Inspirational Stories

I was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in December 2004 at stage 0 which was revealed through a routine yearly physical. 

Over the next five years while in “watch and wait,” I had periodic blood tests and met with Dr. Philip Symes, an oncologist at the Regional Cancer Center (RCC) in Erie, discussing the disease’s progression, treatment options, and when to begin treatment. My white count (WC) continued to rise, at first slowly then increasing each time I had a blood test, occasionally decreasing only to rise again in a later blood test. This continued until December 2009 when my WC reached 143K. Also, a CAT scan revealed that I had a swollen spleen. It was explained that the chemo treatments would be about every three weeks for five days each week beginning on January 25.

When I went in for my first treatment, the nurse took a blood sample to check my WC which had dropped to 98K before any chemo. My chemo proceeded, and I continued to have chemo throughout the week of treatment. It was explained it takes a series of treatments to bring the WC into the normal range (normal 4.5-11.0K). On February 22, I began my second week with a more aggressive chemo treatment. I had some serious side effects during the treatment, and it had to be slowed down, taking longer to administer the chemo. On March 5, my WC was 3K, and Dr. Symes suggested discontinuing the remaining treatments saying I had responded better than most people. My leukemia remained in remission, at first with the WC in the normal range with only a slight rise in May 2010 due to a mild case of shingles possibly caused by the cancer or chemo treatment itself. I believe that God's mighty healing hand and the many people praying for me brought me through my treatment with few side effects and into remission. 

I followed up with regular labs and meetings with Dr. Symes or someone from his oncology team. In October 2012, when my WC reached over 100K, I again went through chemo treatments and then into remission. 

Going through chemo treatments, you can have anxiety, but I never took any medication for anxiety because I didn't feel any. I was at peace during my treatment. I attribute this to my positive attitude, a strong faith, and trust in God that He was in control, along with many people praying.

 As of May 2017, when my WC started to rise again at 201.9K, I was prescribed IMBRUVICA®, an oral medication, which is now used as one of the front-line therapies for CLL. I have labs every six weeks and meet with Dr. Symes or someone from his oncology team every four to six months. I continue to be in remission, and all of my lab results are normal as of this writing.

It's been 16 years plus since being diagnosed, and knowing the cancer can come back is constantly in the back of my mind each day. I'm hoping and praying for a cure soon for all cancers.