February 19th is the 4th anniversary of Tyler's diagnosis with Leukemia. Especially now, I can't help but wonder if getting in to the doctor earlier might have helped him enjoy marriage a little bit longer... Tyler had been experiencing several symptoms that, in retrospect, we now know were signs that something was wrong. Number one in my memory were the chills that he got after exertion. Because Tyler and I were soccer addicts, we were out on the soccer field 1-2 times each week. For the 6 month period before diagnosis, Tyler would play soccer and then shake and shiver violently for a long time afterwords. Tyler just thought it was a part of getting old, but I thought it was a bad sign.
If you have any of the following symptoms, please make an appointment with your doctor. It probably ISN'T leukemia, but wouldn't you rather know?
- Fever or chills
- Persistent fatigue, weakness
- Frequent infections
- Losing weight without trying
- Swollen lymph nodes, enlarged liver or spleen
- Easy bleeding or bruising
- Tiny red spots in your skin (petechiae)
- Excessive sweating, especially at night
- Bone pain or tenderness
Dear Mandy,
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way about Nickolas. He was having symptoms for a long time before he told me about them or they got severe enough for me to notice he was really pale and didn't look good. Then I practically had to threaten to physically take him to the doctor myself before he finally made an appointment. He was in serious denial and was blaming his symptoms on everything from caffeine withdrawal to overwork etc. In hindsight, I wish he had just gone to the doctor sooner. So many "what ifs" and "if only's"...I still haven't figured out how to give up that kind of thinking. I just want my boy back. My heart is with you Mandy. I am so sorry that Tyler had to leave you so soon after fighting so hard for so long. I have no words anymore. You are in my thoughts and my prayers. with fond regard, Diane
It is so good of you to put these symptoms out there and educate people. I'm just so sorry that you have to know this at all.
ReplyDeleteThoughts are with you.