Some background

Me and my best friend, Cookie.

At the suggestion of a friend I have set up this web site in an effort to furnish information regarding my health to those who might be interested. I will attempt to keep this journal (blog in the current vernacular) updated as significant news occurs.

Some background information: at my routine annual physical and with no symptoms I was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) in July 2003. Shortly thereafter Dr. Steve Rosen and his fantastic team at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago began treating me with chemotherapy for five months. I’m not sure if I felt an affinity to Steve’s thinning hair and his goatee but I couldn’t be happier with the care that he provided. In January 2004 my CLL was declared in remission. At that time I was told to have periodic blood tests and CT-scans to monitor my condition.

In September 2005 my routine tests indicated that my CLL had returned along with a disease called Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). For the past several months I have received various chemotherapies and treatments to address both the CLL and MDS. The CLL now seems to be under control but the MDS has been more or less unresponsive. Left untreated, the MDS will likely lead to Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) — not good.

The most effective treatment for my MDS has been determined to be either a bone marrow transplant (per Loyola University Medical Center) or stem cell transplant (per NMH, University of Chicago and most others). After doing our research, getting multiple medical (and a few non-medical) opinions and dealing with a not fully accommodating insurance company (do NOT bring up the subject to Cookie!), we have decided that stem cell transplant is the way to go and Northwestern Memorial Hospital is the place to have it.

My transplant will by performed by Dr. Jayesh Mehta in early to mid-March — shortly after Anje & Nathan’s wedding on March 4. Lining up a donor and my having to take an extensive battery of physical tests beforehand would normally take four to six weeks so the timing works out well. I will probably be hospitalized for 3-4 weeks, be confined to home for 2-3 weeks and have “100 days of isolation” from transplant day to allow my immune system to redevelop (I’ve got an important fishing trip planned for late June so…). Between now and the transplant I am receiving a load of antibiotics to compensate for my weakened immune system due to depleted white blood cells. I get occasional transfusions to help get my dragging butt in gear. I’m just now learning how important red blood cells are – hello! I’m also receiving shots to stimulate white and red cell production. I have received a platelet transfusion (and may receive another if necessary) so if I cut myself shaving (yes, I do shave) it will not be fatal. Bottom-line, keep healthy between now and transplant day.

Cookie and I want to take this opportunity to THANK YOU for your terrific support. Family, friends, neighbors, business associates, casual acquaintances and total strangers — you’ve been wonderful! We couldn’t get through this without your prayers, good wishes, kind gestures and smiles. We are confident that with your support, an extremely qualified medical team, a remarkably unselfish donor and ultimately the blessing of the Lord above that I will have a long, productive and happy life ahead.

With love, hope and gratitude – George

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