Friday, October 2, 2009

Leukemia

So since I havent posted anything in nearly 2 months I figured I better get on here and spill the beans. I havent done anything much scrappy since like June. Started having trouble with my stomach in July. In August it got worse. Went to the dr thinking something might be wrong with my gallbladder. The day I had my CT scan on my abdomen, my dr called about my blood work from the day before. Said to get to the er asap, she thinks I need a blood transfusion.

This was on the 2nd of September. So they admit me, do the transfusion. On Friday the 4th they do a bone marrow biopsy and send me home. On the Tuesday after Labor day, they call me and tell me I have Acute Myelogenous Leukemia.

So that Thursday they admitted me and I had surgery to have a groshong catheter put in my chest. They use it instead of an Iv to administer chemo, draw blood, etc. I got a fever in preop and had already had a cough. So on friday instead of starting the chemo, they gave me a flu test. Sure enough I came back positive for Influenza A. So they put me on 2 flu meds and sent me home. The meds made me really sick till I got a prescription for compazine.

So I was readmitted on the 25th. They started my chemo that afternoon so I am on my last of 7 bags of 24/7 cytarabine. Then I hang out for a month probably at the hospital. Around day 21 they will do another bone marrow biopsy to see if I still have blast cells. If not I will probably get to go home for a few weeks then have to come in again after 3 or 4 weeks and do another round. If they find blast cells then I will likely have to stay here for 6-8 weeks total and start the chemo thing again right away.

So far I am doing alright, not having too much side effects. They say in a few days will be when I feel the worst.

3 comments:

  1. Oh my gosh Heather! I can't even imagine what you are going through. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Rest and get better girlfriend. We miss scrapping with you!
    Renee

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  2. WOW...Heather I am sorry that this is all happening to you. The last time I saw you I think I remember you were complaining that your stomach had been bothering you a lot. Just found your blog link from Renee's and was shocked to hear this. I hope for the best. How are your kids dealing with all of it?

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  3. Hi Heather

    I'm not sure if my post earlier went through. My computer shut down right in the middle of it. I just wanted to say hi and tell you that I hope you recover quickly. I do remember seeing you some time ago and your stomach was bothering you. Who would have known such a life changing experience would be right around the corner. I wish you the best!
    Btw, found your blog on Renee's.

    Pam

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