Newly diagnosed in Atlanta

November 7, 2006

Hi everyone --

My name is Tracey, I am 42 and just dxd within the last 2 weeks. Of

course hind sight is 20/20 and when I reflect back on things I have

probably been working on this for quite some time now. I have often

complained to my PCP about being exhausted and achey and as others

have commented he checked my thyroid and commented that I wasn't

anemic. Makes you a little nervous when you have to wonder at what

point they think a simple CBC would be in order.

Being so new to this whole thing I haven't quite got all the

terminology down but here are the basics -- aproximately 40lbs lost

over the last 6-8 months (never have been that successful before -

shocking what a little dose of CML can accomplish!!!), constant

exhaustion, and then 2 weeks ago a pain in my left side (you got it -

- an enlarged spleen). Dr ordered ultrasound to confirm

spleenomegaly then a CBC. When the blood work came back PCP called

at 9:30 AM on FRIDAY and told me it looked like AML -- I have since

told him he has LOUSY timing and really knows how to screw up

someone's weekend. He did refer me to Georgia Cancer Specialists to

see Dr. Melvin . Dr assured us we were dealing with CML

not AML,and it was pretty much a text book case -- just waiting on

the cytogenic tests to confirm PH+ and rule out any other

extenuating circumstances. He immediatley started me on Gleevec

400mg and Allpurinol 300mg daily.

I have been impressed with Dr so far but was curious if anyone

out there has any info on him. He seems to be on the cutting edge as

far as SCT and BMT if need be down the road. He is a fauclty member

at Emory University and seems to be involved with giving or

participating in seminars quite often. So far he has been very

giving of his time and doesn't hesitate to answer our questions no

matter how many or how insignificant they may be.

My precious brother found this group and pointed me in your

direction. I look forward to learning from each and every one of

you. I will be thankful for " ya'll " and pray for all.

Thank you -- Tracey

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