The quieter you become the more you can hear ~ Ram Dass



Monday, December 20, 2010

Magellan

It's been a scary few months for my friend, Magellan.

About 14 years ago, she was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. She was in a "watch and wait" period for a while and then had to have treatment.  She's been in remission for 8 years now.

In August, she went for a regular oncologist appointment and the doctor found her spleen was enlarged.  That set into motion, test after test.

She had to switch doctor's in between finding out what exactly what was going on because of insurance.

After all the tests were done, she now has a totally different diagnosis which is a form of lymphoma.  They suspect she might have had this all along but the tests weren't as sophisticated  back then as they are now.  Luckily the treatment was the same though.

We were quite stressed at first with the news because it can be aggressive but the kind she has is very slow growing. I went with her for the visits and we saw 4 different oncologists.  Two of them were stem cell transplant specialists just to get in the system in case she would ever need it. 

Right now, she is going to be in a "watch and wait" period again.  The doctors also think she will do well with treatment if/when she needs it.

We were thrilled that she doesn't need treatment now.   It felt like a Christmas miracle ;-)

5 comments:

Ames said...

That's great news Viki! A Christmas Miracle indeed! ~Ames

Deborah said...

I'm so pleased for your friend and all who love her and I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas ... miracles really can happen :o)

My name WAS Female, I shit you not! said...

Wonderful news for your friend and yourself. :0)

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

Wow! First of all God bless her and her battle. It's always a battle, even when things are slow growing.

Second of all - I'm so glad she's seen so many specialists and gotten a proper diagnosis.

Third of all, I ADORE HER NAME!!!! She's named after an historical figure who led a life of great adventure and discovery; someone who led 250 men in his first voyage around the world. What a perfect name for your friend!!!!!

Cheryl said...

Glad there was a miracle at the end of her journey. You're a good friend, Ms. Viki.