.JPG)
You may or may not know that I haven't been feeling like myself for quite some time. A trip to a cardiologist in October indicated that I had atrial fib, a very common heart condition. Once on the proper medications I rallied a bit, but never truly hit my stride. After a follow-up visit and discussion about a dental implant that became infected, my cardiologist questioned my slightly elevated white blood cells as a possible source. Blood cultures and other tests confirmed his findings. We thought we'd found the culprit - a bacteria infection in my blood, likely caused by my dental implant!
Well the holidays came and went and I became more sluggish and worn out. New Year's Day brought violent chills and fever, I was admitted to GBMC and placed on an antibiotic, Vancomycin. After several days I was released with home care and a PICC line so that I could administer my meds at home. Two weeks later, the chills and fever returned with such a vengence I was forced back to GBMC - I was allergic to the Vanc! Who knew! New PICC line, more prodding and poking and I was sent home with new meds and a new outlook.
On January 26th Ray and I took off for our annual trip to the Florida Keys full of hope and ready to have some fun! I administered my last dose of antibiotic on Jan. 31st with plans to have my PICC Line removed the coming Monday. Not! That morning I woke with terrible pain just below my breast bone. I thought I was either having a heart attack or a gall bladder attack. Off to the Lower Keys Medical Center we go (not a side trip I recommend, by the way). My white counts were up dramatically and I was terribly anemic. I was in the ICU for 3 days and in the pediatric ward (don't ask) for one night. Oh, and yes, they removed my PICC Line.
Once released I spent the rest of February either resting or managing an occassional bout of pain. I did however, get a great tan! As February wore on I became more and more weak so when we got home I contacted my doctor. A trip back to GBMC on March 10th and a bone marrow biopsy is how I found out I have leukemia.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Bev, Michelle told me your sad news. I'm sorry but you sound like your spirits are high which will help. You're in my thoughts and if there is anything I can do to help, please just let me know. Also, I really hope your siblings will work as a donor, but if you need it, maybe we could put together a bone marrow drive.
ReplyDeletePaula
Bev - I would like you to know that more people than you know are pulling for your recovery. I, for one, have been following your blog. You are so in tune with your state of health and are so attentive to what needs to be done. I am so impressed that you can even pronounce the medical terminology and speak in such specific terms.
ReplyDeleteWe all are praying and cheering for you. I have told Carol Ihnat, Joyce Ransone and Louise Bauernfeind, .... all FFG friends of mine who know you. So there are prayers coming from every corner of your world.
So, you should have all the strength you need to pull through this, and through the treatments .... the LP treatments ..... my gosh, girl, ...... you will be one tough mother when this is all over.
We all love you dearly,
Marjie Poffel