Hi Cheryl

I was diagnosed in September of 1996. I was 39 years old. I had the disease for at least 2 years prior to diagnosis, but for some reason my doctor ignored my declining counts. I went to the doctor a lot the year before I was diagnosed. I had plenty of blood tests, but was told I was fine. My wbc was around 2.8 at that time.

I was given the label of hypochondriac by my co-workers. I tried to be tough so I stopped going to the doctor for a year. A massive fungal infection brought me back to him. My wbc was now 1 and I was referrd to a hematologist for an almost instant diagnosis.

I was treated in November of 96. My doctor delayed treatment for a while until he was convinced that I would tolerate it. He thought that my bone marrow may not tolerate treatment very well. I was not acutely ill and ultimately did fine. I have not been treated since then. My last CBC in July was normal, with a wbc of 8.8.

I guess it will come back. I don't know. We are at risk for secondary cancers as well. I would be able to deal with HCL again easier than some new more dangerous type. I just had another friend die last week after a 10 year torture session with colon cancer.

WAID mentioned throwing the dice each year, which is a good analogy. Being a big time craps player, I like that. It is much much easier to roll a 7 than snake eyes.