Up and Down
There’s good news and there’s not so good news.
The good news is that I don’t have cancer. I know, I know . . . you didn’t know it was a thought let alone a possible reality. It was. It might be someday in the future. Right now, I’m genetically normal and I don’t have cancer.
Earlier in the year my Mom’s oncologist suggested I be tested for her cancer. I was mirroring some of her symptoms. Her doctor, my doctor, and my parents all agreed that I should have a bone marrow biopsy to determine if cancer was a reality for me.
After the biopsy and a wait of a few weeks, the reports were all in, and they were all negative. I think I’m the only person in the world who was disappointed to hear that I don’t have cancer.
It wasn’t that I wanted to have cancer. No, not at all. It was that I wanted answers.
I’ve been living with mystery maladies for more than 3 years. I’d like the mystery to end. I’m tired of having my body go awry and having no good reason for it—as far as anyone I know can tell.
The biopsy did reveal one answer. My bone marrow is severely anemic. Lately my blood has moved out of the anemic readings, but the message hasn’t reached my bone marrow.
Another down development is that I’ve started to develop a peripheral neuropathy in my feet and lower legs. Yes, my sugar levels have been tested. They’re fine. As far as the doctors and I can tell, this is just another symptom to add to the list of mysteries.
I’ve started taking medicine for the neuropathy. It has been wonderful for my feet. It hasn’t been so wonderful for the rest of my body. Another mystery to add to the list.
Life is full of ups and downs. Thankfully my health ups and downs don’t reflect the rest of my life.
photo courtesy of Littleman
5 Responses to “Up and Down”