Temporary Disability Retired List update

A couple of days ago I received a letter from the TDRL Board President letting me know they have decided I am to remain on the TDRL because I am still not fit for active duty and my condition is still not stable. I look at it as a free return flight to San Diego where I can visit my parents, twin sister, brother, aunt and some great friends.

I continue to have my set-backs with days I find it difficult just climbing a flight of stairs. Some of my complaints are most likely related to side affects of the antibiotics I am still taking. So I hope to be feeling better once I finish those meds in two days. My white cell counts are still high but a little lower then the last report so the doctor is hoping the antibiotics are winning to fight an infection. But I have a pain in my left side just under my rib cage and I know from personal experience that this is where my spleen would be if it is getting bigger, like it did when I was originally diagnosed with CML. My doctor believes it is most likely my intestines I am feeling and my wife reminded me that the CT-scan I just had should have picked up an enlarged spleen. But I think because I have experienced so many cases of bad news with regards to my health that I now tend to be rather pessimistic.

Anyway, my darling wife has found a new oncologist for me at the Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers in Denver and I see him later this month. I expect he will order another PCR test to look for any signs of BCR-ABL, to ensure there is no sign of relapse. A negative result will certainly put me at ease.

And even more bad news on the Cox front; my poor overworked wife has been having more problems with her neck. Remember, late last year she underwent two major surgeries; one on her back and the other on her neck, both requiring titanium plates screwed in place on her spine. Well she just saw her surgeon about her neck and the verdict is that the bones did not fuse. So now she must get a CT-scan and most likely have to undergo the surgery again. But this time they will have to go in from the back of her neck and screw in another plate. I really feel for her because she is doing so much around here that she cannot afford to be in so much pain. Lately she has been caring for our two boys and for me almost full time. I love you honey and we are all thinking good thoughts for you.

Well that is it for now. I will probably post again after my oncology appointment or after I receive my PCR results.

~David