My mother has leukemia

[FeralFemale]

You know when they say it can't get any worse and then some jerk says "Sure it can. It can always get worse"? I am usually that jerk and stuff like this is the reason why I say it.

My mother has all sorts of health issues, most resulting from some doctor who, despite her being very healthy otherwise, put her on Phenfen which damaged her heart. She was ok for a while but it finally caught up to her the last couple of years with her in and out of the hospital. You wouldn't believe all the stuff a weak heart can do to your body, one of which is damaging your kidneys. So, the drugs she is on for that and her blood thinners require regular blood tests. That's how they found the leukemia.

She just called me and told me. Like it was nothing. She didn't even seem phased. Her attitude is that there is so much else wrong with me this is just another thing. Plus, it's sort of a 'good' leukemia, chronic lymphocytic luekemia. She could live as long as 25 or as short 5 years, depending upon the type she has, which they don't know yet, or she doesn't know. She is still reading through the literature.

When she told me my stomach just dropped and I had a hard time holding it together till we hung up, but I managed. Bless her, she went on to talk about everything else under the sun, from the unrest in Egypt to my aunt's wedding next fall.

Then, in perfect Mom-style, she told me about the statistics of my eventually getting it and that I should research it on the internet. Like I care about that, right now.

I never had any doubt about her being ok during any of her recent health issues, but this has me feeling a burning pit of dread in my stomach. Maybe the C-word just scares the heck out of me?

[ChristyACB]

Try to be as upbeat as you can because people who have positive feelings around them always do better. This is really hard for you, I can see from you post, and I'm sorry.

You...and your mom...have lots of good feelings coming your way.

[Ode]

Sorry to hear this, you must be so frightened right now. *hugs*

[Tiempo]

Hugs FF.

Your Mom sounds a lot like mine, a toughie and that will serve her well.

[MO_cows]

Sorry this happened. Your mom sounds like she has a good attitude about it, and that really helps. I know a few people who have beaten the odds with cancer and all had a positive attitude going in. Hoping and praying for the best outcome, for both of you.

[ninny]

Sometimes the person hearing the bad news takes it worse than the person that is having the issues, especially in the case of a parent/child situation.

Hope everything turns out for the best for your mom.

.

[beccachow]

Keep the same vein as your mom, like it's nothing big. Be there if she needs a shoulder, but dont' make a huge fuss over it if she isn't. It stinks, but her attitude will go very far in allowing her a full and longer life.

((hugs))

[Tricky Grama]

I'm so sorry, FF.
But y'all can beat this.
Prayers & good thoughts for a complete recovery.

[didaho]

FF
Prayers for all concerned

[CountryWannabe]

HUGS) FF. I am sure this came as a big shock to you. However - your mom is right. If one has to choose a cancer, then CLL is the one to pick. I was diagnosed with it last year. Apparently I have had it for at least 2.5 years - just that the previous doctor didn't think that a high leucocyte count for three successive tests was anything to worry about She will know which type she has when they have the results of the tests back. I am lucky - I have the one with the least problems, so far, but that can change of course.

It is, by and large, relatively asymptomatic. No pains, no horrible side effects, though I am rather more tired than I used to be. It is generally untreated unless there is kidney, liver or spleen involvement - which tends to come later rather than sooner.

Here is a website that I found most helpful. It is pretty thorough, and takes a lot of the scary out of the disease plus gives lots of hints and tips on coping and managing it.

http://clltopics.org/Primer.htm

You mother is in my prayers.

Mary

[kirkmcquest]

My cousin has the chronic kind...has had it for about 15 years now, no treatment, no major complications ( thank God). CW is right, not all cancers are the same.

[bluesky]

I'm so sorry about your sad news and I hope she does well with treatment. Sending hugs and good thoughts.

[Melissa]

So sorry for that news. The others are right though- a person can live with chronic leukemia for many years with little problem. And the treatments are better all the time. Hang in there and I hope your Mom has many good years ahead.

[DAVID In Wisconsin]

My step daughter was diagnosed with leukemia almost 20 years ago. She's has some rough times but she's been doing great for years. There is lots of hope for many normal years!

[bugstabber]

I'm sorry you got some bad news, hope your Mom will be okay.

[Sonshine]

FF, you and your Mom are in my prayers. Just be there if she needs to talk, and if she isn't comfortable talking about it, just be there for the sake of being there.

[texican]

My condolences. My mom had been feeling poorly for a few months. Finally her doc gave her a 'stress test'. She passed out, and almost died on the 'table'. A specialist was brought in, and it was leukemia. I was 4500 miles away. I quit my job. Came home. Six months later she was in Gloryland.

There's bad leukemia, and worse leukemia.

She spent the last month off her pain meds, to enjoy what was left.

Give her a hug for me...

[doohap]

I'm so sorry to hear this FF. Please know that I will hold your mother in my prayers and thoughts. You, too!

[georger]

I'm very sorry for such bad news. You and your mother are in my thoughts.

[willow_girl]

I am sorry to hear this. I hope the early diagnosis will increase her chances of beating it! It sounds like she has an amazing attitude. Keep your chin up; she is gonna need you.