Maureen was admitted to Beth Israel Deaconess in Boston MA 12/16/14 with Acute Myloid Leukemia. She underwent two rounds of high intensity chemo followed by a transplant March 19, 2015. The leukemia was in remission for several months but returned late August '15. Since then Maureen has had several different types of treatment both as an inpatient and outpatient. Currently Maureen is in the hospital (10/17) receiving two different chemo regimens. She hopes to go home soon.
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Hi Maureen, This blog is a wonderful idea---how you write is just about as funny and heartfelt as listening to you in person so you can help us understand what you are going through in a way only you can. I'm checking on you often, kiddo---I'd rather be there bugging you in person but for now I'll do my best to bug you like this :-) you know, bad jokes, rambling stories, but mostly, a lot of support as you tackle this...and you will. I know you will. Love you---xo Jenny
Hi Maureen, I'm glad things are set up now with the Blog so I can write you. It's good to hear that things are moving along according to the plan (although I'm sorry that you have to have a plan at all and that you are going through this stuff). Please know of my love, care and prayer.
Hi Maureen, Not sure you remember meeting me at Emma's basketball games - Gianna Carpenito's mom, Susan. Just wanted to let you know that I know someone that has gone through this and no doubt there are good days and bad days but she is absolutely fine now and in remission. So keep your spirits up and I am sure we will be seeing you soon at SMS. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Good to read your "newsy" blog report that John sent me the link to. (I know! I just ended a sentence with a preposition. Darn!). Keep up that good fight, as we know you can and will do it. Those cancer cells ain't seen nothin' yet! And keep that bone marrow spitting out good new blood cells! Prayers will continue, and look forward to hearing of your continued progress. Jerry
Just found your blog. Great. I am praying for you daily. My Christ Renews His Parish sisters are praying as well. Your positive attitude will hasten your recovery. I know, it can't hasten fast enough. Love to you all, Aunt Mary (Colbert)
HI Moe, Got your news and need to reach out. Thank you for the blog posts. I have spread the word to some of your friends from ol' Thomson/Cengage. Everyone is in shock. I'll keep in touch and look for your updates. I wish I could help in someway, so I will not let you escape my thoughts.
Hi Moe, Just heard your news from Katie. What a shock! Thanks for keeping us up to date with your blog. It is a great way to follow your journey and send support. Thinking of you and hoping for great news in 2015! I suppose you will have to move rooms again after your new years eve celebrations.. keep it down would you! Stay happy and positive.. You're a winner! xo, Robin Najar
We were away and recently heard about your shocking news! After reading your blog, it appears that things are moving in a positive direction! Your upbeat attitude, courage and strength are to be commended!! I hope the new year brings even more positive news and you are healthy very soon! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time!
Happy New Year Moe!! It was so great to hear your voice yesterday, and to hear you sounding so strong! Your bravery and positive attitude are remarkable, and you are a model for us all! Here's wishing you continued good news and steady progress on your road to recovery and wellness in 2015!! And, don't throw out those dancing shoes just yet because ...next New Year's Eve we are going out on the town and dancing!! Love you! Cheers, Kate
Happy New Year, Maureen! Hope you got my Christmas email; I wasn't smart enough to know how to send a Comment through your blog. Anyway, it's a full week later -- and the New Years news you're sending us is great: your blast cells down to zero, your Mom's visit, your new and spacious room, family and friends telling you how much they love you and are praying for you. We'll take all these gifts and the promise they hold out for a really blessed, healthy and happy New Year for you. Just today I placed your name and need on Fr. Solanus' tomb here at St. Bonaventure's. As you know, it's a place of miracles for many. Thanks much for sharing your blog with us, Maureen; all of us want to stay connected. Love, Dan Crosby
Hi Maureen, I thought your Mother might be in Boston with you because I called her on the house phone and didn't get a response and don't have her cell phone number. Anyway I'm down the road from Painesville. I arrived at the Ursuline Sisters in Pepper Pike last evening to give them a retreat until Thursday morning. I hope to see some of the Cleveland Redmonds while here. At my first Mass with the Sisters I told them about you and your illness and asked them to join me in praying for you. Many blessings to you, Maureen; may your healing be quick and total! Love, Mike
Moe, I've been tracking your progress and am pleased to see that your news is mostly positive. So sorry to hear about the recent fevers and I hope that they make a speedy retreat. So wish I could be there to visit, but you're in my thoughts every day. xoxox, Kathy Eads
Hi Moe, So glad to hear your fever is down.. Next time you get so hot perhaps you might like to listen to this to keep you smiling.. Fever by Peggy Lee.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGb5IweiYG8
Hope you continue to feel cool and get some good news ! Best, Robin
We are keeping up with your story and keeping you in our prayers. Your attitude is an inspiration! We are keeping our fingers crossed for continued good news. So glad you are feeling better and your fever is on its way down.
Best; The Conaton Family John, Nicole, Emily and Jack
Ok - I can pretend that I'm my 16 year old son, if it's the only way I can leave you a message. Hopefully, my messages will be a little more kind and caring than Joseph's would be - but we all know he has a wonderful way with words. That's probably why he gets along so well with your Joe. Anyways, so glad to hear the fever is under control and you continue to get good news. Sorry we won't be able to visit for awhile. We'll be close by at BU all weekend if things change.
Hi Moe - I'm so glad you reached out to me. Please keep us posted on the bone marrow donor front. I think about you every day, and would post more, but it is taking me forever to edit out the naughty parts, and I do have a job you know!
HI Moe, It was -4.7 degrees here in Western CT this morning at 7am. We slept in, because we had a big adventure last night. I was worried last night, about 9pm, that my pet rabbit would be frozen to the ground this morning, so Amy and I put on our snow pants and jackets to go rescue Henry. Henry had no interest in our mission and stayed in the faraway corner of the hutch. We called his name and pushed him with our fingers, but he did not want to jump into our little cage and be moved. Finally, Henry got the brilliant idea and dashed out past Amy and I and into the yard. It was pitch dark and our dog Reba started to chase. Around and around the rabbit, then the dog, then Amy and I ran. Finally, I commanded Reba to stop and she did. The rabbit also stopped. She was probably tired of the chase. I scooped her up and carried into the house in her portable cage. She is now living in the laundry room on a bed of hay with water and food. Just wanted to share with you this story. I have you in my thoughts most of the day, but not when I'm chasing animals around the yard.
Hey Maureen! Found you! Love that quote, it sure does apply to this crazy life. Glad to hear the fevers have receded and hopefully you'll have more good news on the biopsy. I'm sure you are feeling like a pin cushion! Hope to come in for another visit when possible. Love, Betsy
Hi Moe, I just received your and Jim's Christmas card this past weekend and was sad to hear that you are having to fight this %€£%¥ disease. But fight you must!!! Just wanted to let you know that YOU and your family will be in my prayers. I know it has been a long time since we have seen each other but I believe that with your awesome spirit and sense of humor you will beat this thing! Say hello to John for me and stay strong! Love you, Kathy Schwab
Sorry to hear sbout the need for a 4th biopsy...i fear the nurses and doctors are keeping you there because your a delightful and humorous patient? Perhaps you can try being crabby and somber, and see if they send you home sooner? -kkd
Maureen~ I am in awe of your strength and attitude! Keep it up! You have reminded me to update my Bone Marrow registry profile, if I'm not a match I am praying that someone out there will be! God Bless! Love, your cousin Tricia
Nice work by your Patriots last night. It was wonderful talking to you last week and despite what you are going through you sounded remarkable. As always you made me laugh, I hope I was able to do the same. I let some of the Cengage gang know where to find you so I suspect you will be hearing from them. Sorry to hear about the extended stay but it does sound like progress is being made. You are on our minds and we are praying for you. Look forward to following your progress.
Hi Maureen, John gave me the link to your blog and I have been reading about your progess. Just wanted to say Hello and let you know that you are in my prayers. Denise Bushnell
Maureen: Dreis told me about your bout with leukemia. This site is marvelous and the latest news from the attending docs even sweeter. The good news is that they know more each day about the disease and more about how to rid it. Diane and I will make a contribution to Josh's Fund in your name so the oncology nurses will know about our wonderful Maureen as well. Now that we reconnected, we'll stay in touch. Fred
Hi Maureen! What a Valentine's Day gift your news brought all of us! In the midst of all the cold, snow and frustration that are part of Boston's everyday life, your news brought much-needed warmth, joy and celebration. I would love to have been there to celebrate with you. I thank God with you and with all those who've been praying for you. Now we move on to the bone marrow transplant. I thank the Lord for the wonderful woman who's doing this for you. Love, Dan Crosby .
Hi Maureen, I wanted to say hello, God bless you, and let you know that I am praying for you. Pamela shared your blog with me and I simply wanted you to know that I am thinking of you and your family. You are as determined as you are strong and I know that great things are ahead for you. I do get to Boston periodically so when my next trip firms up, I hope that you are able to have guests. You stay strong, keep positive and know that many many people are pulling for you. Keep fighting! Rick
Maureen, Know what you mean about "helping you think things out" that the doctors/etc. say. So write on, many are very interested and others can just skip that part. So glad the good Irish Stock is working so well! And remember, this is YOUR month and the Irish Gods are smiling on you! Love, Mj
Hi Maureen! I was gone from Detroit last week, giving a Parish Mission, so only yesterday (Sun., Mar 8) did I have a chance to catch up on your blog. What a treat it was! My heart is brimming over with thanksgiving to God for the positive, hope-filled news you gave all of us. How right you are about the combination of all the prayers going up AND your "tough Irish body!" You know we'll keep up those prayers -- and we know you'll keep pumping into that tough Irish body all the goodness, trust and peace it needs to have complete healing. Thank you, Lord, for all your blessings! Love, Dan Crosby
Thoughts and prayers sent your way but does this mean Kate will be out of town again and Kevin will be left to his own devises? That's way more scary than leukemia. I know it's just a matter of time until you are 100% and I look forward to your next visit to UA. . .as I'm sure copious amounts of alcohol will fuel your recovery. And if not I'm sure I can drink for two. Cheers, Todd
Moe- I do love your blogs- they are so totally you- I can hear your voice and sense of humor as I read them. The latest posts after labor day are good news, and its awesome that you made the concert with Emma! Hope to see you soon maybe weekend of Oct 3/4 when J is around. Well celebrate this Happy Bday month with you and Emma!! xo- K
Hi Maureen,
ReplyDeleteThis blog is a wonderful idea---how you write is just about as funny and heartfelt as listening to you in person so you can help us understand what you are going through in a way only you can. I'm checking on you often, kiddo---I'd rather be there bugging you in person but for now I'll do my best to bug you like this :-) you know, bad jokes, rambling stories, but mostly, a lot of support as you tackle this...and you will. I know you will. Love you---xo Jenny
Hi Maureen,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad things are set up now with the Blog so I can write you.
It's good to hear that things are moving along according to the plan (although I'm sorry that you have to have a plan at all and that you are going through this stuff).
Please know of my love, care and prayer.
Hi Maureen,
ReplyDeleteNot sure you remember meeting me at Emma's basketball games - Gianna Carpenito's mom, Susan. Just wanted to let you know that I know someone that has gone through this and no doubt there are good days and bad days but she is absolutely fine now and in remission. So keep your spirits up and I am sure we will be seeing you soon at SMS. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Good to read your "newsy" blog report that John sent me the link to. (I know! I just ended a sentence with a preposition. Darn!). Keep up that good fight, as we know you can and will do it. Those cancer cells ain't seen nothin' yet! And keep that bone marrow spitting out good new blood cells! Prayers will continue, and look forward to hearing of your continued progress. Jerry
ReplyDeleteJust found your blog. Great. I am praying for you daily. My Christ Renews His Parish sisters are praying as well. Your positive attitude will hasten your recovery. I know, it can't hasten fast enough. Love to you all, Aunt Mary (Colbert)
ReplyDeleteHI Moe,
ReplyDeleteGot your news and need to reach out. Thank you for the blog posts. I have spread the word to some of your friends from ol' Thomson/Cengage. Everyone is in shock.
I'll keep in touch and look for your updates.
I wish I could help in someway, so I will not let you escape my thoughts.
Luv and Hugs!
Julie
Hi Moe,
ReplyDeleteJust heard your news from Katie. What a shock! Thanks for keeping us up to date with your blog. It is a great way to follow your journey and send support. Thinking of you and hoping for great news in 2015! I suppose you will have to move rooms again after your new years eve celebrations.. keep it down would you!
Stay happy and positive.. You're a winner!
xo,
Robin Najar
Maureen, keeping you in my thoughts. Here's to a smooth 2015 for you & your family.
ReplyDeleteStay strong,
Ed Williams
Hi Maureen,
ReplyDeleteWe were away and recently heard about your shocking news! After reading your blog, it appears that things are moving in a positive direction! Your upbeat attitude, courage and strength are to be commended!! I hope the new year brings even more positive news and you are healthy very soon! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time!
Happy New Year!
From your neighbors, the Kokkotos family
Happy New Year Moe!! It was so great to hear your voice yesterday, and to hear you sounding so strong! Your bravery and positive attitude are remarkable, and you are a model for us all! Here's wishing you continued good news and steady progress on your road to recovery and wellness in 2015!! And, don't throw out those dancing shoes just yet because ...next New Year's Eve we are going out on the town and dancing!! Love you! Cheers, Kate
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Maureen! Hope you got my Christmas email; I wasn't smart enough to know how to send a Comment through your blog. Anyway, it's a full week later -- and the New Years news you're sending us is great: your blast cells down to zero, your Mom's visit, your new and spacious room, family and friends telling you how much they love you and are praying for you. We'll take all these gifts and the promise they hold out for a really blessed, healthy and happy New Year for you. Just today I placed your name and need on Fr. Solanus' tomb here at St. Bonaventure's. As you know, it's a place of miracles for many. Thanks much for sharing your blog with us, Maureen; all of us want to stay connected. Love, Dan Crosby
ReplyDeleteHi Maureen,
ReplyDeleteI thought your Mother might be in Boston with you because I called her on the house phone and didn't get a response and don't have her cell phone number.
Anyway I'm down the road from Painesville. I arrived at the Ursuline Sisters in Pepper Pike last evening to give them a retreat until Thursday morning. I hope to see some of the Cleveland Redmonds while here.
At my first Mass with the Sisters I told them about you and your illness and asked them to join me in praying for you.
Many blessings to you, Maureen; may your healing be quick and total!
Love,
Mike
Great news; let's have lots more of it!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Mike
Moe, I've been tracking your progress and am pleased to see that your news is mostly positive. So sorry to hear about the recent fevers and I hope that they make a speedy retreat. So wish I could be there to visit, but you're in my thoughts every day. xoxox, Kathy Eads
ReplyDeleteHi Moe,
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear your fever is down.. Next time you get so hot perhaps you might like to listen to this to keep you smiling..
Fever by Peggy Lee..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGb5IweiYG8
Hope you continue to feel cool and get some good news !
Best,
Robin
Hi Maureen;
ReplyDeleteWe are keeping up with your story and keeping you in our prayers. Your attitude is an inspiration! We are keeping our fingers crossed for continued good news. So glad you are feeling better and your fever is on its way down.
Best;
The Conaton Family
John, Nicole, Emily and Jack
I'm writing away to see if it works! Getting so frustrated that I won't be able to keep it clean much longer!
ReplyDeleteAmy Turk
Ok - I can pretend that I'm my 16 year old son, if it's the only way I can leave you a message. Hopefully, my messages will be a little more kind and caring than Joseph's would be - but we all know he has a wonderful way with words. That's probably why he gets along so well with your Joe. Anyways, so glad to hear the fever is under control and you continue to get good news. Sorry we won't be able to visit for awhile. We'll be close by at BU all weekend if things change.
ReplyDeleteSending much love,
Amy Turk
Hi Moe - I'm so glad you reached out to me. Please keep us posted on the bone marrow donor front. I think about you every day, and would post more, but it is taking me forever to edit out the naughty parts, and I do have a job you know!
ReplyDeleteLot's of love,
Phil
Matthew:6 25-27&33-34. A note of encouragement: it is -7 degrees here; pretend you are on the beach in Hawaii. I am.
ReplyDeleteHI Moe,
ReplyDeleteIt was -4.7 degrees here in Western CT this morning at 7am. We slept in, because we had a big adventure last night.
I was worried last night, about 9pm, that my pet rabbit would be frozen to the ground this morning, so Amy and I put on our snow pants and jackets to go rescue Henry. Henry had no interest in our mission and stayed in the faraway corner of the hutch. We called his name and pushed him with our fingers, but he did not want to jump into our little cage and be moved. Finally, Henry got the brilliant idea and dashed out past Amy and I and into the yard. It was pitch dark and our dog Reba started to chase. Around and around the rabbit, then the dog, then Amy and I ran. Finally, I commanded Reba to stop and she did. The rabbit also stopped. She was probably tired of the chase. I scooped her up and carried into the house in her portable cage. She is now living in the laundry room on a bed of hay with water and food.
Just wanted to share with you this story. I have you in my thoughts most of the day, but not when I'm chasing animals around the yard.
Take care and power-on!
Julie
Hey Maureen! Found you! Love that quote, it sure does apply to this crazy life. Glad to hear the fevers have receded and hopefully you'll have more good news on the biopsy. I'm sure you are feeling like a pin cushion! Hope to come in for another visit when possible. Love, Betsy
ReplyDeleteHi Moe,
ReplyDeleteI just received your and Jim's Christmas card this past weekend and was sad to hear that you are having to fight this %€£%¥ disease. But fight you must!!! Just wanted to let you know that YOU and your family will be in my prayers. I know it has been a long time since we have seen each other but I believe that with your awesome spirit and sense of humor you will beat this thing! Say hello to John for me and stay strong!
Love you,
Kathy Schwab
Sorry to hear sbout the need for a 4th biopsy...i fear the nurses and doctors are keeping you there because your a delightful and humorous patient? Perhaps you can try being crabby and somber, and see if they send you home sooner? -kkd
ReplyDeleteI wish things were clearer for the docs (and you) to address.
ReplyDeleteFrom a Wisconsinite, however, there was good news with Ohio State!
Love,
HI Moe-
ReplyDeleteWaiting on the sun, warm weather to come back. Working on positive energy for your bone marrow news. Crossing fingers and toes!
Julie
Maureen~
ReplyDeleteI am in awe of your strength and attitude! Keep it up!
You have reminded me to update my Bone Marrow registry profile, if I'm not a match I am praying that someone out there will be! God Bless!
Love, your cousin Tricia
Maureen, I'm sorry to hear that you are stuck there for another 4 weeks. Bummer. I hope it doesn't feel like jail. Want us to "spring you out". ;-)
ReplyDeleteWe're thinking of you every day. And we love you very much!
Zoltan
Good morning Moe -
ReplyDeleteNice work by your Patriots last night. It was wonderful talking to you last week and despite what you are going through you sounded remarkable. As always you made me laugh, I hope I was able to do the same. I let some of the Cengage gang know where to find you so I suspect you will be hearing from them. Sorry to hear about the extended stay but it does sound like progress is being made. You are on our minds and we are praying for you. Look forward to following your progress.
Touch base soon.
-dreis
Hi Maureen, John gave me the link to your blog and I have been reading about your progess. Just wanted to say Hello and let you know that you are in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteDenise Bushnell
Hi Maureen,
ReplyDeleteI've 'lurked" a few times on your blog but didn't comment.
I do think about you and keep you in my prayers. Even lit a candle at Sunday Mass.
I will be in Boston next week for a two day meeting, weather permitting. Every minute is accounted for.
Hang in there, sweetie!
Greg Albert
Mo -
ReplyDeleteFred Gottheil said to say hello to you. He will be in touch.
Maureen: Dreis told me about your bout with leukemia. This site is marvelous and the latest news from the attending docs even sweeter. The good news is that they know more each day about the disease and more about how to rid it. Diane and I will make a contribution to Josh's Fund in your name so the oncology nurses will know about our wonderful Maureen as well. Now that we reconnected, we'll stay in touch. Fred
ReplyDeleteHi Maureen! What a Valentine's Day gift your news brought all of us! In the midst of all the cold, snow and frustration that are part of Boston's everyday life, your news brought much-needed warmth, joy and celebration. I would love to have been there to celebrate with you. I thank God with you and with all those who've been praying for you. Now we move on to the bone marrow transplant. I thank the Lord for the wonderful woman who's doing this for you. Love, Dan Crosby .
ReplyDeleteHi Maureen,
ReplyDeleteI wanted to say hello, God bless you, and let you know that I am praying for you. Pamela shared your blog with me and I simply wanted you to know that I am thinking of you and your family. You are as determined as you are strong and I know that great things are ahead for you. I do get to Boston periodically so when my next trip firms up, I hope that you are able to have guests. You stay strong, keep positive and know that many many people are pulling for you. Keep fighting!
Rick
Hi Maureen,
ReplyDeleteAll sounds very good. Just read the latest update. Keep tough and enjoy home and family! Keeping you in our prayers,
Lorie
Maureen,
ReplyDeleteKnow what you mean about "helping you think things out" that the doctors/etc. say.
So write on, many are very interested and others can just skip that part. So glad the good Irish Stock is working so well! And remember, this is YOUR month and the Irish Gods are smiling on you!
Love,
Mj
Hi Maureen!
ReplyDeleteI was gone from Detroit last week, giving a Parish Mission, so only yesterday (Sun., Mar 8) did I have a chance to catch up on your blog. What a treat it was! My heart is brimming over with thanksgiving to God for the positive, hope-filled news you gave all of us. How right you are about the combination of all the prayers going up AND your "tough Irish body!" You know we'll keep up those prayers -- and we know you'll keep pumping into that tough Irish body all the goodness, trust and peace it needs to have complete healing. Thank you, Lord, for all your blessings! Love, Dan Crosby
Hi Maureen,
ReplyDeleteI continue to check the blog. I am keeping you in my prayers as always. I hope things continue to go well. Have a happy Easter.
Love,
Greg
Thoughts and prayers sent your way but does this mean Kate will be out of town again and Kevin will be left to his own devises? That's way more scary than leukemia. I know it's just a matter of time until you are 100% and I look forward to your next visit to UA. . .as I'm sure copious amounts of alcohol will fuel your recovery. And if not I'm sure I can drink for two. Cheers, Todd
ReplyDeleteMoe- I do love your blogs- they are so totally you- I can hear your voice and sense of humor as I read them. The latest posts after labor day are good news, and its awesome that you made the concert with Emma! Hope to see you soon maybe weekend of Oct 3/4 when J is around. Well celebrate this Happy Bday month with you and Emma!!
ReplyDeletexo- K