Humbled by the overwhelming response
The outpouring of support from friends, family, and viewers has been unbelievable. I can't tell you how much I am touched by your words of encouragement, and personal stories of triumph and loss due to cancer. It just galvanizes my belief that going public with this disease is truly the right thing to do. My hope is that over the next several months--as I continue to research and learn more about my disease--I will be able to share that information, and help others deal with their own struggles. I want to encourage you to keep writing, keep providing me with feedback, so I know what's on your mind as well. I will try to personally respond to as many as I can.
Here's just a small sampling of the literally hundreds of comments that I have received, just in the last 24 hours:
Fellow Hodge survivor here - Stage 4 for me, was going through what you are now a year ago. Stay strong, find the humor in the absurdity of all that is ABVD, seems scary & bizarre now... but you'll worship the stuff after it saves your life.
Have your kids shave your head when the time is right, and make the while journey what YOU want it to be!
Marty
Hi Bill-
You don't know me, but I know you well. You see, I watch Q13 fox morning news every morning for the last 6-7 years - you are/were my MOST FAVORITE morning anchor. Although I still watch every morning, we miss you charming and clever little jokes and personality. Bo Bice...Bob Ice...hilarious!! LOL!! Anyways, I am with Team in Training, running the Seattle Rock'n'Roll Marathon this summer and have personally raise over $2200 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society - our group has raise over a half a million dollars. I pray that you will battle hard and come out on top. This weekend is our longest training run (3 hours) - I hope it gives you some comfort in knowing that there are 100+ people running to find a cure for your illness and illnesses that are affecting so many people world wide. You have given me even more motivation to finish this marathon, and I thank you for that. When I saw you on the news this morning, it just confirmed that I am doing the right thing by running! You will fight, you will be strong, and you will continue on!! We are running to save lives!!!
Besk of luck and lots prayers being sent your way!
-Bri Sambo
brisambo@gmail.com
Bill, I just heard the news and I was stunned, but immediately I prayed for you, I wasn't sure what else to do. Immediately I felt peace for you and your healing, I know, feel and believe that what you're going through is going to end in your complete healing, health and longevity on this earth with your children,wife and family. Bill, you have a very long life ahead of you. You will get through this awful time and mine and my families prayers are with you. Even though this is an awful thing to go through, you will be able to be such an inspiration to so many for years to come. You're loved by many and prayers are circled around you. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you or your family and I mean that, as any Maximum Living recipe will be made for you and your family if you just let me know. Feel free to call anytime. You're a HERO!
Your Friend,
Randy Altig
Bill,
I'm the Assignment Manager at KWWL-TV in Waterloo, Iowa. I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma about the same time you were. My first chemo treatment was May, 22.
Our morning anchor actually spotted your blog on News Blues and forwarded it to me. Your situation sounds pretty similar to my own. I did not have it in my neck, but in my chest. I'll have chemo followed by radiation as well. And yes, we're planning a health report on my experience too (I was a reporter for about five years).
I think it's great you're using "the business" to get the word out about Hodgkins Lymphoma. I was surprised to learn it's not uncommon in young people (I'm 28).
I know we can beat this. Faith and prayers make all the difference too -- with God, NOTHING is impossible.
Take care and good luck!
Jason Mortvedt
KWWL-TV: Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Dubuque
I can't thank you all for all of your kind words, prayers and support. It means more to me than you will ever know.
Here's just a small sampling of the literally hundreds of comments that I have received, just in the last 24 hours:
Fellow Hodge survivor here - Stage 4 for me, was going through what you are now a year ago. Stay strong, find the humor in the absurdity of all that is ABVD, seems scary & bizarre now... but you'll worship the stuff after it saves your life.
Have your kids shave your head when the time is right, and make the while journey what YOU want it to be!
Marty
Hi Bill-
You don't know me, but I know you well. You see, I watch Q13 fox morning news every morning for the last 6-7 years - you are/were my MOST FAVORITE morning anchor. Although I still watch every morning, we miss you charming and clever little jokes and personality. Bo Bice...Bob Ice...hilarious!! LOL!! Anyways, I am with Team in Training, running the Seattle Rock'n'Roll Marathon this summer and have personally raise over $2200 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society - our group has raise over a half a million dollars. I pray that you will battle hard and come out on top. This weekend is our longest training run (3 hours) - I hope it gives you some comfort in knowing that there are 100+ people running to find a cure for your illness and illnesses that are affecting so many people world wide. You have given me even more motivation to finish this marathon, and I thank you for that. When I saw you on the news this morning, it just confirmed that I am doing the right thing by running! You will fight, you will be strong, and you will continue on!! We are running to save lives!!!
Besk of luck and lots prayers being sent your way!
-Bri Sambo
brisambo@gmail.com
Bill, I just heard the news and I was stunned, but immediately I prayed for you, I wasn't sure what else to do. Immediately I felt peace for you and your healing, I know, feel and believe that what you're going through is going to end in your complete healing, health and longevity on this earth with your children,wife and family. Bill, you have a very long life ahead of you. You will get through this awful time and mine and my families prayers are with you. Even though this is an awful thing to go through, you will be able to be such an inspiration to so many for years to come. You're loved by many and prayers are circled around you. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you or your family and I mean that, as any Maximum Living recipe will be made for you and your family if you just let me know. Feel free to call anytime. You're a HERO!
Your Friend,
Randy Altig
Bill,
I'm the Assignment Manager at KWWL-TV in Waterloo, Iowa. I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma about the same time you were. My first chemo treatment was May, 22.
Our morning anchor actually spotted your blog on News Blues and forwarded it to me. Your situation sounds pretty similar to my own. I did not have it in my neck, but in my chest. I'll have chemo followed by radiation as well. And yes, we're planning a health report on my experience too (I was a reporter for about five years).
I think it's great you're using "the business" to get the word out about Hodgkins Lymphoma. I was surprised to learn it's not uncommon in young people (I'm 28).
I know we can beat this. Faith and prayers make all the difference too -- with God, NOTHING is impossible.
Take care and good luck!
Jason Mortvedt
KWWL-TV: Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Dubuque
I can't thank you all for all of your kind words, prayers and support. It means more to me than you will ever know.
Posted by Bill Wixey at 5/29/2009 2:13 PM 
Categories: cancer blog bill wixey hodgkins lymphoma
Tags: cancer blog bill wixey hodgkins lymphoma
Categories: cancer blog bill wixey hodgkins lymphoma
Tags: cancer blog bill wixey hodgkins lymphoma
Hello Bill and Family-
Wowe!! My heart sunk when my husband of 16 years told me this morning about your journey. (Were guessing we are in the same age bracket as you.) Tears welled up in both of our eyes when he talked about you telling your children. We have 2 precious young daughters so we immediately put ourselves in your shoes-although dont know exactly how you must be feeling. Please give your wife and kids hugs too. I realize that you and your family probably have a faith of your own, but if you were ever curious about what the Bible Really Teaches regarding God's promises for mankind to soon live on a paradise earth without sickness and death, we'd love to share the impelling scriptures to prove to you that these promises are soon to come. I can't imagine what all you and your family must be trying to process at this time but please know that there are people in the area that are concerned and thinking of you!! Keep up the hard fight!!
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Bill, I was diagnosed 5 years ago with stage 3 Hodgkin's. I was always very athletic and healthy, so it came as quite a shock. I was also at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, I had a good laugh about your wife raiding the fridge...sounds very familiar! Keeping a good sense of humor, trusting that God is in complete control, and good protein shakes kept me going strong & if you can believe it, some of my greatest memories are in that "dark" time of my life. My husband (former military) said "look at this as boot camp & get through it strong!" He was totally right, it was like a challenge to me & I became completely focused.(My juicer became a good friend & I walked everyday). I recently ran in the Seattle Marathon, as I passed SCCA & looked up into the windows on the 5th floor, (I thought about all the hours I had spent in chemotherapy...)It was a very satisfying moment for me. Please know that I am keeping you & your family in prayer. Jenn
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I watched your news broadcast, talking about your cancer and what you will be going through the next months ahead. My prayers are with you. I wish you a speedy recovery. Keep up the faith you can fight this cancer!!!!!
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Bill, you're amazing and brave! Thank you for sharing your fight with us all--you will no doubt inspire us while, hopefully, making cancer a little less scary. Our family is sending love and positive thoughts to you and your family!
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Thank you Bill for going public with your tx. It helps all of us know how to pray for you. It takes a strong person to go this public but in doing so you are also educating those who watch and read your story. Thanks for being brave enough to step out of your comfort zone.
Praying for you.
Alice
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I know you have recieved alot of support but how about your wife. I am the wife of a recently diagnosed Non Hodgekis Lymphoma patient at Madigan. It was discovered in his chest while we were on our 15yr anniversary wedding trip to New Zealand-thank God it was an English speaking country! He will be fine. If your wife needs someone to relate to, talk to, cry with or just sit and listen please have her contact me. I know, I understand, I worry too. Thanks Kim
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Kim: Thank you for your response. I'm so sorry to hear about your situation, but as we stand together in faith, we will claim victory over this disease.
You bring an important perspective. My wife has been an absolute rock through all of this, and without her unwavering support, I would be shattered. She feels very strongly about educating the public about cancer. She lost her mom to ovarian cancer two years ago, and has been very active in fundraising and awareness ever since. Shortly after I was diagnosed, she was the one urging that I go public with this. Given the amazing response, and the opportunity to share some of the knowledge I'm gleaning, I'm glad that I did.
I will pass your note along to Catherine. I think you two may have much to discuss.
God Bless,
Bill Wixey
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Hi i was as well just diagnosed with hodgkins lymphoma a few weeks ago i am 19 and a new mother i have a positive atitude. After my first round of chemo they said it wasnt effecting the mass i kept thoughts positive i was admited to the hospital 3 days ago and found out that it now is working and the mass is already half the size it was your attiude really does affect your outcome and healing rate
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Bill,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I will be in touch.
Jen
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Bill - We just want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers as you share your journey with the public. Blessings and strength to you and your family. May you feel God's special presence in your lives at this time.
Doug and Geri
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