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I was diagnosed Jan. 1997 with CLL, after nodes were appearing and the lab showed my WBC was too high. I was alone with the doctor and asked, "What can I do", he said "nothing". Even then I knew I had to do something to help myself.
I asked about studying, reading about the subject, taking supplements. He said it would not hurt or help me! The next month, I went to a Holistic Medical Doctor, and she immediately told me, I had to build up my immune system. I was working two jobs, one stressful job, which I loved. I was having infections almost monthly.
That is when I started the multivitamins, herbs, and went to every class I could on rebuilding my health. I checked the computer, and I completely changed my diet. Everything that was good for me, I learned to love. I gave up all fast foods, and red meat. I walked every morning. After three years, I became anemic, and started vitamin IV's in the doctor's office. For that period, I never had an infection, cold or the flu. I was sure the good health care was working!
After the fourth year, I knew I had to take early retirement, the red and hemoglobin counts were dropping. The spleen was growing quickly. My local hematologist was patient with me, saying he would wait until I was ready for treatment. I was just happy to continue on W&W. Then Dec. 2000, I got a bad pneumonia, and was in the hospital 8 days. I was given blood, and finally an infectious doctor was called in to get the infection, which was low in the lung. I was on oxygen as the red count was not producing oxygen.
After 5 months, my doctor started talking about spleen surgery, or chemo, I knew my system could not handle that treatment. I had been following the listing on the computer, hearing about Dr. Keating, decided to try and see him for a 2nd. opinion. I went as a self-referral, it was not too hard, and after sending my records, I was given an appt. Christmas week 2001.
That is where my Christmas miracle occurred, as my children say. Dr. Keating was ready to start RFC protocol on me after the first exam. But after seeing my BMP , he said I was missed dx. I did not have Cll, but did had splenic lymphoma. He knew all that was needed was 8 courses of Rituxan, and he promised me I would be in remission. I did have my doubts, and I was very tired.
The first course was that afternoon, taking 8-10 hr., then I flew to my son's home for Christmas. After continuing the remaining 7 courses at home, by Feb. 15, 2001, I was in remission. I must say my local hematologist was not happy, that Dr. Keating started treatment without his opinion! I tried to explain, but he was very hurt! My happiness overshadowed his dismay.
Today, I tell the world--There is Hope! Never give up, never! I am a very positive person, I don't like seeing the negative in any patient. I believe by waiting the 5 yrs., before treatment, I was given 5 yrs. of almost normal lifestyle.
As there is no cure, why start toxic treatment, before all the symptoms are present? For that, I am grateful, that I had a choice to choose what my heart and mind was telling me. My friends and family are amazed with my outlook and health today!
Shirley
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