What a difference a year makes. Last year in Aug. Dean was diagnosed with CLL (chronic lymphocytic leukemia) which sounds so much worse than it is. It's chronic, but progresses slowly. It can change (to acute), but usually it doesn't. Usually you don't die from the leukemia, but from some other illness you can't fight because of the leukemia. We are not the type of people who say "why me?" but rather----"ok, how do we deal with this now?" By the Grace of God, of course.
But at first we were devastated. Dean was depressed for about 3 months. Then slowly we got used to it, and the only real difference it has made in our life is we go to the doctor a little more for him to get blood counts, and we try very hard to keep all sick people away from Dean. So when the kids are sick I go over to their house to help Sherri and I found out when I get sick I too----need to stay away from Dean. Because when he does get sick----he gets it worse and for a longer period of time. He caught a cold from me in May & was sick for 4-6 weeks and even had to go on antibiotics. So hand sanitizer goes with us everywhere. He uses it often. Other than that----things are great!
And now the good news. We accidently found out ( a long story----call me if you want to know the details) that his CLL may be related to his Viet Nam tour. After a very short period of time we found out it was, and he has received full disability from the US Government which gives a monthly check and 100% free medical including eyes and dental! This----is----HUGE!!!!! It has totally changed our life for the better. Both of our attitudes are FANTASTIC, and we know we can deal with the challenges and changes that life brings us. Halleluiah!!! Thank You God.
A Life Not Wasted
12 years ago
1 comment:
God is sooo good! That's awesome. I'm sorry that you have to go down the chronic road, but it's way better than the acute. Given that my Dad has the same thing, I do speak from experience here. My Dad's numbers have remained excellent for years and we are just careful with him and my Mom too. We keep sick kids away from her as well as we've learned the hard way. You do learn your "new normal" and it's manageable compared to so many other things out there. So glad the illness was traceable and that the government stepped up with coverage. I know this takes a huge load off of you guys.
Enjoying the blog!
Love,
Ann
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