Leukemia,_a_Survivor's_Perspective

Leukemia, a Survivor’s Perspective Blood disorders that can kill you are things that most people don’t think about, nor are they illnesses that clearly manifest themselves. In my case, I noticed a certain shortness of breath and a lack of energy. Of course I didn’t think much of it; for 57 years I’ve been healthy with no hint of problem. But it was time for an annual checkup. There were no apparent problems while I was at the doctor’s office, but then later that day, about 6pm, the doctor called. My wife took the call; I was outside cutting the grass. She came outside with an alarmed look on her face and gave me the phone. The doctor proceeded to explain that my hemoglobin level came back at 6.5, which is dangerously low and I needed to get to an emergency room as soon as possible. I almost thought it was a joke. I didn’t know anything about blood counts, what hemoglobin is for, and telling me that I was in imminent danger of a heart attack seemed a bit much. I thought, well I’ll finish the grass and then maybe go see about visiting the hospital. My wife was luckily much more concerned. I did finish he grass and then get cleaned up a bit. We drove down to the nearest hospital emergency room, a great way to spend Friday night. Even though they were busy, we didn’t wait too long. Our story about the doctor’s concerns and a 6.5 hemoglobin reading apparently convinced them to move quickly (which surprised and somewhat alarmed me). I was starting to feel like maybe I should take this a little more seriously. After getting hustled back to a bed in ER they took a blood sample. By the way, I’ve always hated giving blood; I get light-headed and frequently have to lie down. A doctor came back shortly confirming the hemoglobin issue and told me that I’d be receiving several units of blood. Not only that, but they would be checking me in to work on determining why it was so low. That was a shock. I never expected to end up spending the night in the hospital. Except for a broken arm 30 years ago, I’ve not needed any treatment for anything. After a battery of tests over the next couple of days, the ER doctor called in an oncologist/hematologist because he suspected a bone marrow issue. She confirmed it with my first, now of many, bone marrow biopsies. Blast counts were high, initial diagnosis was Myodisplastic Syndrome (MDS). How it happens is anyone’s guess, although there are some theory’s floating around, none of which matter once you’re diagnosed. The question becomes what to do about it. Outpatient chemotherapy, re-diagnosed with leukemia (AML), inpatient chemotherapy, find a donor, bone marrow transplant, and a long, long recovery period. Right now it’s been 17 months since the transplant and my immune system is still slowly improving. But I’m here. I learned a lot over the past couple of years. Apparently I’m not invincible. But the right treatment quickly done did wonders for my confidence. I’ve never really doubted that the treatment would work. I’ve also had dozens of friends and family supporting me, offering help and best wishes to buoy my spirits. Don’t hide your malady. You quickly find out who your real friends are, and their support is critical. Learn what you can about the disorder, than you might have an intelligent question or two for the doctor. And, do what they say. Low microbial diets, no plane or train travel, stay out of crowds, and restaurants, all limit the chances of picking up an infection. So far its worked. We’ve also become much better cooks, since almost all our eating is done at home. The other lesson is that complaining about your fate is a non-starter. As Billy Pilgrim said, ‘so it goes’. Being grumpy just annoys your friends and medical help, and doesn’t really get you anywhere. I’m looking forward to many more years. And I will be keeping up with those annual checkups.