Name that tune! Bonus point if you can refresh my memory of the linedance that goes with it!
3 Months post diagnosis and good things are happening. I had a great visit last week with my pal, Dr. Nand. It was time to see him. I NEEDED to see him. This man has such a calming demeanor while being ultra professional and sticking to business. I needed to hear what he had to say. Yeah, I was feeling great and all, but, who knows what the heck was going on inside me. I felt fine 6 months ago too, but, we all know now all hell was breaking loose!!! Like I said, he's my pal.
White blood cells down to 5,200 (down from 307,000), platelets reading 152,000 (down from 1.4 MILLION), hemoglobin creeping up slowly, but surely, to 11.1. All "normal"... And as some near and dear friends have asked, "Rhonda Kay, were you ever NORMAL??" Gotta love 'em...
My spleen is still "feelable", but nearly back to its assigned seat. It is still at a "would you mind if I let my resident doctor step in to feel this?" level. Haha!!! And get this! Are you ready?? She did her dr business and then leaned down in my ear and said, "Seriously, cute boots!! I LOVE them!!" You guessed it, I was wearing my fringe boots.
I was taken off 2 medications, weekly blood draws dropped down to once a month and overall, feeling awesome. I say that so cautiously because I have cancer, but, I'm feeling great! I have to make a conscious effort to not allow cancer, chemo, the unknown, and God knows what else, run crazily through my mind. It's still hard to close my eyes and go to sleep some nights...
A series of very specific gene tests will be taken to measure the presence of the Philadelphia chromosome... and determine WHEN I go into remission. Not if, WHEN. That Maywood number showed up on my phone Tuesday afternoon and I knew Dr. Nand was calling with the results of Friday's gene test. My heart mayyyyy have started racing a little bit. Yet, another great report. 17% leukemia cells, down from 100%. "This is very good, Ms. Dixon considering your disease was at 100% burden." BOOM!!!
Disease... can we just chat about this word a little? Disease. I'm not sure what word is worse, cancer or disease. It seriously makes my skin crawl when I hear it. It's like I'm the sick and diseased cow in the herd. Like I'm going to give you the cooties if I lay a hand on you. Ugh!!! Awful. OK, thanks for letting me get that off my chest.
I was recently introduced to a blog (that I've already binge read) about a young woman with the same diagnosis. I was also put in contact with a young woman (with whom I've spoken to on the phone and emailed back and forth). Joined a CML support group. I follow several CML and leukemia pages and let me tell you, these have all been really great for me. To hear someone else's story and be able to relate to such raw emotion, feelings, thoughts, medication side effects, etc. When you hear them say exactly what you're feeling it's a major sigh of relief to realize you are not alone. That all of this is my new "normal" and it's going to be ok!
I've said it before, and I'll say it again a million times... I have THE best support system, but, they can only relate and help me along so much. To actually live it, and feel it is SO different. Thank you to those who have reached out to CML peeps and introducing me. It has helped more than you know. And to Dr. Mary who is still so wonderful to sound off on and always checking in. My guardian angel here on Earth! She saved my life!!!
So, at this point I will be staying on my Gleevec (thank God and science for Gleevec!!!) and just keep on, keepin' on. And as my cute Dory figurine sitting on the dash in my car, given to me by a dear friend, is always reminding me to JUST KEEP FRICKEN SWIMMING.
2016 is going to be the year I KICK CANCERS ASS!!! Happy New Year, my friends.
Be well,
Rhonda Kay
XOXO
