ChrisBoring

Hello. I'm Chris. I've an adventuresome, travel-filled fun life. About 3 months ago I began to get very tired on runs and experienced a ringing muffled feeling in my ears after a workout. I would get faint sometimes for no good reason. And my joints ached, particularly my shoulders. On Fri, 10/8 I went to a clinic at UCSF Medical Center and the doctor there sent me to the ER across the street for an EKG. He wanted to put me on a treadmill and look for symptoms. While I was there, a blood test was taken and I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). While it is rare, it is a highly curable blood cancer. It's a fairly straightforward diagnosis based on the low red and white blood cells. Leukemia cells had started taking over my blood while being created in my bone marrow. My workouts had suffered because there was little oxygen being distributed due to the lack of Red blood cells. It also explained the joint pain and ear problems - no oxygen. This process will continue unless checked. After a few days of sadness and attempts at understanding the science of it all, I now feel hightly confident that the chemotherapy used does a fine job of removing leukemia cells from the Blood, Marrow, and Spinal column. It just takes some time (6 months of mostly hospital stay, and 2 years of follow up care.) I look forward to the challenges ahead and the free time to explore old hobbies and new ones. I have some nice time for reflection -you know, I like reflection. I am very strong and mentally ready to rise to this challenge. Thanks for everyone's support. I'm glad to have such good friends. Don't worry. I am ready for, almost enthusistic for, all the challenges ahead. interesting science, a good fight, should get good.