New Dive Buddy Has Leukemia - Any Encouraging Stories to Share???

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DandyDon

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First we had hassles over her gear purchases (see Whine forum), and then I developed a clogged vein on our first little dive trip (see this forum), and now this. I think she got as excited over my diagnosis as I did, tho, so maybe that little upset helped her get to the doctor sooner about whatever it was that did. This has all happened so quickly, I haven't heard that yet?

She came up last weekend, and didn't seem at her best, but I'm on such restricted duty that our tour of a nearby State Park was pretty much a drive thru experience. Then we stayed in Sunday so I could help her a bit as she studied for her Nitrox course (that failed - Whine forum), and she mentioned being chilled when the room was 72 F, but I figured that was because she was from Houston and hoped she wasn't catching a bug. The next evening by phone, she tells me of the testing before she came up: chronic lymphocytic leukemia also called CLL. Treatment is chlorambucil.

We've been in frequent communication since as she went thru additional tests, then got transferred to M.D.ANDERSON. It is convenient to have one of the top cancer hospitals in the world there in her city, even if she does have to drive across town. They advise that she's Stage 1 to maybe 2, gave her an IV treatment Friday that she's been puking from all weekend, and tomorrow she starts the pills for six weeks.

Cancer is all too common for those of us who survive American streets and hiways and live into our 50s and beyond, but as far as tumors go - this one sounds preferable to many others I've seen family and friends endure. I'm grateful that she caught it early, that she has such great treatment opportunities at hand, she recently retired so doesn't have to go to work sick, and she's in good physical shape otherwise.

We've read the info from DAN and canceled her part of my Florida trip next month, and we've read the sites Google pops up. Good news, bad news. Her LDS#3 was very kind about her canceling her Aow class this weekend, and her Instructor even called to convey an encouraging story about her friend who survived CLL. Emotionally, she's pretty stressed - afraid she'll die in her sleep and such. I've tried to be supportive, telling her I understand reminding her it's been less than two months since I found myself crying in a hospital hallway while trying to ask directions of a stranger, but then - I really never have understood women, so who knows if I've done a good job, err - "it"...? (Private joke)

How about it ScubaBoard members and friends - any supportive stories you'd like to share here...?

I'd appreciate your time and trouble, and I know she will. :thumb:
 
Hi Don- What unfortunate news. I don't have any related stories, but just wanted to wish both of you my best. I hope the treatments go well and she will be diving again soon. One of my buddies had a recurrence of cancer and is still undergoing chemo. However, she hopes to be cleared to dive again by next June.

Hoping all goes well.

Bill

PS- I was stuck on the tarmac for 2+ hours at Bush Intl last Tues. Yuck.
 
Hy DON, sorry to hear this story, and good job encouraging her.
CLL has a whide range of severities and complications but most patients live long and well, she probably is in stage 2 ´cause stage 1 CLL is not treated until progression or developement of related symptoms. The treatment is usally well tolarated, and if she has symptoms of the disease she´ll feel better soon. Most of the time (except for younger patients) treatment doesn´t seeck for cure but disease control and good life quality (that´s why stage 1 patients without symptoms are not treated).
I beleive that good life quality for a diver means diving, :))) she should return to diving as soon as posible if there´s not a special contraindication (nor CLL nor Cloarmbucil are contraindications perse, but maybe some of tere effects are) and of course she feels like it.
CAncer or leukemia sound very bad, but there are many different ones with many different pronostics, atb the begenning when you´re told about it it´s a shock no matter what but little by little patients get strong and try to live present pationately. I like to remind myself that tomorrow I may not survive to streets and highways.
I´m not sure but I hope this help some.
good luck to your friend
 
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