The 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 macular degeneration continued to worsen over the years until she lost 85% of her vision. Please note it is not related to cataracts at all. My mother was a smoker for more than forty years, and that highly contributed to her macular degeneration.

I'm so glad that I was able to have the surgery even though I have the leukemia.

Seeing is a wonderful gift!

Eye Surgery and Leukemia

I 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/bone marrow disorders might be more prone to infections or failure of the surgery to go well.

I was reassured by my Oncologist that it would be okay to go through with it. So about a month ago I went through with my first surgery, which was on the right eye. I felt nothing and I remember nothing from the procedure itself. The lens used for replacement of my own is optimal for distance vision. Upon completion and healing from that surgery, my eyesight in that eye is now 20/20. What a difference!

Today, I underwent my second surgery which is in the left eye. This lens is for close up vision at arm's length. I'm home now and wanted to give an idea of what to expect for anyone going through the same. Also, be aware that for the regimen for the several kinds of eye drops you will need to take for the next couple weeks must be followed exactly! My neighbor did not take the instructions seriously and presently has an infection. She is not satisfied with her eyesight at this time either.Do not put your fingers in or near your eyes! You can contaminate your eyes with germs from your fingers.Wash and dry your hands before inserting your eye drops. Dab them with a tissue if need be.

 I have to admit that it gets complicated. Two different eye drops have to be taken four times a day at least five minutes apart. One other eye drop has to be taken three times a day, also with the five minute separation. I've had to make a chart. I've taped the boxes together so they don't get separated and misplaced (learned that lesson early on). And I keep them in a small zippered container in one location so that I can find them when my alarm clock lets me know it's time to take them again. Believe me, I needed someone to help me with this, as the first two days I was pretty foggy minded from the anesthesia.

Can't wait to see the doctor tomorrow first thing for her to take a look and learn what my new vision measures!

20/20 Vision

Doctor'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!!!

Catching 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 him the week I was diagnosed with CML in 2011.

Recently I have caught a cold from my five cats. Yes, according to the Vet it is not only quite possible but now proven. We can also give our cats the flu, too! The cats are all well now, but I keep dragging on with exhaustion and needing frequent time out's from daily activities to lie down. I don't know if it is residual from the cold alone though.

I also have a mild form of anemia, low lymphocytes (white blood cells) and not enough protein in my blood, as well as a chronic pancreatitis flare up, all of which could be related to my extreme fatigue. Urgh!!!

On Wednesday, I'm scheduled for a cataract removal surgery and lens implant. The lens will be for distance in one eye. Later, the other lens will be for close up. I'm very apprehensive about the idea of someone messing with my eye! Thank heavens I will be sedated for this procedure.

Though I am told there is no contraindication to having the surgery while I have leukemia, (and getting over a cold) it still concerns me. But, I will chalk that up to being overly cautious and maybe a tiny bit of fear.

My boy friend will be taking me for the surgery, bringing me back and staying with me a couple days. A friend will come on Friday. Then my son will be here for Mother's day. So I won't be alone in my healing process. And.... so that I wont bend over or pick up items weighing more than ten pounds.

Four out of my five cats are at least that weight so it will be a good idea that others will be here to "hoist" them about for me and do the bending over to feed them!