In 2012 my life changed forever. I was weak, had a huge black n blue mark, would get dizzy and had loss of appetite. Went to my nurse practitioner because my dr wasn't available. She sent me for bloodwork on that day Friday. She called me back Monday and told me she thought my blood work was irregular and wanted me to see a specialist that day. Didn't think much of it until I walked into the Norris Cotton Cancer Center and a nurse put her arm around me and hugged me and told me I was sick-very sick and brought me back to see the oncologist. He said he was sending me to the hospital now-did I want to go to Boston or Lebanon, NH - Dartmouth Medical Center. You need to start chemo right away. I said "no" everyone I knew who did chemo died anyway. He told me if I didn't I'd be dead from AML-acute myloid leukemia the worst leukemia to have-in 3 weeks. Beginning of my story.
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Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.Thanks for sharing, sassygirl3869. Must have been traumatic!
crazycurlz
Level 7
Mar 27, 2018
1
its today and tomorrow that count.
We had a woman in her 70's who was diagnosed with Leukemia. She was the leader of a mammoth rails to trails project in the mountains. This project was huge and went on for over 15 years and PBS even did a documentary (back to life). She battled the cancer for several years an won. Everyone said she had a goal and wouldn't let a thing like cancer stop her. Unfortunately, when the trail was finished the cancer returned and she died. She was in her 90's. Her name was Ruth Ittner.
[alltrails.com]
JackPedigo
Level 9
Mar 27, 2018
0
My aunt on my father's side was diagnosed at 90 and my uncle on my mom's side diagnosed at 90 and still alive. Who can tell? Sad story-my Aunt Ruth died after chemo.
I am new to this link and I don't have cancer but my life has been affected by this terrible disease.
My husband of 46 years died in 2002. My daughter was diagnosed 2004 and I drove her every week into Boston for chemo. The doctors said she was a miracle, she died in 2007, age 47, and I sometimes wonder if those three years were worth it she suffered so much. 2011 I fel in love with a young Canadian, we had three happy years then he was diagnosed with cancer and died two years later. My heart goes out to all of you, what else can I say?
I know what it's like when people say "God bless you" or You're in my prayers" but I always say 'thank you' and leave it at that.
8247B
Level 4
Mar 27, 2018
1
Wow cancer has affected your life- you are welcome to join this group.
That's not good, take care of yourself. Do what you have to do I feel for you, I lost a very good friend to leukemia and he was only 20 at the time. THey have made advances in treatment since then.
misstuffy
Level 7
Mar 27, 2018
1
I had two people on my childhood street that died of leukemia. One at 15 - 50 years ago and another over 20 years ago-not a toxic area.
@sassygirl3869 This kid was not from a toxic area either. I don't think they really know why it comes out of nowhere the way it does but I hear they have made tremendous advances in treatment and survival rates are much better now than then. I really hope your treatment works and you are getting the best treatments.
5 yrs remission doing well
@sassygirl3869 I guess I read your post that you just now were diagnosed. I can't even begin to imagine what one goes through with this on a physical or mental level. Glad to hear you are in remission and hope you stay that way.
I wish you all the best. That has to have been such a scare for you I’m sure. I’m glad you are doing better.
Tony80223
Level 7
Mar 27, 2018
3
Doing well now thanks.
How are you doing today?
DarwinistOne
Level 7
Mar 27, 2018
1
Well. Flew out to meet fellow site member in Las Vegas 2 months ago. Lots of exercise jumping on and off city buses, did well till I got sinus infection. Since back inside-snow and cold affect my body. Doctors say I also have schleraderma. I take one day at a time but I'm good.
It's early for me and wondering if I"m reading this correctly that you didn't endure chemo at all?
Qualia
Level 8
Mar 27, 2018
2
Story continues. Got shipped in ambulance heavily sedated - arrived in Lebanon,NH/Dartmouth Medical School . Refused chemo for 3 days to get my bearings then went through in-patient induction they call it for over a month. Only got sick from chemo once-miracle. This was the first month - The hospital cancer ward had some awesome people. We had music-Margaret the harp lady who I hug whenever I see her, arts and crafts. I was featured on a show called Chronicle on tv painting. We had a poetry and writing group. Massage and reiki when you were in pain. A home away from home for the next 3 years.
@sassygirl3869 Atmosphere is important. Even at the high end place my late dh went to the flourescent lights and bad hotel art on the walls were depressing.
I had a white eraseboard and could hang artwork sent to me. The hospital can be a depressing place-you have to make the most of your time there or you can go crazy.
@sassygirl3869 true.
went through total of four rounds of chemo and one radiation preparing for bone marrow transplant from unknown donor.
I support your decision to refuse treatment.
jlynn37
Level 8
Mar 27, 2018
2
I didn't though - story continues
@sassygirl3869 Then I wish you well and success in your treatment options and ongoing health issues.
@sassygirl3869 standing by for the rest of your story!
What is your prognosis looking like right now? You're very brave. I have to go to the oncology/cancer treatment center where I live every 3-4 months for iron infusions. I'm so anemic it's life threatening if I don't keep it monitored. My body just does not absorb iron from standard sources.
I sit there with an iv in my arm and all around me are cancer patients in varying degrees of the disease. The ones who can all talk and laugh and share their stories. I hear some ask each other at times, "where's so-and-so? Oh...he passed away...and we all grow silent as we consider our own mortality.
I don't think there's much to say that won't sound old and stupid...but I'm glad you're still here! You are brave. Hugs....
Freespirit64
Level 8
Mar 27, 2018
4
I've been in remission since a bone marrow transplant in 2013 -5 years now. The transplant has side effects called graft vs host disease - had heart failure 3 yrs ago and was in nursing home in PT and OT for 3 months. Cardiac rehab helped. Many different diagnoses
@sassygirl3869 Damn girl...you're a tough one.
Thank you everyone for your encouragement. I'm happy to have you all here.
I took high strength THC cannabis oil for cancer.
Amazing results when Cannabis Oil is used to treat Leukemia [constancetherapeutics.com]
birdingnut
Level 8
Mar 27, 2018
4
I just got approved for Medical Cannabis Program.
@sassygirl3869 what indication will you be using it for?
I use high-strength THC for a variety of ills.
I have pain and graft vs host in my fingers and toes.
Fucking hell, I'm guessing your ok now
LeighShelton
Level 8
Mar 27, 2018
1
Yes I am alive and kicking.
brilliant, what a shock. I had one but not on the level of yours with my back. I just thought it was sore a bit too long and went to the doctors. he reiterated my thoughts as just a sore back lasting too long but id better have an x-ray to verify the problem. I went back later for the answer to my problem and my doctor then told me my backs fucked forever and it's pointless operating unless I'm actually in a wheelchair because the op could put me in one.its called ankylosing spondylitis which is basically chronic arthritis and my spine is literally dissolving like a pebble on a beach. I didn't expect that.
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