Saturday, January 31, 2009

Third Anniversary.

Three years ago today I learned that I had cancer. Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia to be exact. I am so thankful for my current good health.

The lovely Dr. Vinod takes excellent care of me. During my last visit he said the CML is completely under control and if I continue taking my medication there is no chance it will worsen.

Dr. Vinod is one of the most beautiful people I know. He is soft spoken, compassionate and caring. He is also brilliant, one of the heart specialist I saw said Dr. Vinod makes him feel like a country bumpkin because he is so intelligent and his behavior is incredibly well mannered and correct.


The nurses and office staff also love Vinod and the other doctors at the Hematology and Transplant Center. One of the nurses said working at the Center was like working with family because all the doctors insist on being addressed by their first names.


About eight years ago another brilliant doctor invented the drug that changed the life expectancy of CML patients from 3 to 5 years to an almost normal life expectancy. He is Dr. Brian Druker.

He has been featured on 60 Minutes and many other TV shows. He is 'the man' in the search for a cure for cancer. He researched the molecular and cellular changes CML caused and invented a drug to stop those changes, hence stopped the cancer from multiplying out of control. The drug he invented has saved thousands of lives and has been called the next best thing to a cure for cancer. The drug stops the effects of CML but doesn't get rid of it, so if I were to stop taking the chemo drug the CML would quickly take over again.


Dr. Druker is also a humble and lovely man. About 6 months after my diagnosis I sent him an email because the drug was not working as well as it should have for me and in addition to CML I have three other blood disorders. I asked if he could consult with Dr. Vinod about my case. He replied to my email! He asked that Dr. Vinod fax my records to him and together they went over my treatment. Dr. Druker said Dr. Vinod's decision to double my dosage was correct. I was never sent a bill for his help. He actually sees many patients in addition to his important research.

Why are people like Madonna or Brittany Spears idolized and make millions of dollars while brilliant doctors like mine go through life in relative obscurity? Something is very skewed in our society. OK, end of sermon.

Three years after my initial diagnosis words cannot sufficiently express how thankful I am for the blessings I have been given.

6 comments:

Aunt Krissy said...

I'm glad to hear that all is going good for you.

Not only are people like Madonna and others idolized, they are listened to and given credit as if they have words of wisdom for us! I just don't get it!

Anonymous said...

We, your family, are also very thankful for these Drs. It truly a blessing to have such an incrediably smart Dr. in our area. We are very thankfull for that. We love you Lisa.

Anonymous said...

Well said Bonnie! I echo every word you have written! God is good!

Slug-A-Bed said...

Thanks everyone,
I couldn't have made it through the last three years without my family. I love you guys too.

Anonymous said...

We too send our love to you and your family! What would we do without your blog! Just have to look every day or two. So glad you found the great doctors you have and echo Cheryl in saying God is good all the time!

Slug-A-Bed said...

Thanks Logspliter,

As we know, it's all in His hands.

I'm so glad you guys enjoy my blog! I love hearing from you here.