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!