This is a blog we will use to update Tammy's health, as she battles through myelodysplasia. This disease can lead to leukemia, and we are hopeful that by catching it early it can be treated successfully.
First a little history. Tammy likes to donate blood every couple of years. She enjoys helping other people, plus she can get her cholesterol checked at the same time. She went to give blood in early October and found out her hemoglobin was low. They thought she might be a little anemic, so they suggested that she visit her doctor. She went to our family doctor and he did a complete blood test.
What he found was that all her blood levels were low. Her hemoglobin was 10 (normal is 12-14). Her white blood count was 1,600 (normal is 8,000 to 10,000). The doctor suggested that she repeat the test a week later to see if she had a virus that caused the levels to be too low. The next week the levels were the same.
She underwent a bone-marrow biopsy to find out why she was not producing enough blood cells. This is when we found the myelodysplasia. Our family doctor referred us to a hematologist, who we met with on Tuesday, Nov. 25. He wants to treat it as if it's already transitioned into leukemia, because if we don't, it will.
We are scheduled for a consultation with surgeons at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis on Monday, Dec. 1. This is one of the leading transplant hospitals in the country. The surgeons will review her records and most likely will schedule a bone-marrow transplant in the near future.
We'll make another post after the appointment on Dec. 1. On Friday, Nov. 28, she will have a blood transfusion. Her hemoglobin continues to drop.
Please pray for Tammy as she battles a severe lack of energy, plus the anxiety of not knowing what's ahead. Pray for her doctors as they prepare to treat her. Pray for all of us as we give her the care she deserves. Finally, pray that God's will be done. He is the Great Physician. It's hard to imagine, but He loves her more than any of us can. He has a perfect plan for her.
The physical and spiritual journey of battling leukemia
5 comments:
Thank you, God, for an early diagnosis and treatment for Tammy. Barry and I spent a lot of time in Barnes with both his dad and his mom. It is an excellent top-of-the-line hospital. We will pray specifically for what you request. The blog is a great idea! Pat and Barry Kramer
I am praying for Tammy and your whole family as you tackle this. I know that God is with you and will use you to minister to others because of this. Your family has been a blessing in my life. I love you guys!
I'm sending hugs from the south! :)
You all has been such a blessing in my life. I don't know where I would be with out you. I pray for an easy journey since the road to recovery will not be short. I will be sure to keep everyone at Apria posted. I will let them know about the blog. She is a ray of sunshine around the office. It won't be the same with out her there. I continue to pray for all of you. I have no doubts that God will be with Tammy every step of the way. I love you all dearly.
Hi from Poland :) ! It's so sad to hear about Tammy's illness :(...I will pray for you every day so that God may lead you through this hard time and strengthen you in this difficult experience. I send you a big hug and I think about you! God bless you!
My thoughts and prayers are with Tammy and all of you. I met "your" Julie last Easter when we all went out for dinner. I am the mother of Julie Stephens who works in the Missions Office at SECC. My heart aches for what you are going through, but just be certain, God will carry you all through.
Faye Hopper
Philippians 4:13
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