Made a Huge Mistake at Lunch but Recovered

Made a Huge Mistake at Lunch but Recovered

Facebook | Deacon Tom Frankenfield

Facebook | Deacon Tom Frankenfield

Scared......Again

Well, it is the quarterly visit with Oncology. Fingers, toes, feet and everything else crossed!

Prayers and Blessing Going Out to a Dear Friend

We are all praying fervently for my son's father in law Mike McGowan who is fighting cancer. Mike started the journey of treatment this week. We hold Mike and his family in our hearts. Please pray for this wonderful man! There are few people alive with as much love and compassion as Mike. (Plus, he's a fellow scotch drinker!)

Love,
Tom

Going to Funerals Is Really Tough

Well, we just got back from Pierre South Dakota where we attended a funeral for our daughter in law's brother. It was really a respectful experience from a loving family.....but going to cancer funeral's really is beginning to tear me up.

Yes, it is because it makes me reflect on my condition. Most of the time, I am very up. I feel that God continues to bless me and everyday is a gift. Then those damn funerals come about.

I want you all to know that I am very appreciative of all that you do for me. I also told everyone that I would be honest--this is my honesty today.

Love,
Tom

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!

One year ago today, I received a phone call that totally changed my life. I was diagnosed with CLL Leukemia. In the past year I have learned so much about this disease--more that I wanted...lol.

Today the CLL continues to be stable in Stage 1. I have gone through 4 check ups--all successful.

My team is incredible. From the support of family and friends to the tender care of my wonderful wife, Joanne, I am truly blessed.

I give praise to God for all He has done for me and I continue to try to be humble with all who bless me.

Love with all my heart,
Tom

Been Busy

Well, by the date of this post you can all see that I have been crazy nuts busy. I met with the cancer team about 5 weeks ago and they are very pleased with everything. I am down about 20 pounds and all my numbers are great--except that I still have Leukemia.

Thanks to all of you for your love and support. From the loss of my Dad to the friends that also have cancer, I am beginning to feel lucky that mine is so slow growing.

What's next? Well I start class again on Wednesday. This is the first term that I have not taught Ethics but it will give me a chance to rewrite the course. To all my students--luv ya!

Okay, now for my usual promise to do a better job of blogging. I also promise to update my website: DeaconTom.com.

Blessings to all,
Tom

The End of a Stressful Year...Hope for a Great New Year

To say the least, 2009 was a very interesting year for my family.

• Both my dad and I were diagnosed with Leukemia. Luckily, mine is CLL which is the least aggressive of all the Leukemia's.
• I learned the new language of Cancer.
  
• I met lots of people who had an encounter with lives of family members who have cancer in their lives or in their lives.
• I was hired to a fantastic job where I can impact the lives of lots of student at Kaplan University.
• Many other things happened but the most important is that I am loved by lots of people.

Plus, the greatest gift is my family. Check out these amazing grandchildren!~





Happy New Year to all!!!

Thanks...Luv Tom

Got My Hugs!!!!

It is amazing what my grandchildren can do for my spirit. I went home for lunch today and as I entered the house, heard the sound, "Grampa." It is hard to type this without the tears of joy leaking out. From sharing a cold grilled cheese sandwich to taking out shoes off to show our socks to one another, we had fun, fun, fun!

30 min on a cross trainer at the gym today. Working on getting the old system going again.

Love to all

I Guess I Can't Always Have Good News

Well, the good news had to end some time.

I have had an ear infection for over a month. I have seen 3 doctors, including ENT. I have been on antibiotics for 5 weeks. New antibiotics were ordered today. The doctor said that the lack of recovery was directly related to the Leukemia.

Plus, today the doctor said my white blood count was "off the chart." This is the area that the cancer is in!

Still needing a hug!

Great Christmas + Weirded Out

Had a great time with family and tons of snow.

On the other hand.....I got a little goofy a few times this vacation

1. I was thinking that this might be my last Christmas.
2. My dad is having a real rough time with his Leukemia and I get freaked seeing him. Then I wonder if I will have the same issues.
3. Finally, a DJ that was spinning all those Beatle records when I was a kid died yesterday--of CLL Leukemia. Of course, that is the type that I have.

Need some love!!

Tom

Things keep going well

Hi all,

So far, I have not had any symptoms of Leukemia. The only impact is that it takes forever to heal from anything. From a cold to a bruise from a needle from giving blood, it takes forever to get better again...

Still thankful to everyone and especially, God

Tom

Thanks to Bailey for Loving Us

Today we sent our beautiful and loving dog, Bailey to a more peaceful place. In spite of her cancer and hardly being able to walk, she was cheerful to the end.

God blessed us with Bailey and we are very thankful for that gift.

Getting Support

Thanks to everyone who has called, written and prayed I feel the support!