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Some medical news is not fun or good

bpost
I have Polycythemia vera, a type of blood cancer that is genetic but not inherited or passed on.  I have too many red cells, platelets and white cells in my blood, it makes it thick, prone to clotting, strokes or heart attacks. There is some weird mutation of a gene that causes my marrow to flip out and do stupid stuff.  I go to the Cancer Hematologist next Wednesday to see just what is going to be done.  It is rare hits mostly men over 60 (I am 62).  I am not scared or really too concerned as long as I can get the counts under control by the old fashioned method of blood letting I should be able to make it another 15-20 years.  Untreated my life expectancy goes into the crapper. 
If any of you saw me in person you would say I was a perfect example of a genetic mutation with a pumpkin for a head sitting on a telephone pole, short legs, L-O-N-G body and just generally a mess.  I will keep you posted and hope the weather clears up a bit so I can get back into the air.  This winter has been horrible for good flying weather, drat.
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Comments

21 comments

Date Votes
  • Don McManus
    Sorry to hear this, Bruce.
    Good to hear that there is a fairly non-destructive treatment regimen.

    You will be in my thoughts.

    Don


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  • mogley98
    Sorry to hear I hope you can use other methods besides bleeding to control it! Curious does altitude impact blood pressure at all? And please don't have a stroke flying if at all!
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  • chiefr

    When I was young, I remember my grandfather telling me it sucks getting old. I was clueless at the time and realized how right he was after I turned 40 and every birthday thereafter.  

    Always enjoyed your posts. We wish you the best possible outcome. Your optimism is inspirational.

    Keep us posted.

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  • bpost
    mogley98 said:
    Sorry to hear I hope you can use other methods besides bleeding to control it! Curious does altitude impact blood pressure at all? And please don't have a stroke flying if at all!

    My BP is great  normally 124/72 the Vacepa I was prescribed early in 2019 has reduced my cholesterol and triglycerides from OMG high to fantastic.  It is one "drug" that really, really works.  It is a ultra pure prescription fish oil that equals eating 10 servings of salmon a day.  I am truly blessed to have AWESOME insurance at work that pays for it and keeps my out of pocket costs to a mere pittance.
    Due to the thick blood altitude could impact my oxygen saturation but I seldom fly above 8,500 feet with 3,500-6,000 more common.  I will monitor these things carefully and plan on getting a portable pulse oximeter to keep an eye on o2 saturation.  I will also get a portable oxygen can just in case.  Safety in the sky is paramount.
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  • jimdeere
    Sorry to hear, Bruce. I wondered how you have been. 
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  • mogley98
    Indeed for you firstly and the ground dwellers too! I wish you many years of continuing to enjoy your flying, I had the opportunity many years ago to fly with a accomplished pilot in several small planes and it is nothing like commercial flying. He wanted to teach me but I couldn't even seem to get the knack of steering with my feet instead of the "steering wheel"! LOL
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  • SCOUT5
    The fact that have it is not good news.   But the fact that is has been identified is good new as now you and the doctors know it needs treated.   Sound like you and the doctors are going to follow up and do what's best for you.  Best wishes and hope the treatment keeps it under control you enjoy some  more decades of flying.
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  • KenK/84Bravo

    Good thoughts and Prayers coming your way Bruce. Hang in there Brother.

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  • danielgage
    prayers
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  • mac10
    my grandma had that back in the day they just bleed her time to time
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  • montanajoe
    • Community moderator
    Well dangit.  Get this treated and keep it under control.  Prayers go out. 
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  • Mr. Perfect
    Bruce, I'm sending up some prayers on your behalf. Sorry to learn of this news. Methinks this condition picked the wrong guy to fight with.
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  • kimi

    I'd like to echo Don's thoughts, Bruce.

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  • pickenup

    Best wishes go with you Bruce.





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  • jltrent
    Not good news for sure, but it could be worse.......
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  • bpost
    Barzillia said:
    Pathology of any sort is never good news, but PCV can be present in varying degrees of severity.
    I wish you the best and figure it is a good thing to live in the 21st century !

    We are truly blessed that today in the 21st century the study of DNA implicated issues is gaining ground by leaps and bounds.  It is also somewhat humorous the treatment for this type of cancer dates back to the dark ages.  By taking out blood it helps to keep the wolf at bay.  Ironic to say the least.

    I appreciate your well wishes and will do my best to hang around for as long as possible.  I am really not interested in finding out what nasty things can happen when this cancer goes untreated, so I will follow the doctors instructions to the letter.
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  • select-fire
    so I will follow the doctors instructions to the letter.      

    They know best...  Wheels Up.
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  • spasmcreeksrun
    best wishes for a good doc to get a grip on this  for you......
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  • spasmcreeksrun
    flying ?????  look up the fun ultralights kittyhawk flyer and the opener blackfly.......unusual ....seems they will never get listed for sale ???
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  • Brookwood
    You are in my prayers Bruce!  They are going out "High Flight" just like the poem!
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  • Maalox
    Glad you have identified it and are seeking treatment.  Hope your treatment is successful and this does not impact your life expectancy.
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