I've honestly had more blood tests than I can count since I've been here. Dr. Katial and Dr. Olson are still quite concerned about my hemoglobin and iron levels. Both levels have continued to drop for over a month now for no obvious reason. Being on coumadin complicates the matter because they've been unable to perform some of the procedures they'd like to do to further investigate the problem. They are trying to wait until I'm able to stop taking the coumadin, which should be mid-April. Dr. Olson referred me to a highly regarded specialist at Rose's Rocky Mountain Cancer Center. Dr. Feiner is an oncologist/hematologist. I spent most of the day in his office two weeks ago undergoing some pretty intense tests. I returned for a follow-up appointment this week for the results.
It was nothing new to hear him tell me that the test results were not definitive. He suggested his plan for now concerning some things and spent time explaining my particular blood deficiencies and abnormalities. He let me know that although my white blood cell count was in the normal range, I had some "weird" cells that Dr. Olson was concerned about. He ordered more tests for that along with tests to further investigate my pulmonary embolism. He let me know he'd call me in a week with the results.
I didn't think much about it all until my appointment with Dr. Olson. She asked what he'd shared with me and then pulled my lab results up on the computer. She said the "weird" cells were actually called blast cells and could be quite serious. They appeared in a high percentage on my labs last Friday. She explained that in some cases this can be a sign of acute leukemia. Because of my medical history, I'm apparently in a higher risk catagory for developing leukemia. She assured me that Dr. Feiner is one of the best in his field and as soon as he contacts her with the results, she'll talk with me. She also wanted me to know that she feels like there will be another explanation for the blast cells in my case... that it will be nothing major. She just wanted to be open with me and let me know what we could be facing.
Today I went in for a few more blood tests and another chemical irritant challenge. My peak flows haven't been as stable for the past week and I've been dealing with a few more negative side effects from the treatments/meds. The nausea is creeping back. I spent quite a bit of time today throwing up. The good news is that I haven't had to deal with that in a long time, the bad news is that I don't know why it's happening again now. Even though my body is having a pretty rough week physically, I actually feel good about how I'm handling everything mentally and emotionally. I guess it's big stuff to hear that you're doctor thinks you could have leukemia, but I'm really okay. Truly. I've come a long way in the past few years and I've learned that could is pretty powerful word. I also have learned that anytime these amazing doctors find an answer, even if it's scary as hell, it's still better than no answer. And finally, I know that I've made it this far. For some freaky, crazy reason, God has kept me around. It seems reasonable to me that I should continue to believe that He's got this.
So, whatever comes of my blasted blood, I know it will be, well, it'll be okay. It'll really be okay.
