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Jan 22, 2025, 10:55

Howard Brown: 34 days in chemo isolation, my medical + care team, turning purple, mental toughness

Howard Brown, Host of the Shining Brightly Podcast, shared a post on LinkedIn:

“34 days in chemo isolation, my medical + care team, turning purple, mental toughness

I have been recovering at home for two weeks. I came home weak and frail after the FLAG chemo, 38 blood and platelet transfusions and great news that after a bone marrow biopsy the blasts (immature cancer cells) were reduced. AMEN!

My cancer, medical and care teams worked together. The collaboration, communication and teamwork was so impressive. I have always said life, biz…beating cancer is a team sport. Shout out to my wonder twin and caregiving family and to my docs, nurses, liver specialist, kidney specialist, internal medicine, dermatology, drug interactions, administration food and cleaning staff.

I am sure EYEPOPPING medical bills will be over 7 figures for this stay. Thank God for insurance coverage! I received great care at Corewell Beaumont University Hospital (Rose Cancer Center) in Royal Oak, MI. blessed

Turning PURPLE. Remember Barney the Dinosaur? Unfortunately, I had a severe reaction to antibiotic IV. I had a full body ‘purple and itchy’ skin rash. No fun for sure and full body ointments twice a day helped clear the way.

Mental toughness – I have worked on the art, skill and focus toward 100% health. The days and nights can be long and tiring. I focused on all the love, hugs, and positive energy being sent my way to keep SHINING BRIGHTLY!

I want to share a quote I saw on LinkedIn:

Life’s challenges often arrive like unexpected storms, dark, turbulent, and disorienting. Yet, once the skies clear, we often find ourselves standing stronger, our roots planted deeper in the soil of resilience. These storms, though painful, carry with them the potential for growth.They force us to pause, reflect, and adapt in ways we never imagined possible.

This journey through adversity is not just about survival; it’s about discovering who we are and who we can become. Just like the sunlight breaking through the storm clouds in this image, WE have the power to rise above adversity, stronger and build momentum toward healing and renewal.

The Shining Brightly podcast is on hiatus and my social media post will be selective. Please check out two very special episodes.

• EP 109 – Climbing the Mountain – my daughter Emily interviewed me

• EP 112 – Keep F’n Going – putting my podcast on hiatus for now.

* Spoiler alert – NEXT update will include the game plan and timeline for my donor match stem cell transplant.

Please consider supporting and sharing my Go Fund Me.”