Leukemia - what can I do about it?
I was informed I had leukemia after a routine check-up, back in May of 2003. My reaction to that news was to gather as much information as possible about the disease. I wanted to become an informed health consumer. An informed consumer is one who very carefully measures and evaluates the information and recommendations provided by health care professionals.
My objective, with this blog, is to record my research and any musings I may feel wont to express regarding leukemia, cancer, cancer treatment options, and whatever else I think is related and would be of help to somebody who needs information on any or all of those topics.
My youngest sister died of breast cancer in June 2003. Before her death I was involved in researching cancer information that might be of help to her. Now I am doing it for myself. I am a 64-year-old male and very fit for my age. I have made a lifelong habit of chasing a ball of some description. At this point in time it's a golf ball. I have also made a lifelong habit of avoiding doctors as much as possible. Doctors can put a big-time hurt on a person.
Leukemia - what is it?
Leukemia means too many white blood cells. White blood cells are produced in the bone marrow. Their function is to destroy foreign invaders such as germs. Infection results in pus. Pus is mostly dead white blood cells.
Leukemia can be acute. That means the growth of the white blood cells is explosive. Acute leukemia is a very serious condition.
Leukemia can be chronic. Chronic means to be of long duration. Chronic leukemia means the growth of the excess white blood cells is relatively slow. My condition is called Chronic Lymphatic Leukemia.
The accumulation of excess white blood cells is due to an abnormality in those cells. Normal cells have apoptosis, which means the cell has a built-in natural death. It is often referred to as “programmed cell death”. That is the normal situation. When cells do not exhibit apoptosis they do not do the decent thing and die a natural death. Instead they hang on and on, causing an accumulation that can, in time, cause problems. They plug up the system.
8:12:17 PM 
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