Day 1 - Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Today, Derrick was diagnosed with acute leukemia. After the diagnosis was made we took him directly to Hershey Medical Center where he will be receiving all of his treatments. We do not know as of now exactly what type of leukemia he has and most likely we'll get his bone marrow test results tomorrow which will indicate the type and how to proceed. According to the doctors, he will be starting with a high intensity chemotherapy program tomorrow, which will last approx. 7-10 days and will have a recovery period of about the same amount of time. Therefore, he will be at the Hershey Medical Center for at least the next 2-3 weeks. During the recovery period they will determine if/when he will need additional treatments. Please keep all of us, Derrick, Mindy, Marcy, Jim and I in your prayers. Just knowing we have such great friends helps immensely. I will try to keep you all informed as we get further information.