I started this blog on November 15, 2011 the day my normal life became totally abnormal. I had thought to chronicle my experiences as a caregiver when my husband was diagnosed with leukemia (AML), however the circumstances were such that each day was taken up with consultations with doctors, meeting appointments at various facilities, and simply trying to keep my head above water.
The first bone marrow biopsy was taken on March 9. 2011 and the results were negative. For the next four months blood tests were taken and monitored by a local hematologist. Each time we were told that there was no evidence of leukemia. When Will began to complain of chest pains and feelings of weakness as he did normal chores around the house, he consulted our family doctor and a stress test was arranged to check his heart. This test was also normal and showed no sign of heart problem. The symptoms continued, and an appointment was made for a cardiologist review. We never made it to that appointment because on November 15th I dragged him to the emergency room at Williamsport Hospital where he was admitted>Another hematologist ordered his second bone marrow biopsy on the morning of the 16th.
My daughter is a registered nurse at that facility and she happened to have worked the night shift so she was at my husband's bedside first thing in the morning of the 17th. She was the first to hear the diagnosis we all feared, that he did indeed have leukemia and needed to be transferred to an oncology unit familiar with this disease . I realize how hard it was for her to be the bearer of bad news and when I heard her tapping at my bedroom door I could tell she had been crying. I knew the news was bad, and from somewhere deep inside me I was able to hold things together and remain calm for her sake. Within three hours my husband was transported via ambulance to Hershey medical center and the placed in the care of a wonderful group of doctors and nurses who immediately began extensive testing and a series of procedures designed to fight this insidious disease.
This blog is my way of sharing with others who may find themselves in the same situation.
