What I'm Learning

I'm sorry I'm so slow to get back to everyone, but believe me you're always in my thoughts.

I thought I would try to explain some of the things I have learned about Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML). This is how I've been told it starts: one white blood cell decides it's not happy with its chromosomes. Do these chromosomes make my butt look big, kind of thing. Anyway, it decides to change. My understanding is it doubles one of the markers on the chromosome strand and then just goes to town making just like it. Sometimes it multiplies slow, Chronic leukemia (the preferable type) or rapidly, Acute leukemia. I have the acute type. Some good news: they say they caught it early; only 40% of my white cells are cancerous. I know, that sounds like a lot to me too, but I guess most people come in about 80% and very sick. That is certainly one thing I can be grateful for; I feel fine.

Chemo therapy has already started and they are hitting it hard. I had to have my heart tested to see if I was strong enough for the strongest treatment because it's usually used on younger patients, but it's the one they have the most success with. I passed the test and have been on continuous chemo drip since. I finish this Saturday night. Then it's the waiting game. What we're hoping and praying for is 0 white cells and 0 leukemia cells on day 14, which is August 21st. That would be my first thumbs up! If that happens, then on day 28, I think that's September 4th, we're hoping the bone marrow shows only the good white cells are coming back. That would be two thumbs up and I get to go home!!! I would then come back to the hospital for six days every month for four months for a broader range of chemo to make sure they get everything. So my dear friends, the wishes and prayers I'm asking for is double zeros on day 14. OK, a complete recovery would also be good to throw in there for the long run.

With AML there are four chromosomal changes they are used to seeing. One they are very successful with and then, on a sliding scale, the other three. I found out yesterday I don't have any of those four. I have a very rare form of this disease. In my case the chromosomes that made me a female at birth, XX, have doubled and my leukemia cells are XXXX. I would call them super woman cells, but I don't want to give them any more power than they already have so I am calling them super sissy cells and I'm ready to kick their cancerous butts. The treatment I have been started on is going to remain the same. They have sent my results out to all the biggest cancer centers around the world for more information, and are running more tests to give us the most information possible. I should be getting more news starting next week. In the meantime, because they know so little about my XXXX type, I'm saying this is the very best type to have. I'm going to be the recovery story all leukemia patients are going to want to hear about. I picture them saying as they are waiting for their test results, "I sure hope I get that XXXX type of leukemia. I hear it's the easiest to have a full recovery from."

I want everyone to know I feel a little more tired every day, but I do not feel sick. My hair is actually looking good. (I think it heard I was ready to shave). However, first really bad hair day, I am having a hair cutting party. I told the nurses champagne will be served (I'll have sparkling cider) and because hair loss is a sign the chemo is working these will be a Recovery Haircut Party in room 707. (I think 707 is where they put old Boeing people) Can you imagine ladies getting up and swiping a washcloth across your head and calling it good to go? Marvelous!

I want you all to know Ron and I are grateful from the bottom of our hearts for all your love and support. I count you as my most wonderful blessing.