Art was diagnosed in March of 2009 with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL).
For the first 5 years I would ask how Art how his doctor's visits went. He would say just fine. My white blood count is elevated and they are keeping an eye on it. I knew things weren't fine. Over the last six months I've watched Art's health deteriorate.
The end of May things took a turn. What started out as a slow growing Cancer turned aggressive. I started going with Art to see his Doctor. Art's spleen was enlarged and he very anemic. He had his first cross match and blood transfusion in June.
July was spent having procedures done to find out what was causing the anemia. All the test came back normal. Art's health continued to decline. He was loosing weight, not feeling well and his energy level was at zero.
August 18th Art had a bone marrow biopsy. When the procedure was finished he was taken to the infusion center for a transfusion. We went back the next day for another one.
We waited anxiously for the results of the biopsy for staging and treatments options. That day came on September 11th. We were not ready for results or the treatments options that were presented.
Art's bone marrow is not producing healthy red blood cells. It has a missing a component. Without this componet his blood is not getting enough oxygen and properly filtering through his spleen. He is not a candidate for a bone marrow transplant.
Cancer is such a heart breaking word. Now our jounery begins. It's a ruff road we will be traveling. Chemotherapy begins September 30th. Tuesday and Wednesday once a month for six months. The first treatment will be the hardest with the risk of a reaction to the drugs.
It won't be a cure but hopefully these drugs will slow the growth of the cancer.
Please keep Art in your prayers.
Love and hugs,
Beverly
