Foreword

September 16, 2005: Source: Marco himself. Introduction Hello, my name is Marco and I am fighting since May 2003 with my girlfriend Fleur, family and friends at All = acute lymphoblastic leukemia . Meanwhile we live in August 2005 and I have after my first treatment (May / m in December 2003) with complete remission (ie, they could no malignant cells more like) three times a recurrence (ie, the disease put on new head on) had to be processed. Since August 2005 I started to consult an orthomolecular doctor This step was prompted by the fact that the regular care gives me much more opportunities (I shall discuss in more detail later). As long as I feel good (and I feel happy) I want everything to continue to address this disease to beat.
Through this "publication" I also unexpected companions and their families, friends, girlfriends, acquaintances, colleagues and other acquaintances insight into what life with acute lymphoblastic leukemia "can" do. I want to emphasize in advance that everything is written based on my personal experience, sometimes supplemented with information / knowledge / feelings of other patients (both acute lymphocytic leukemia and other cancers). I believe that anyone who in any way whatsoever is confronted with a life threatening situation (either personally or by someone else) to find himself 'tools' to cope the situation. People facing a life threatening illness will certainly at first a lot of support received many 'tips' from people with your best (this also applies to the relatives) for it. Many of these "tips" are certainly useful but will anyone notice that every individual can give a different interpretation to the situation. This may involve helping the partner who advises people to remain in their own lives (eg work, sports, kids, pets, hobbies, and visiting hours for example). I will have none of these things give advice, all I want to give is that you as a patient in collaboration with your environment to determine what works and what you can afford. In the course of the illness, certain things may change thinking of:
1. People you thought were friends, real friends do not appear (this is sometimes a strange / nasty way of expression).
2. This is also true, people you thought it was just friendly colleagues, acquaintances were found to be a tremendous help and support (this can be in different fields: one person shows always capable of getting you back to motivate you struggle, the other shows an attentive listener and also appears to have great empathy)
3. You may experience complications as a result of the treatment, which you previously had not realized that this could happen and do affect the prognosis as well as your daily functioning.
4. The stay / visit / to the hospital is certainly a point that every man in his own way process. This is one factor that you can not determine in advance what effect it has on the patient his / her family and other visitors. What does the patient to his / her day to come. Some hobbies that you normally do, appear in the hospital is not feasible (this may be due to the fact that the patient is due to illness / treatment / mental toughness not feel able / eight to do something). In acute lymphocytic leukemia is a given that one serving of the disease also the immune system of patients is greatly reduced (in some courses, certain values ​​to the absolute minimum) to complications (patients are very susceptible to many bacteria and viruses) to minimize , you'll often called an isolation room (a room where there are separate rules) this room for some (for me at least) seem very lonely. My personal advice is: do these things always discussed with neighbors, and certainly the medical team.
5. As indicated, there are times during the treatment that the resistance is so low that the patient should not be visited by someone who is unwell. Communicate clearly with anyone who intends to come and visit and be consistent (a little verkoudheidje, a cough all of these things usually not thought to be stood on the patient major, unpleasant consequences). Small children who are visiting a nursery, where possible, a greater risk because of risk of infection and the like. Nurses will be a more alert to visitors and also provide instructions (such as the settlement of jewelry and disinfect hands beforethe patient to enter). At the department is also lot of attention to this information and data. The above points were on me sometimes very cold and clinical about it, it is conclusively established that as a patient is very vulnerable, which makes it a layout acceptable. One point in particular I want to anyone in any way involved in cancer also give. Physicians are knowledgeable people, some are well able to properly and pleasant manner with their patients to communicate (even with hard negotiable issues) there are also those in terms of medical skills are very good, but the communication level are less developed. This can sometimes be quite difficult. A physician is not only / always good news and then play the way your information is definitely a role. Try to realize that you look at your life and body, and let it prove anything if you do not agree. Physicians are ultimately just people you with as much 'awe' with respect to handle such as the neighbor (in short, normal values ​​alone certainly no fear or awe). In this story I want to unexpected fellow sufferers, their families, friends and prospective understanding of how the disease has revealed how the diagnosis is established, what treatments have been given, what result has been achieved (what side effects there have been and still always are) and what the current status. I guess my story does anyone realize that you should always try to hope (though there are days that this is very difficult / impossible willhis / appear).