Medical Update - My Father's Possible Leukemia

[RetroLounge]

The test results came back yesterday, not good, not bad. Yet.

He was diagnosed with MDS, Myelodysplastic Syndrome, formerly called pre-leukemia ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myelodysplastic_syndrome ). He has what is called Refactory Anemia with excess blasts. Very low white count, low red count, excessive abnormal blasts. He's succeptible to colds and infections. Every small cut he gets seems to get infected.

His tests now compared to the tests last year show a doubling in the abnormal blood vells. 1/3 of patients with this condition acquire full blown Leukemia.

He will get regular blood work to see if it is getting worse or not. Treatments are not useful at this stage, but if it gets worse, they consider transfusiona and stem cell transfers.

One known cause for MDS is prolonged exposure to benzene, which was an integral part of his job as a lithographer from the 1950's thru the 1970's.

It was vey difficult dicussing with him the mortality rates, the treatments, his plans, insurance issues, his living will (or lack of one), his burial/cremation wishes, his talk of suicide if it gets really bad, my mom and what she would do if he passes first and everything else. I found it difficult to hold it together and tried to just listen and be supportive as best I can. He's asked me to help he get ass informed about this condition as possible. Knowledge is the best offense, and he wants to understand all the $100 words the doctors tossed around.

So any more lounge vibes are appreciative.

[Guava Jelly]

1. With out a doubt I send my vibes!

I hope your father gets through all of this and improves.
You are a very responsible son.
And I am sure he is quite proud.
tons of good Karma for retrodad

[RetroLounge]

11. Thank you

:pals:

RL

[Bullwinkle925]

2. Sorry RetroLounge.

I've been in your shoes when my Mother's colon cancer was diagnosed. It is so surreal to be involved in any of those kinds of conversations when your brain is screaming "NOOOOOOOOOO - this can't be happening!".
I will keep you and your family in my thoughts.
Take care!!

:pals:

[RetroLounge]

12. "brain is screaming"

exactly how it feels...

:hug:

RL

[dropkickpa]

3. ~*~*~*~* Vibes a comin!!*~*~*~*~*~

I'm so sorry to hear this! But he is doing the right thing in learning all he can, and you being there to help him is awesome, it will mean more to him than you could believe.

:hug:

[RetroLounge]

13. thanks

:hug:

RL

[KitchenWitch]

4. Much love to you and your dad!

:hug:

[RetroLounge]

14. Thanks KW!

:hug:

RL

[brook]

5. Count on good vibes & white light

from here!

We have been going through this for a year or so. The M. D. Anderson Clinic in Houston has a great reputation for the most advanced treatments of leukemia, lymphoma & myeoloma. You might want to read
here. PM me any time you want to - can't really discuss my situation in public.

[RetroLounge]

15. Thanks for the link...

:hug:

RL

[u4ic]

6. Oh, RL

:-(

You got'em coming in spades...:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug::hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

[RetroLounge]

16. Many thanks...

:hug:

RL

[SeattleGirl]

7. You've got 'em, my friend.

Here's a web site you might find helpful: MedLine Plus. I prefer it to WebMD, though that one is also a good site for information.

http://medlineplus.gov/

:hug: :hug: :hug: to you and your dad.

[RetroLounge]

17. Thanks for the link SG...

:hug:

RL

[RetroLounge]

8. From The American Cancer Society website

Refractory anemia with excess blasts (types 1 and 2): Any one of the cell types can be low and look abnormal under the microscope. The number of blasts is increased; it is less than 10% in type 1 and ranges from 10% to 20% in type 2. This type accounts for 40% of all patients with MDS. The chance of transforming into acute myeloid leukemia is 25% with type 1 and 33% with type 2. This type has the worst outlook and most patients die within 2 years.

Oh God...

RL

[Zomby Woof]

9. I don't like having this over anyone's holidays

Good vibes, all the way. Best wishes to RetroDad for full recovery!

[RetroLounge]

18. Thanks ZW...

:hug:

RL

[SPKrazy]

10. I'm Loaded With Vibes Right Now

for some reason!

Good ones too!

:pals:

Sending them for you and your dad.

[RetroLounge]

19. Thanks SPK...

:pals:

RL

[Whoa_Nelly]

20. Many good thoughts, support for you and yours, Retro

Very difficult all the way around for everyone. :hug: and more...

Will be keeping you and your family in my thoughts.

[RetroLounge]

21. Thank you...

:hug:

RL

[ThomCat]

22. I am sending lots of good vibes,

and strength and calm and patience. :hug:

[RetroLounge]

23. Thank you my friend...

:hug:

RL

[jus_the_facts]

24. All the vibes you could ever ask for headed ya'lls way...I lost my Dad to leukemia last year...

...after he'd fought it for 2.5 years..he died after getting a bone marrow transplant at Baylor Medical Center in Dallas...I never got to see him again..they'd been over there for several weeks. :cry:

My thoughts are with you and yours. :hug:

[RetroLounge]

25. Thanks...

:hug:

RL

[Kajsa]

26. Sending good vibes and positive thoughts

to your Father.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.


:hug:

[RetroLounge]

27. Thank you...

:hug:

RL

[CaliforniaPeggy]

28. My dear Retro...........

For you and your Dad..........so many good vibes, sweetie.......

You are in my thoughts and my heart at this special time of year.......

I do hope he beats the odds, and gets well.......... :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

[RetroLounge]

29. Thank you CP...

:hug:

RL

[judaspriestess]

30. sending good vibes to you

a good friend of mine also has some kind of blood disorder(don't know the name sorry) that is a precursor to leukemia. He has very high red blood counts and his blood is very thick and sludgey. From smoking cigarettes for him. He has to go in now once a week and have a huge needle inserted into his elbow to have a pint of blood removed in hopes of getting all the old blood out.

Best wishes to your father.........

[RetroLounge]

31. Thanks...

:hug:

RL

[graywarrior]

32. How open is he to an alternative solution?

I know a writer who had leukemia and completely turned it around. Has a few books written. PM me if you want info.

I went through this with my mother almost 30 years ago. It was the most difficult thing I ever had to experience. Wish I knew then some of the stuff I know now. She'd be alive now, being a royal pain in my ass. I'd give anything for that.

[RetroLounge]

33. It's a little early for that...

but my guess is he is not very open, but I would appreciate the info...

:hug:

RL

[graywarrior]

34. I will PM you.

[BluePatriot]

35. Sending good vibes...

[RetroLounge]

36. Thank you...

:hug:

RL

[auntAgonist]

37. I will keep your Father in my thoughts..

good wishes coming your/his way.

sincerely.
aA
kesha
:hug:

[RetroLounge]

38. Thank you...

:hug:

RL

[Schema Thing]

39. Sending my best wishes

[RetroLounge]

40. Thanks much...

:hug:

RL

[RetroLounge]

41. kick

RL

[otherlander]

42. Oh, god, I hope everything turns out okay...

My grandfather is really sick right now so I know how you feel. Wishing you well... :hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug:

[RetroLounge]

43. Thanks...

:hug:

RL

[BlueIris]

44. I'll be thinking lots about you and Dad, Retro.

I'm so sorry! This has been a very tough year for you.

[RetroLounge]

45. Thanks...

Could be worse, at least no one has died, I have a roof over my head, some food in the fridge, and an income...

:hug:

RL

[NewWaveChick1981]

46. Wow, RL... Good vibes for your dad and you...

:hug: :hug: I really hope everything turns out well. :pals:

[RetroLounge]

49. thanks...

:hug:

RL

[yvr girl]

47. I wish it was better news

:hug:

I know how hard it is having sick parents.

[RetroLounge]

48. Thanks...

and a merry xmas to you...

:hug:

RL

[Callalily]

50. Sending healing

light and positive energy your dad's way, and many, many for you and your family.

[xchrom]

51. many, many healthy blessings to you and your dad, retro.