Bone Marrow Biopsy Results

The results from my recent bone marrow biopsy are in and I'm pleased to report that all things look good. Hopefully, this will be my last biopsy ever (I hope) - not the most pleasant experience! Next month I have an appointment with Dr. Joanna Bock, an internist who will become my primary care physician, although I will continue to see Dr. Carraway a couple of times per year - at least for a while. I have also set up an appointment with a new gynogologist, Dr. Catherine Sewell. I made the decision to go with all Hopkins doctors so that my records are easily accessible by all. At the end of May I will be re-vaccinated with all of the childhood immunizations since the antibodies from those vaccines were lost when my immune system was destroyed prior to my bone marrow transplant. While my hair continues to grow back and my skin color is evening out, it's clear that my body still has some work to do.

I was very surprised to learn recently that while CML is one of the four most common types of leukemia and is responsible for 15% of all adult cases of leukemia, it is still considered a rare form of cancer affecting only 1 to 2 cases per 100,000 people per year worldwide. In the United States an estimated 4,830 people are diagnosed with CML each year. The median age for a CML diagnosis is 67 years and is more prevalent among males. I don't know how I came to be so special, but it's interesting stuff don't ya think?

I continue to take Gleevec every day as well as an anti-nausea pill, but am completely off my atrial fib medications. Seems that I no longer need them. My oncologist thinks that perhaps my rapid and irregular heart beat was likely due to the stress that my body was under for such a long period of time before I was diagnosed. I still take Mepron, a powerful antibiotic, and will continue to take it through May.

So, it seems that life is returning to normal. While I still get worn out quickly, my stamina is increasing weekly. I continue to attend my cancer support group every week as well as a Mindfulness Meditation class - both offered at Hopewell Cancer Support Center. A wonderful place indeed.

The warm weather has brought a new-found energy that I've unleashed on my backyard. What a relief after so long to be able to get out there and get things cleaned up. I can't wait to pot some plants, pull some weeds, and sweep up debris - all tasks that used to be on my restricted list. I'm happy taking little steps!

One Year Ago Today!

It is one year ago today that I was diagnosed with leukemia. Many of you remembered and I thank you for that. Now, I guess I can honestly say that I am a one-year cancer survivor. My next goal is May 26th when I can say that I am a one-year bone marrow transplant survivor.

Yesterday I went for a bone marrow biopsy (ouch), some blood work, and an appointment with Dr. Carraway. She is so wonderful - I can't believe my luck in getting her when I was admitted to JHH 12 months ago. She is patient and kind, caring and understanding, and smart to boot!

While I don't have the results from the biopsy, I do have the results of my blood work and everything looks fantastic. Good, good news since I went to this appointment a little down in the dumps and very anxious. Dr. Carraway talked with me at length about my fears and apprehensions, and let me know that what I am feeling has been felt by countless others - it's all perfectly normal. She also reminded me of what my body has been through, that I shouldn't expect more from myself than what I am able to do right now. I didn't know this before today, but the chemo that I was given prior to my bone marrow transplant is considered one of the harshest chemo regiments imaginable and what my body has gone through with the chemo and the bone marrow transplant is one of the most difficult. No wonder I'm still reeling from the effects, even after all these months. Why did I think I was supposed to be doing more and feeling more energetic? Perhaps a little self-imposed pressure, perhaps some unrealistic thinking, or maybe just some old-fashioned foolishness. Who knows! The point is I'm OK and I need to remember to not expect miracles. This is a long, long road and one that takes self-forgiveness, patience, and the ability to cut myself a little slack!

Home Again, Home Again

I'm home from our extended stay in Florida. I think the warm temperatures and blue skies did me a world of good. I gained a few needed pounds and have good color. My hair is growing and is quite thick and curly. My appetite is picking up but I've found I can't eat a lot at one sitting or very rich foods. I feel physically stronger. All in all I'm doing quite well, but as it is with any illness, I'm back to the business of doctor's appointments and vigilance in regard to my health and well-being.

On March 11th I'm scheduled for my 3-month bone marrow biopsy. I'll have another in May and if all is as it should be, I imagine I'll only be scheduled every 6 months. I can hardly believe that March 13th marks my one year diagnosis anniversary. Although it's certainly not something to celebrate, I feel I've learned so many worthwhile life-lessons these past months that I'm not sure I would choose to go back to life before cancer. Strange but true!