Mean Cousins

If you’re going to have leukemia, CLL is probably the best type to have. Of course, it’s a bit of an oxymoron to have “best” and “leukemia” in the same sentence.

There are several types of leukemia besides mine which is Chronic lymphocytic leukemia, or CLL. In one of my other entries, I mentioned my Leuk’s meaner cousins. There’s Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, or ALL, Acute myelogenous leukemia, or AML, and Chronic myelogenous leukemia, or CML. The “Acute” ones are not so “cute”; they can be a lot more challenging.

If you are blessed with one of these meaner cousins, feel free to write comments. This blog doesn’t need to be exclusively for CLL readers.

And, even if you don’t have leukemia but know someone who does, join in too.

What ever form Leuk comes in, he’s still an S.O.B. that messes with our lives.

Don’t let him steal your hope. We are better than him.

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4 Responses

  1. RICHARD SWIFT says:

    Wow, thanks for replying! I see my oncologist next Wednesday for a blood count. I’m hoping for good news. I bought a hiking tent and made reservations to camp and hike this summer with my wife.

    My oncologist said, “Are opposed to a stem cell/bone marrow transplant?” I said, “YES, I AM!” I had read too much at that point, many success stories of people beating cancer.

    • Jim says:

      Hi again, Richard,

      Hiking and camping with your wife is a great idea. When Leukemia, or even the threat of getting it, enters our lives, it is easy to get discouraged and give up. It’s so easy to let depression seep in. I can see you are not letting that happen. Way to go!

      You are right in questioning any proposed treatments. I would, however, caution you to look at the whole picture. I can’t say if your doctor’s suggestion of stem cell/bone marrow transplants is right for you; I don’t know your specific situation. Before any sort of radical treatment is agreed upon you should get a second opinion. This, of course, is true of non-traditional methods as well.

      Don’t misunderstand, I am not suggesting that strict diets with healthy foods is wrong. But naturopathic techniques and modern medicine do not have to be mutually exclusive.

      Some naturopath practitioners tell their clients that diseases can be successfully treated or prevented without the use of drugs by controlling diet, exercising and massage. While I believe these are a huge part of healing, I personally don’t think they are necessarily the total answer.

      I prefer naturopaths that take a more balanced, wholistic approach, working with doctors to find the best solution for a specific person. Just like no two people are alike, no two success stories are the same.

      Anyway, I am in no position of authority and, for obvious reasons, do not give any medical advise. I’m just suggesting that we should be open to balance in all things whether in our daily lives or in our fight against disease.

  2. RICHARD SWIFT says:

    Thanks for your creative and consistent blogs. I’m Dick and I have MDS (myelo dysplastic syndrome). I was diagnosed almost three years ago and I began a self-healing diet/lifestyle called MacroBiotics almost two years ago. I’m doing very well and loving the whole organic grains, veggies and beans. My MB counselor says my blood should become normal in five years, so I have a little over three years to go.

    Thirty years ago MDS was called Pre-leukemia. You could argue that I am in a cancer twilight zone: I don’t have leukemia yet! If I did nothing I would surely get it. But I have been doing a very time consuming diet/lifestyle. So I expect to live a long (Macro) and vibrant life (Biotic).

    I’m a cashier at Walmart so I see all the meat, dairy and processed food that people eat, especially chips and soda. I shop at Whole Foods, Trader Joes and a local food co-op.

    I hike with my wife often and my goal is to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. Our marriage is experiencing a re-birth. I’m full of hope and life and really grateful for her support and all the many prayers.

    • Jim says:

      I’m glad you have a way of beating leukemia before it starts. It must be hard though hovering in that Twilight Zone with Leuk beating at your door. My diet is not was it should be. Perhaps your tenacity will inspire me. Thanks for writing. And thanks for reading my blog.