Q&A With Becky-Please Read
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The Sernovitz Family
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The Sernovitz Family
Q&A with Becky:
What is your official diagnosis?
My official diagnosis is Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).
My official diagnosis is Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).
When did you first realize something was wrong?
I've been dealing with intermittent fevers for about a month and a half. After antibiotics and steroids didn’t help, I advocated for blood work, which quickly led to an emergency room visit.
I've been dealing with intermittent fevers for about a month and a half. After antibiotics and steroids didn’t help, I advocated for blood work, which quickly led to an emergency room visit.
What symptoms were you experiencing?
I had fever, bleeding gums, mouth sores, and extreme fatigue.
I had fever, bleeding gums, mouth sores, and extreme fatigue.
What is your treatment plan?
I started a 7-day chemotherapy course on Friday, March 14th. I'll remain in the hospital until my blood count is strong enough to support my immune system. Next week, I should get results on a specific gene mutation, which will help guide my treatment. Depending on the results, I may need additional chemotherapy or a bone marrow transplant.
I started a 7-day chemotherapy course on Friday, March 14th. I'll remain in the hospital until my blood count is strong enough to support my immune system. Next week, I should get results on a specific gene mutation, which will help guide my treatment. Depending on the results, I may need additional chemotherapy or a bone marrow transplant.
How are you feeling? Is the chemo working? What are the markers for progress?
We know chemo is working because my blood cell count is dropping. I feel okay overall, with no nausea, though I’m quite hungry despite my appetite. I’m definitely staying positive and taking things one step at a time.
We know chemo is working because my blood cell count is dropping. I feel okay overall, with no nausea, though I’m quite hungry despite my appetite. I’m definitely staying positive and taking things one step at a time.
Are you allowed to enjoy the beautiful spring weather on the Emory campus?
Unfortunately, I’m not allowed to leave my floor right now. But I’m hopeful that in 21-28 days, I’ll be able to go home and enjoy the sunshine again.
Unfortunately, I’m not allowed to leave my floor right now. But I’m hopeful that in 21-28 days, I’ll be able to go home and enjoy the sunshine again.
How are your taste buds? If I come visit, is there anything you’d like me to bring?
I'm not craving sweets at the moment, but I enjoy savory, bland foods—things like bagels with cream cheese or smoothies. Straight dairy has been bothering my stomach, so I’d appreciate light, easy-to-digest snacks.
I'm not craving sweets at the moment, but I enjoy savory, bland foods—things like bagels with cream cheese or smoothies. Straight dairy has been bothering my stomach, so I’d appreciate light, easy-to-digest snacks.
I want to reach out, but don’t want to overwhelm you. What’s the best way to communicate?
Please continue calling and texting! I may not respond right away, but your messages are so appreciated. I’ve been feeling great, and the outpouring of love really helps me every day.
Please continue calling and texting! I may not respond right away, but your messages are so appreciated. I’ve been feeling great, and the outpouring of love really helps me every day.
How are the kids? And how is Larry doing?
The kids are doing well and aren’t too scared since their school buddy has successfully maintained remission. Her family is a real source of hope for ours.
The kids are doing well and aren’t too scared since their school buddy has successfully maintained remission. Her family is a real source of hope for ours.
Larry is staying incredibly strong, and we’re deeply grateful for all the community support. If you can help with carpooling or playdates, please reach out directly—it would mean a lot.
No one has asked about Peaches… how is she?
Peaches is doing well, but she definitely needs some friends! If you have a dog who enjoys a good romp in the backyard, we’d love to arrange a playdate.
Peaches is doing well, but she definitely needs some friends! If you have a dog who enjoys a good romp in the backyard, we’d love to arrange a playdate.
What are you doing to keep busy?
The days are passing by quickly, surprisingly! I’ve been chatting on the phone, responding to texts, and catching up on Netflix shows. I also love reading magazines like Real Simple.
The days are passing by quickly, surprisingly! I’ve been chatting on the phone, responding to texts, and catching up on Netflix shows. I also love reading magazines like Real Simple.
Anything else you'd like us to know?
This past Saturday, my parents came into town, and Larry hosted an early Bat Mitzvah celebration for Daniella. Our amazing planner, Rachel Goldstein, not only created a beautiful room for the ceremony but also made a delicious homemade meal for the family. The official Bat Mitzvah will still take place in April, as planned!
Thank you all for your continued love and support. It truly makes each day brighter.
Comments
Meredith Cohen
Jenn Stredler
amanda ratner
Thoughts and virtual hugs are being sent your way. Wishing we were closer and could help. We will continue to pray for a speedy recovery.
Carolyn Shapiro
Rachel Domers Mccarthy
You continue to stay positive!!
Lisa Green
Lynda Safian
Debbie Kim
Bonnie Cohen-Greenberg
Bev Cohen
Linda Newman
Carol Sheffer
Tracey Diamond
Karen Bowen
Henry Hene
Leann Steinberg
Mai Maye
Gabby Encinias