updates on Ollie's progress. We can both sleep better now!

Oh, and my husband knows about everyone on the site, too. I give him the scoop on what is going on with Ollie, Suzanne, Andrea, Trish, Nicole, Phil, Abby, Abby2, etc., etc..

Everyone,
Let's keep sending those prayers and good wishes up for Ollie so he can get back on the site himself and tell us about his farmer jeans!!

Therese

Prayers out to Ollie and his family !!

Phil,

I was happy so see your post. Hearing from you always brings a smile to my face. Like the rest of us, I am extremely happy to hear that Ollie is still fighting on. What I now want to hear is that he is better and back to posting notes that make us think (and laugh - yes, Therese, the Farmer Brown look is really in vogue lately).

My thoughts and my heart go out to Ollie and the rest of you in the trenches next to me.

Cliff

Ollie is such an inspiration to me. A man with a golden heart. I am sending gold to his lungs so they recover quickly and the rash gets in control. Ollie your fight is our fight and we are fighting with you every moment.

Ed

Ed,
Yes! I love that. "Your fight is our fight" spectacular.

I am having a problem with some posts here. I see all of the threads when I just view the site, but when I log in , Some disappear . I checked my settings and everything seems ok.
Has anyone had this issue?

Andrea

I will add here what I have before -- Ollie was the one who got a lot of these thread going. I wish he would put that old picture with the mask on for us to see. For a while that is all I saw of him and he looked like a sinister guy behind the mask, and then (when was it Ollie, sometime during your consolidation rounds) he posted that other picture and I though -- wow, he is quite a handsome guy. Not that that mattered since he has been so concerned with everyone on this list. It is great that Therese2 set up this thread as a tribute to him.

Ollie -- we are all praying for you and hope that you are getting through it and will be back with us before long. Take care and keep the faith -- dave

Ollie I have been thinking about you all day. You were such a support to me when I went through a really rough induction. You made me laugh and encouraged me in every way. Seriously I was so low that I could barely talk to my family or wife (then gf) or anyone and when i got a response from you it always hit the right chord.

Can't wait till you pop back onto these threads and brighten every one of them.

Ed