LEUKEMIA AND MULTIPLE MYELOMA

Mar
27
2009

Posted by: admin in Categories: Men's Health-Erectile Dysfunction.
Using Tags: Men’s Health

Many blood malignancies progress very slowly in older people. The common malignancies are chronic leukemia and multiple myeloma, both of which may first reveal themselves as anemia. These two diseases are discussed in detail in chapter 14. Treatment can usually be accomplished successfully with drugs and occasionally with radiation therapy. Proper treatment can bring you a satisfactory level of well-being and activity and keep you going for a long time.

An 88-year-old man I knew had had chronic leukemia for about twenty-five years. He was active and productive all this time and visited his physician periodically for examinations. In his later years he occasionally required a small degree of chemotherapy to keep his leukemia under control. At 88, he developed pain in his spleen, which had become enlarged because of the leukemia. Radiation therapy to his spleen improved his symptoms, but some months later, his leukemia began to progress rapidly, and his family came from out of town to prepare for his last days.

His condition was evaluated by a hematologist (blood specialist), who recommended a new course of chemotherapy. Beyond anyone’s expectations, the man’s white blood cell count returned to normal, his anemia improved, and he felt well again. Although only a few months have passed since his treatment began, he continues to feel well and en joy life. His family returned to their homes, and even though everyone is aware of the likelihood of a relapse, he has managed thus far to improve with treatment.