Barb's Diagnosis

We received some challenging news this week (May 3rd). After a perfectly clean bill of health from the Mayo clinic just last year, my immune system has decided to attack me.

I thought that I had some type of unusual infection or autoimmune disease. After extensive testing, I’ve been diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). It is a relatively common form of Leukemia in the elderly – which is all the more surprising that I got it.

The initial treatment includes heavy doses of Chemo for about 7-10 days. After the Chemo, I’ll stay in the hospital about 3-4 weeks while my immune system grows good new white blood cells. Once my immune system is strong enough, I’ll be able to go home for about a month. Then, depending on the results of some additional genetic tests, I’ll either have additional Chemo or a bone marrow transplant. The preferred path would be additional Chemo versus the bone marrow transplant.

This is certainly not the way I planned to spend our summer this year. However, I have a lot to live for and intend to fight for it. I have confidence in my team of doctors, and will post updates as I have more information. LOVE, BARB