Saw my oncologist at Kaiser on Monday. Besides the usual, he ran some other tests. My overall cholesterol was 98 - extremely low and I don't take cholesterol drugs. My PSA was 0.8 - also very low. All very good. My doc seemed to feel I was also putting on muscle mass. Again, very good. My weight seemed to have stabilized at 150 lbs where I want it to be. My blood test numbers were also good and stable. He's decided to give me an iron sucrose injection to fight my anemia. While my numbers are stable, I can't "catch up" to get normal values with oral iron, so this is to boost my iron stores. Next week I get my final kyphoplasty surgery and hopefully, I won't break a rib.
Last week, Arlene and I went to the beach for a week. Unfortunately, there was some construction going on next door, but the sounds of the ocean blocked the noise for the most part. Totally relaxing, I got a tan on my face, and I read 5 books. The views from the balcony were killer views. Our kids came over on Saturday and that was nice. Our granddaughter is becoming a person.
The week did me alot of good mentally. I feel good overall and confident about the future and thoroughly believe I can beat this leukemia, at least for a while longer. It's stable, it has not advanced since I was diagnosed almost 2 years ago. I was told the average life expectancy after diagnosis of this type of leukemia is about 2 years and its been almost that time now. When I asked the doc when I would be treated for it, he told me hopefully never. It's made me value the people I have around me now and not take anything for granted. Till next time
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7 comments:
Glad to hear that you got such great news! That's great. Keep up the good attitude and good luck with your surgery.
So glad things are good with you. Great results from the Dr!!
Also glad you and Arlene had a nice time away. Pity about the construction, but reading books, hearing the sound of the ocean and getting a bit of sunlight all sounds wonderful.
Take care and thanks for checking in on me xx
Greetings Matt,
I found your blog through a Google search for CMML Blog. My dad was diagnosed last week w/ CMML. I'm casting a wide net hoping to catch some personal info/stories about it. LLS said we would be put in touch w/ a first contac. He's 65 and in AZ and in wonderful health, albeit somewhat fatigued. He was a bright light during this dark time. Your blog seems to have a lot of info and the sought after first person account. Thank you for posting. I'll check in often.
Good health and energy to you.
Good news, which is great!! God Bless You, Matt!!
Jasmine B -
Glad you found my blog. I'd be happy to share any info with you. Use my email for anything you don't want public. While I've had lots of problems, virtually none of them relate to the CMML, so be encouraged.
Matt
Hello Matt,
thank you for responding. I'm sorry but I don't see your email. Mine is jastulip@yahoo.com.
My father was just admitted to Stanford last night and is awaiting a bone marrow biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. Just looking for someone to touch base with about their experience. I'm so happy to hear you say that CMML has not been the main cause of your problems. My mom and I are intouch with one stem cell transplant survivor. She's in excellent health since the procedure. I'm hoping for the best for my dad. And for you.
Hello Matt, Thank you for the response. I'm sorry but I don't know where to look for your email. Mine is jastulip@yahoo.com
My dad was admitted to stanford last night and will have a bone marrow biopsy today to confirm the diagnosis. He's only 70 and was so strong and healthy. It beraks my heart to see him lying in a hospital bed. Good to hear that most of your health issues are not from the CMML. That is encouraging to me. Are you working with any one doctor in particular? My dad is being seen by Dr. Stephen Crouceux (sp?)and his team. I'll check in a again soon. All the best to you and yours.
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