Thursday, October 16, 2014

A slap in the face and a shot in the back

Sigve has been diagnosed with cancer, again. This time it's called Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML). "The word "acute" in acute myelogenous leukemia denotes the disease's rapid progression. It's called myelogenous leukemia because it affects a group of white blood cells called the myeloid cells, which normally develop into the various types of mature blood cells, such as red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets." 

Rapid progression is the key word here. This cancer has developed over the last month or less because a month ago Sigve had his 4 year check-up including a bone marrow test, and nothing abnormal was found then. 

Sigve, Hilde Marie and I had a meeting with the doctor today, and were told that there is a treatment, which will be tried. It's a strong course of chemo, designed to kill off the cancer cells, knock out the bone marrow, and then let it rebuild itself, and if it works, all is well. There is a slight chance that this will work, otherwise there would be no point in even trying. But, and he stressed this, the chances of success are very slim. If unsuccessful, it's a matter of giving a milder, slightly life prolonging and palliative treatment for however many months it may take. 

Time is of the essence; he was transferred to Haukeland Hospital on Monday, tests done immediately, the diagnosis confirmed and Hicky, a Hickman catheter was surgically inserted on Tuesday, and treatment started Wednesday. 
A week of chemo, 18 hours pr day. Towards the end of the week his immune system will be so low that he will to go into isolation for 2-3 weeks. Infections will occur, and be treated and hopefully fought successfully. Only after that time will we know if the treatment has been successful.

I am grateful for an observant doctor at Stord Hospital who suspected that something was not right, and did the necessary tests. This condition enters the acute stage when the amount of immature blood cells are at 20%, Sigve is at 59%.

These are the hard facts. Turbulent times are ahead of us. We appreciate the love and care that we know will be coming from around the globe from so many dear friends.


2 comments:

Inge said...

Jeg sender jer gode og stærke tanker, og håber behandlingen giver de ønskede resultater.

Laura said...

Prayers and love to all of you. May Sigve experience refuah sh'leima complete healing… and my all of you be imbued with strength, courage and feel the love and prayers from around the world gently lifting you up and holding you with compassion.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...