tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53123482794845518122024-03-05T21:12:45.689-08:00HEART OF THE ROSEThis is my personal journal sharing the joys of living life as a rose, where roots go deep, thorns are sharp and painful, but life is worth the bloom! Life, for me includes a diagnosis of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia. I have previously survived a diagnosis of another cancer called Chondrosarcoma.Elizabeth Munrozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05077325324751999863noreply@blogger.comBlogger163125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312348279484551812.post-38453203923931988432016-11-30T17:20:00.001-08:002016-11-30T17:20:25.390-08:00Five Year Leukemia Survival
Life is like the weather. It changes.
Here I am today. It's a few months past my five year diagnosis day of surviving Chronic Myelogenous
Leukemia (CML).I barely ever give it any thought these days. Even when I am swallowing my chemo drug, Sprycel, at bedtime, the thought does not occur to me.
Life goes on.
Elizabeth Munrozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05077325324751999863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312348279484551812.post-43493766447617381232014-09-22T01:24:00.002-07:002014-09-22T01:24:40.961-07:00Cancerversary TimeToday is my "cancerversary". It has been three years since my diagnosis. It's kind of ironic that CML awareness day is the same day I was diagnosed. I have to admit in this situation I'm in right now, it feels like the glass is half full. On the one hand I've survived three years. On the other hand, quality of life is not that great.
Original Art by Elizabeth Munroz
So here's an update. My Elizabeth Munrozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05077325324751999863noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312348279484551812.post-8245436882213154272014-08-30T02:23:00.001-07:002014-08-30T02:23:28.482-07:00Ongoing Fatigue, Exhaustion and Malaise with Leukemia and SprycelI've written about the fatigue before. It just seems never-ending. I approached my oncologist about this issue, but she denied it had anything to do with my leukemia, since it is technically "in remission".
My sister and I having breakfast together. I was too tired to eat.
After many months (over a year) of going off various medications I had been taking to test the theory that it must be Elizabeth Munrozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05077325324751999863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312348279484551812.post-50450792644497775912014-06-02T14:52:00.003-07:002014-06-02T21:43:26.457-07:00Sprycel and FatigueEvery month the drug company calls me on the phone.
Voice: "It's time to renew your Sprycel. Would you like to do that?" and I tell them yes.
Voice: "Do you have any changes in symptoms to report?"
Me: "Yes... I am soooo exhausted and fatigued!!!!"
Voice: "Okay. I will note that. Would you like to speak to the pharmacist?"
Me: "Sure... what the heck..."
Sometimes all I can do is Elizabeth Munrozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05077325324751999863noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312348279484551812.post-88741096249609626242014-05-20T12:58:00.001-07:002014-05-20T14:17:34.248-07:00Coming Out of the ClosetSaw my oncologist yesterday for a regular follow up appt. Everything is "normal" (she says) but I dont feel well. She thinks it has nothing to do with CML or Sprycel. During the appointment I asked her a question to which the answer scared me.
There's a well known man, Actor, Ralph Peduto, in my area who died 12 days after diagnosis. TWELVE DAYS!
I asked my doctor how that could be. Elizabeth Munrozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05077325324751999863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312348279484551812.post-32495065415308272012014-01-04T14:13:00.001-08:002014-05-26T16:29:35.924-07:00How did I get cancer?
I wrote this article for my chondrosarcoma support group and I've decided to post it here as well, even though this is my leukemia journal. Some of the same things apply.
I've often been told, "Elizabeth, I just don't understand how I got cancer! I've lived a clean life, no drugs, no smoking, healthy diet all my life. I've stay away from sugar and eat all natural. I'm not lazy. I exercise, Elizabeth Munrozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05077325324751999863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312348279484551812.post-50578235942185014552013-12-06T18:17:00.001-08:002013-12-06T18:17:29.930-08:00"Fly" by Amy Obenski & The Carbone Band (at Maison des Arts, France)Elizabeth Munrozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05077325324751999863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312348279484551812.post-45631146803363184232013-09-21T03:00:00.000-07:002014-06-02T15:02:21.462-07:00Gratitude for Two Years of LivingIt's been two years since I was told I have leukemia... specifically the Chronic Myelogenous type.
If I had been diagnosed with CML before Gleevec came into existence (about twelve years ago) my average life expectancy while living with and being treated by the methods used for CML would have been about six years.
It's been so effective that people are living much longer than six years. And, inElizabeth Munrozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05077325324751999863noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312348279484551812.post-59987920590600463122013-08-17T03:23:00.003-07:002013-08-17T13:42:32.550-07:00The Gift of Sight
It's amazing! I can see close up in my left eye just fine. I can read without straining, a book, kindle, newspaper, computer, instructions on a medicine bottle. I can see to trim my fingernails and toe nails! It's a little bit weird to switch back and forth, but it is way better than how my vision was when I had the cataracts.
Now I understand why my mother got so depressed when her macularElizabeth Munrozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05077325324751999863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312348279484551812.post-20791459841661920812013-06-10T20:11:00.001-07:002013-08-17T13:48:23.608-07:00Eye Surgery and LeukemiaI was concerned when my Ophthalmologist told me it was time to have my cataracts removed. I totally agreed that my vision had gotten progressively foggy. But, being a Leukemia patient, I thought this might be "Risky". I'm not sure of my logic. Fearful, I guess, that something could go wrong, I supposed. I was also irrationally afraid of "something being put into my eye. Or that people with blood/Elizabeth Munrozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05077325324751999863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312348279484551812.post-44446614931821187702013-05-18T00:17:00.001-07:002014-09-27T03:04:36.898-07:0020/20 VisionDoctor's visit today revealed that my right eye, the one with the new lens implant put in during the recent cataract surgery is now 20/20. I am so very very happy and grateful to see clearly again! Woo Hoo!!!
Elizabeth Munrozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05077325324751999863noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312348279484551812.post-5124178475915881432013-05-04T23:42:00.001-07:002013-05-18T01:09:52.978-07:00Catching a Cold from Cats and Cataract Surgery
I am told my Leukemia is technically in remission as long as I keep taking the Dasatinib.
I have issues with the chemo in that it keeps me nauseated much of the time. That can be quite debilitating and annoying. It is hard to get adequate balanced nutrition when all I can eat is crackers. Though at least I do have some good days.
This is Ozzie who lives in Lee Vining, California
I met Elizabeth Munrozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05077325324751999863noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312348279484551812.post-34480119708837803772013-03-21T02:59:00.000-07:002013-03-21T02:59:12.217-07:00What Are The Chances?
Late for the first day of class, I took the only seat available next to a mysterious young man wearing a dark trench coat and classic fedora hat. He glanced up to acknowledge my presence as the instructor introduced us to the schedule for writing our memoirs. It was then I realized my seat partner was probably very ill. Cancer perhaps. He was not just slender or thin. His appearance was Elizabeth Munrozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05077325324751999863noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312348279484551812.post-56299583096161072302013-03-04T13:39:00.000-08:002013-03-04T17:51:04.692-08:00What You Don't Know Can Kill YouSince being diagnosed with CML my blood lipids climbed. The reason why? Because I could no longer take any statin medication to keep it healthy.
Statins are contraindicated with Dasatinib (Sprycel) which is the chemo drug I am taking. It is because of the way they are absorbed in the body through the liver. To keep the explanation simple, just imagine a turnstile and two people attempting to go Elizabeth Munrozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05077325324751999863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312348279484551812.post-7528092823741227002013-03-02T19:47:00.001-08:002013-03-03T01:08:42.350-08:00Vanity... Vanity... All is Vanity
Watching Diane Sawyer on the news tonight, it struck me how well she has aged. Granted, she might have had a little "help". But, she still wears her make-up well. It seems to me that older women, no matter how many nips and tucks or surgical interventions they might have, make-up is a tell tale problem. Even millionaires, no matter how well done the make up, still cannot hide the years.
Oh, I Elizabeth Munrozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05077325324751999863noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312348279484551812.post-27921042558230961952013-02-22T18:19:00.000-08:002013-08-17T13:59:52.148-07:00Celebration of DeathThis evening I've learned of the death of a friend. She "passed with grace and dignity" said her nurse. "She finally got her wings" her sister reported.
Digital Art by Elizabeth Munroz
Her name was Jill. She had Chondrosarcoma, a very rare form of bone cancer. It is not related to Leukemia. At least that's what the scientists say. Though it's proven there are a few genetic mutations in commonElizabeth Munrozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05077325324751999863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312348279484551812.post-40794121103653050812013-02-13T22:20:00.000-08:002013-02-13T22:20:58.620-08:00Trying to Stay Positive with Pills
For the most part, I think of myself as handling the fact that I have leukemia just fine. I don't give it much thought. It's not always on my mind. But, today is a different story.
I have "forgotten" to take my pills regularly lately. I know part of it is stress. When I get stressed I can't think straight. First, I am focused on the problem at hand and I forget to eat, therefore I forget to Elizabeth Munrozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05077325324751999863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312348279484551812.post-44824114724915618012013-02-01T04:35:00.004-08:002015-03-18T10:26:30.413-07:00Thank You, Cancer
Chondrosarcoma a rare form of bone cancer
Thank you Cancer, for changing my life for the better. Ha ha! Bet you thought you couldn't do that. But, you did. Oh yes, you made me suffer. But, you know what Cancer? I learned a lot about compassion and caring and humanity because of that. I learned to recognize when other people were hurting and needing help. That changed me for the better for sureElizabeth Munrozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05077325324751999863noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312348279484551812.post-73024536303704424492013-01-24T02:50:00.002-08:002013-08-17T14:02:29.248-07:00RESILIENCE
Hang in there, Girl
Photo by Elizabeth Munroz
A friend of mine in the cancer community recently said, "Resilience is defined as the ability to harness inner strength that can help a person to rebound from a setback or challenge.
Resilience won't make your problems go away — but resilience can give you the ability to see past them, find enjoyment in life and better handle stress.
If you Elizabeth Munrozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05077325324751999863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312348279484551812.post-71974399047941200342012-11-17T17:35:00.005-08:002013-08-17T14:08:54.133-07:00Leukemia's Link to Oil
Not an oil derrick
Located in Orcutt California where I once
lived a stone's throw from real ones.
I keep coming across the same statement: "exposure to some chemicals, such as benzene, increases the risk of leukemia".
So, how would someone even know if they had been exposed to benzene?
What is benzene?
If you look it up in wikipedia, there's a lot of blah, blah, blah mumbo jumbo.
But, Elizabeth Munrozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05077325324751999863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312348279484551812.post-82139974229994351262012-11-17T16:37:00.000-08:002013-08-17T14:13:07.816-07:00Heart Stress Test
Elizabeth Munroz at 30-ish
When I was in my thirties, I had my first heart palpitations. I was in my eighth month of pregnancy. Due to heart disease running in my family, I went to the emergency room. There was a great deal of hustle and bustle by those taking care of me. I was hooked up to EKG and then given an IV bolus of Lidocaine. It made me feel really weird and I thought I might die. I Elizabeth Munrozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05077325324751999863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312348279484551812.post-46154134060092051722012-11-10T00:57:00.000-08:002012-11-10T01:03:59.603-08:00Does Leukemia Run in Families?
1918
Myron Rockwell Borden
and son Alvin
Last night I had a vivid dream that I was having a discussion with a doctor about my leukemia. He was asking about family history of diseases and conditions. Instead of answering with the usual, Hypertension, stroke, Hereditary Multiple Exostoses (osteochondromas) and my history of the bone cancer, chondrosarcoma, I said, "I have a cousin who also Elizabeth Munrozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05077325324751999863noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312348279484551812.post-78407922175871366072012-11-05T21:53:00.000-08:002012-11-05T21:53:29.155-08:00My Best Friend Forever
Linda while pregnant with Andrea. You can see her joyous glow.
My best friend, Linda Watkins, would have celebrated her 63rd birthday this month. I believe on the 24th. But, she died of cancer close to her birthday in 1982 about the age 33. When we first met in 1974, I had just moved into a small house in El Monte, California. We hit it off right away. She was my neighbor.
Linda Elizabeth Munrozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05077325324751999863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312348279484551812.post-51825355142876962562012-11-03T04:08:00.000-07:002012-11-03T04:09:42.284-07:00Elusive Happiness
Photo by Elizabeth Munroz
What ever happened to happily ever after? That was all hype, like Santa Claus, Leprechauns, the Tooth Fairy, and all that other bunch of lies that were perpetrated upon us as kids. There ought to be a Law!!!
Really... I think happiness is what we make it.
As the Buddhists say, one of the first truths is that we all have suffering, none can escape it. Once that Elizabeth Munrozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05077325324751999863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5312348279484551812.post-11046967971098479772012-11-02T13:59:00.000-07:002012-11-02T13:59:20.526-07:00Hanging in There
Sometimes life gives you what you think is more than you can handle.
But, try running away from it and it just follows you.
Hide from it and it will find you.
What we are supposed to face, will face us off, unless we will turn to it, embrace it and heal ourselves of our fear and ignorance.
And, of course, it will come back just to test you again, later to remind you to "Hang in There".
~~Elizabeth Munrozhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05077325324751999863noreply@blogger.com0