I was told in July 2010 that I have a rare form of Leukemia called Hairy Cell Leukemia. I was also told that if you are going to have leukemia, this is the kind to get. It's a lazy form of leukemia that takes it's time and in my case, didn't require immediate action. It's also highly treatable, with a very good prognosis.
After taking a few weeks to reconcile this new found diagnosis with the fact that I felt perfectly fine, I started doing some research. Because HCL is a such a rare form of leukemia, there isn't very many people to offer information or opinions on it. After much Googling, I found a doctor at the National Cancer Institute that is researching a cure for HCL.
I qualified for his clinical trial and am recieving treatment from NCI.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

The day before it all starts

I've been in Washington D.C. since last Thursday night. I'd like to say that I have seen all the sights, but I have spent the majority of my time working thru a touch of food poisoning that took me down. My parents and flew out from Seattle and we are staying with my sister Aimee and her husband, David in Alexandria.
Last night we met up with my cousin Melissa and her husband John and a friend of theirs for dinner at a Morrocan place in D.C. The food was outstanding, only to be outdone by the belly dancer who came in half way through the meal to dance for everyone in the restaurant. I am pretty sure she has some joints in her body that I don't have in mine.

We headed for the symphony at the Kennedy Center after dinner for a performance in honor of JFK's 50th anniversary. Richard Dreyfuss narrated the opening piece with pieces of JFK's innaugural speech. It was a really special birthday present from my sister and her husband. It was a great way to celebrate the 5 January birthday's in our group.

Tomorrow I go to the National Cancer Institute for an early morning appointment with my doctor. Monday and Tuesday are days that will be dedicated to MRIs, CT Scans and blood tests. The scary stuff probably won't get started until Wednesday.

I am very grateful that my parents were able to make this trip with me and that I have a sister and brother in law that are willing to accomodate and spend time with me over the next week or so. I think this would be a much harder trip without my family around me. I am also deeply thankful that my sister Michelle was able to make time in her schedule to look after Cinco back in Seattle.
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7 comments:

  1. AnonymousJanuary 23, 2011 at 3:26 PM

    Best of health and luck to you Reba! Let us know if there's anything we can do to help.

    -Mike and Emily

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  2. TerryMJanuary 23, 2011 at 3:56 PM

    Thinking of you. Lots.

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  3. mandawebbJanuary 23, 2011 at 7:43 PM

    Love you Reba. Sending lots of good thoughts and energy your way. A special little surprise should be hitting your doorstep on Tuesday.

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  4. JohnJanuary 24, 2011 at 3:22 PM

    What a blessing to be surrounded by family. Sending you good mojo as well:)

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  5. MiloJanuary 25, 2011 at 10:17 AM

    I am secretly hoping that the belly dancer appears during a CT scan. Sending you good vibes!

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  6. JillJanuary 25, 2011 at 2:33 PM

    Thinking of you and sending Central Oregon goodness your way. Probably too late but a great way to pass the time while having an MRI or maybe even your treatment: go through the alphabet and think of something you are grateful for that starts with each letter....then do it backwards :) Here comes the goodness *** catch it quick!

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  7. UnknownJanuary 26, 2011 at 7:24 PM

    Best wishes for a successful outcome. Think of youze often!

    ReplyDelete

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