Tuesday, June 28, 2011

The Bibopsy



Remember my horrible rash last week? Well after days of no changes, my nurses sent me to a dermatologist. A mystery dermatologist. In McClean.

The mystery dermatologist took one look and said, "well it could be leukemia cutis," and immediately wanted to do a biopsy. The idea made me nervous--I had just been cross & matched for a transfusion; my platelets and white blood cell counts were VERY low and I worried about the risk of bleeding and infection.

But she didn't listen. And she didn't ask any other questions. She just dug out a piece of my neck and stitched me up. No other rash possible explanations, no consultation with my oncologist, no cream or anything to care for the rash.

Of course on the drive home I called Janiece, who looked up leukemia cutis while I drove. Not good. It's the spread of leukemia to the skin. Basically, it means the chemo isn't working, that I would need an immediate bone marrow transplant, and that my body is falling apart and has a very good possibility of not going back together.

Needless to say it's been a very uncomfortable week, fraught with anxiety and fear.

BUT as I pieced together things my oncologist had said to me in the past ("you are leukemia free;" "leukemia doesn't hide; it always shows up in the blood;" tri-weekly blood tests with no leukemia showing up; "the chemo is working"), and the lack of information from the dermatologist or from cancer websites, I worked to discern the words of the dermatologist.

And I prayed. A lot. As did my close friends. And I reached down deep. I remembered promises and blessings and all sorts of things. I realized previous answers to prayers. And I tried oh so hard not to let my fears carry me away. Even as the angry red bumps on my arms and neck came and went and came back and went.

Well today I have some great news. It's most definitely NOT leukemia cutis. I'm still waiting to hear what these bumps are--most likely a side effect from chemo.

So while I'm still a baldy, I have a whole life ahead of me.

14 comments:

Vicki said...

Jenny Reeder, I wish I could give you a hug, even though I haven't seen you for about 7 years (remember that time in the KC airport?) and it would probably be a little awkward. I'm glad it's not leukemia cutis.

Julie said...

AWESOME!

Emily said...

YESSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Laurie, the girls and Scott said...

Oh, so scary! JR, we love you and are continuing to pray for you. (PS - yeah for rashes that aren't cancerous!)

Jimmy & Michelle said...

I'm glad it's not leukemia cutis. I have a wierd rash now as well and was thinking it was related to one of my chemo drugs. I meet with my oncologyst on Friday. I'm hopeful that she is going to tell me that I'm in remission. Best of luck to you Jenny.

Kristine said...

Oh, thank goodness!

M said...

HOORAY! And PHEW!!!

Jenny always triumphs in the end!

Unknown said...

I was getting so nervous reading that post! You have such faith my friend! Sending lots of love your way!

Meggen said...

What a relief!!!! Prayers and blessings and love to you, my friend! Take care!

Unknown said...

That's the BEST news I've heard all day.
The world NEEDS you, Jenny Reeder. Hang in there. We love you!

Lesli said...

Prayers continue to be answered and peace of mind restored. Such good news and I hope they figure out what the rash is all about. And, I am reminded that we haven't watched "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" in way too long. So thankful your bibopsy came back with the hoped for results. And I love you!

Jill said...

Please give me the address of this so called "dermatologist" so I can take matters into my own hands!!!!!!! Seriously!?!

Jill said...

Please give me the address of this so called "dermatologist" so I can take matters into my own hands!!!!!!! Seriously!?!

Jill said...

Please give me the address of this so called "dermatologist" so I can take matters into my own hands!!!!!!! Seriously!?!