November has brought many health challenges. It started during the procedure when I was getting my skin cancer removed, I bled more then what they expected. This surprised me as I have a lot of platelets (used to create clots). They stated it was nothing to worry about but this added to a few other symptoms triggered me to talk with my hematologist. After reviewing everything, she wanted me to go for a bone marrow. This is where they go into your hip bone and take a small piece of bone and then take out a marrow sample (blood cells are created in your bone marrow) to see what is happening at the source. Unfortunately my previous blood disease (polycythemia vera) has now changed to Myelofibrosis, meaning that the bone marrow is scarred so there is less room for cells. It also meant my procedure was more invasive as they could not get a lot of marrow and needed to do two bone samples.
Results continue to come in fast which is leading to more tests and more appointments but it explains many issues that I have been dealing with lately like joint pain, fatigue, easy bruising, etc. My hematologist has referred me for a Bone Marrow Transplant which means they will need to wipe out my current bone marrow with chemotherapy and maybe radiation, and then they will give me stem cells from a donor. This will all be done in Calgary and I will need to be at Calgary for at least 3 months before I can be released home for more recovery. Even before the transplant, it will take some time until they are able to find a suitable donor.
So how does this relate to Kung Fu? The process ahead of me is also part of my Kung Fu journey. It will take time and with little steps I will continue to progress. Without being aware and listening to my body, I would have missed these signs that have helped for an early diagnosis. This awareness has come from being mindful with my eating, my activities, how I feel, all things that Kung Fu has helped me realize. Without constant blogging, I will not be able to see the progression that I am making. There are great resources available to me in my Kung Fu family. Sifu Lagner has already reached out and I can't wait to learn from his experiences. It will be a challenging road ahead for me and my family but Kung Fu has given us many tools for us to use to help navigate the road ahead.
I would like to share some things I have learnt so far that were interesting:
1) Adults - book an appointment with a public health nurse to review your immunizations. I was behind in Tetanus, Pneumonia and Influenza B. Don't forget your flu shot!
2) Bone Marrow/Stem Cell Donor Bank - Most bone marrow/stem cell donors will come from "strangers". https://www.blood.ca/en/stemcells To join the registry you must be between 17 and 35, in good health, etc. Once you register, they will send you a mouth swab. That is all that is needed to be added to the registry. For more information see https://www.blood.ca/en/stemcells/donating-stemcells/stemcell-eligibility-and-registration. Most common way to harvest stem cells is through the blood. They take blood out, filter out the cells they want and put the rest back into you. Joining does not commit you to donating.
See you on the mats!
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