Guest guest Posted November 2, 2007 Report Share Posted November 2, 2007 Thank you for your post. It sounds like he put up a heck of a fight. How wonderful it is that you can see that you had five years with him and look on the bright side. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Matt Zero Club #1078 ville, Florida Dx January of 2005 Gleevec since March of 2005 Treated at MD Father of 3 In a message dated 11/2/2007 9:49:39 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, mrspoiler@... writes: I want to thank the Group for the support this site has given to me and my beloved brother in his 5 year struggle with CML. Regrettably, despite the best medical care in the world, passed away this week. Diagnosed almost exactly 5 years ago, at age 45, was initially on Gleevec (imatinib) under the care of Dr. Sawyers at UCLA (Los Angeles) and achieved partial remission temporarily. He was then changed to Sprycel (dasatinib) at the University of Miami, and his counts went down again on that, but not far enough and after a year they began climbing again. As there was no bone marrow match available, on the advice of Dr. Druker in Portland, traveled to MD in Houston where he was started on SKI-606 (bosutinib) in August of this year. He was a diligent patient, but unfortunately because of low white cell function, he caught a rapidly progressive pneumonia which took his life within one week. I don't want this post to discourage anyone in their struggle. had 5 years of full quality of life and kept the full-time job he loved, working up to the day before he was finally hospitalized. As a physician myself I know that would not have happened on any of the drugs we had when I went to medical school. My brother and all of you are the way medical knowledge progresses, giving each generation a better chance. I do want this post to say to those who do not have a " success story " , to remember that a support group is for you too. He and I both subscribed to and read the postings of this group, but he was reluctant to write here when his counts did not go down. Remember, not all successes are achieved linearly, some have setbacks and later still do achieve remission. The many success stories gave hope and nothing is more important in life than hope. In the end it was not the leukemia that took his life directly, but an infection. As a doctor, I want to remind those of you who do develop neutropenia (low white counts) in the early phases on a new medication, that it is very important to take precautions against infection, because the effective wbc count may actually be lower than the on-paper number suggests. had an wbc count of 3 but was in " functional neutropenia " so actually had an effective wbc count less than 1 and no defenses against infection. He felt strong enough to take a 5 hour flight to attend a large conference on business 2 weeks ago and didn't think he needed to wear a mask, or use antibacterial wipes, or avoid large crowds and long flights, all of which we had advised. Years of hating too-high white cell counts made sometimes think that " lower must be better " . Unfortunately, that is not so. The work towards curing 100% of CML victims continues, and while losing my brother is so hard, I have to say that in some ways cancer made him an even better person. He cherished his family (especially his 11 year-old son ) even more in the last 5 years and took great joy in many cancer-related fund-raising activities. chaired one of the most successful " Relay for Life " programs (at Barry University) for the last 3 years, he actively participated in Habitat for Humanity and he even represented the American Cancer Society last year speaking on Capitol Hill. I know would have wanted me to thank you all and wish every one of you the best outcome possible. le Beaubrun, MD _http://www.trinidadhttp://www.thttp://wwhttp://www.http://ww_ (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article?id=161225817) _http://www.redorbithttp://wwwhttp://www.redhttp://www.redorhttp://wwwh_ (http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/460169/lapping_illness_the_miami_s) hores_relay_hores_rel _http://www.legacy.http://www.lhttp://www.lehttp_ (http://www.legacy.com/Broward/DeathNotices.asp?) Page=LifeStory & <WBR>Pers<WBR>Per ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 2, 2007 Report Share Posted November 2, 2007 Thank you, le, for sharing all of this with us. My sympathies to you. chris in minn [ ] Beaubrun has moved on I want to thank the Group for the support this site has given to me and my beloved brother in his 5 year struggle with CML. Regrettably, despite the best medical care in the world, passed away this week. Diagnosed almost exactly 5 years ago, at age 45, was initially on Gleevec (imatinib) under the care of Dr. Sawyers at UCLA (Los Angeles) and achieved partial remission temporarily. He was then changed to Sprycel (dasatinib) at the University of Miami, and his counts went down again on that, but not far enough and after a year they began climbing again. As there was no bone marrow match available, on the advice of Dr. Druker in Portland, traveled to MD in Houston where he was started on SKI-606 (bosutinib) in August of this year. He was a diligent patient, but unfortunately because of low white cell function, he caught a rapidly progressive pneumonia which took his life within one week. I don't want this post to discourage anyone in their struggle. had 5 years of full quality of life and kept the full-time job he loved, working up to the day before he was finally hospitalized. As a physician myself I know that would not have happened on any of the drugs we had when I went to medical school. My brother and all of you are the way medical knowledge progresses, giving each generation a better chance. I do want this post to say to those who do not have a " success story " , to remember that a support group is for you too. He and I both subscribed to and read the postings of this group, but he was reluctant to write here when his counts did not go down. Remember, not all successes are achieved linearly, some have setbacks and later still do achieve remission. The many success stories gave hope and nothing is more important in life than hope. In the end it was not the leukemia that took his life directly, but an infection. As a doctor, I want to remind those of you who do develop neutropenia (low white counts) in the early phases on a new medication, that it is very important to take precautions against infection, because the effective wbc count may actually be lower than the on-paper number suggests. had an wbc count of 3 but was in " functional neutropenia " so actually had an effective wbc count less than 1 and no defenses against infection. He felt strong enough to take a 5 hour flight to attend a large conference on business 2 weeks ago and didn't think he needed to wear a mask, or use antibacterial wipes, or avoid large crowds and long flights, all of which we had advised. Years of hating too-high white cell counts made sometimes think that " lower must be better " . Unfortunately, that is not so. The work towards curing 100% of CML victims continues, and while losing my brother is so hard, I have to say that in some ways cancer made him an even better person. He cherished his family (especially his 11 year-old son ) even more in the last 5 years and took great joy in many cancer-related fund-raising activities. chaired one of the most successful " Relay for Life " programs (at Barry University) for the last 3 years, he actively participated in Habitat for Humanity and he even represented the American Cancer Society last year speaking on Capitol Hill. I know would have wanted me to thank you all and wish every one of you the best outcome possible. le Beaubrun, MD http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article?id=161225817<http://wwwtrinidade\ xpress.com/index.pl/article?id=161225817> http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/460169/lapping_illness_the_miami_s<http://ww\ w.redorbit.com/news/health/460169/lapping_illness_the_miami_s> hores_relay_for_life/ http://www.legacy.com/Broward/DeathNotices.asp?<http://www.legacy.com/Broward/De\ athNotices.asp?> Page=LifeStory & PersonID=96992503 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 2, 2007 Report Share Posted November 2, 2007 So sorry for your loss, know it is difficult, but on the brighter side, you know he is in a truly wonder place and at peace. All my thoughts and prayers go with you. Anita [ ] Beaubrun has moved on I want to thank the Group for the support this site has given to me and my beloved brother in his 5 year struggle with CML. Regrettably, despite the best medical care in the world, passed away this week. Diagnosed almost exactly 5 years ago, at age 45, was initially on Gleevec (imatinib) under the care of Dr. Sawyers at UCLA (Los Angeles) and achieved partial remission temporarily. He was then changed to Sprycel (dasatinib) at the University of Miami, and his counts went down again on that, but not far enough and after a year they began climbing again. As there was no bone marrow match available, on the advice of Dr. Druker in Portland, traveled to MD in Houston where he was started on SKI-606 (bosutinib) in August of this year. He was a diligent patient, but unfortunately because of low white cell function, he caught a rapidly progressive pneumonia which took his life within one week. I don't want this post to discourage anyone in their struggle. had 5 years of full quality of life and kept the full-time job he loved, working up to the day before he was finally hospitalized.. As a physician myself I know that would not have happened on any of the drugs we had when I went to medical school. My brother and all of you are the way medical knowledge progresses, giving each generation a better chance. I do want this post to say to those who do not have a " success story " , to remember that a support group is for you too. He and I both subscribed to and read the postings of this group, but he was reluctant to write here when his counts did not go down. Remember, not all successes are achieved linearly, some have setbacks and later still do achieve remission. The many success stories gave hope and nothing is more important in life than hope. In the end it was not the leukemia that took his life directly, but an infection. As a doctor, I want to remind those of you who do develop neutropenia (low white counts) in the early phases on a new medication, that it is very important to take precautions against infection, because the effective wbc count may actually be lower than the on-paper number suggests. had an wbc count of 3 but was in " functional neutropenia " so actually had an effective wbc count less than 1 and no defenses against infection. He felt strong enough to take a 5 hour flight to attend a large conference on business 2 weeks ago and didn't think he needed to wear a mask, or use antibacterial wipes, or avoid large crowds and long flights, all of which we had advised. Years of hating too-high white cell counts made sometimes think that " lower must be better " . Unfortunately, that is not so. The work towards curing 100% of CML victims continues, and while losing my brother is so hard, I have to say that in some ways cancer made him an even better person. He cherished his family (especially his 11 year-old son ) even more in the last 5 years and took great joy in many cancer-related fund-raising activities. chaired one of the most successful " Relay for Life " programs (at Barry University) for the last 3 years, he actively participated in Habitat for Humanity and he even represented the American Cancer Society last year speaking on Capitol Hill. I know would have wanted me to thank you all and wish every one of you the best outcome possible. le Beaubrun, MD http://www.trinidad express.com/ index.pl/ article?id= 161225817 http://www.redorbit .com/news/ health/460169/ lapping_illness_ the_miami_ s hores_relay_ for_life/ http://www.legacy. com/Broward/ DeathNotices. asp? Page=LifeStory & PersonID= 96992503 __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 2, 2007 Report Share Posted November 2, 2007 Merci le, for sharing your precious advice and concerns. Please receive my sincere condolances and lots of love to the young . myriam dxd march 2007 On Fri, 02 Nov 2007 14:49:26 -0000, " vaclements " <mrspoiler@...> said: > I want to thank the Group for the support this site has given to > me and my beloved brother in his 5 year struggle with CML. > Regrettably, despite the best medical care in the world, passed > away this week. > > Diagnosed almost exactly 5 years ago, at age 45, was initially > on Gleevec (imatinib) under the care of Dr. Sawyers at UCLA > (Los Angeles) and achieved partial remission temporarily. He was then > changed to Sprycel (dasatinib) at the University of Miami, and his > counts went down again on that, but not far enough and after a year > they began climbing again. As there was no bone marrow match > available, on the advice of Dr. Druker in Portland, traveled to > MD in Houston where he was started on SKI-606 (bosutinib) in > August of this year. He was a diligent patient, but unfortunately > because of low white cell function, he caught a rapidly progressive > pneumonia which took his life within one week. > > I don't want this post to discourage anyone in their struggle. > had 5 years of full quality of life and kept the full-time job he > loved, working up to the day before he was finally hospitalized. As > a physician myself I know that would not have happened on any of the > drugs we had when I went to medical school. My brother and all > of you are the way medical knowledge progresses, giving each > generation a better chance. > > I do want this post to say to those who do not have a " success > story " , to remember that a support group is for you too. He and I > both subscribed to and read the postings of this group, but he was > reluctant to write here when his counts did not go down. Remember, > not all successes are achieved linearly, some have setbacks and later > still do achieve remission. The many success stories gave hope > and nothing is more important in life than hope. In the end it was > not the leukemia that took his life directly, but an infection. > > As a doctor, I want to remind those of you who do develop neutropenia > (low white counts) in the early phases on a new medication, that it > is very important to take precautions against infection, because the > effective wbc count may actually be lower than the on-paper number > suggests. had an wbc count of 3 but was in " functional > neutropenia " so actually had an effective wbc count less than 1 and > no defenses against infection. He felt strong enough to take a 5 > hour flight to attend a large conference on business 2 weeks ago and > didn't think he needed to wear a mask, or use antibacterial wipes, or > avoid large crowds and long flights, all of which we had advised. > Years of hating too-high white cell counts made sometimes think > that " lower must be better " . Unfortunately, that is not so. > > The work towards curing 100% of CML victims continues, and while > losing my brother is so hard, I have to say that in some ways cancer > made him an even better person. He cherished his family (especially > his 11 year-old son ) even more in the last 5 years and took > great joy in many cancer-related fund-raising activities. > chaired one of the most successful " Relay for Life " programs (at > Barry University) for the last 3 years, he actively participated in > Habitat for Humanity and he even represented the American Cancer > Society last year speaking on Capitol Hill. > > I know would have wanted me to thank you all and wish every one > of you the best outcome possible. > le Beaubrun, MD > > http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article?id=161225817 > > http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/460169/lapping_illness_the_miami_s > hores_relay_for_life/ > > http://www.legacy.com/Broward/DeathNotices.asp? > Page=LifeStory & PersonID=96992503 > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 2, 2007 Report Share Posted November 2, 2007 le, I've read this message over and over, and each time it fills me with so many emotions. My heart goes out to you. @...: mrspoiler@...: Fri, 2 Nov 2007 14:49:26 +0000Subject: [ ] Beaubrun has moved on I want to thank the Group for the support this site has given to me and my beloved brother in his 5 year struggle with CML. Regrettably, despite the best medical care in the world, passed away this week. Diagnosed almost exactly 5 years ago, at age 45, was initially on Gleevec (imatinib) under the care of Dr. Sawyers at UCLA (Los Angeles) and achieved partial remission temporarily. He was then changed to Sprycel (dasatinib) at the University of Miami, and his counts went down again on that, but not far enough and after a year they began climbing again. As there was no bone marrow match available, on the advice of Dr. Druker in Portland, traveled to MD in Houston where he was started on SKI-606 (bosutinib) in August of this year. He was a diligent patient, but unfortunately because of low white cell function, he caught a rapidly progressive pneumonia which took his life within one week. I don't want this post to discourage anyone in their struggle. had 5 years of full quality of life and kept the full-time job he loved, working up to the day before he was finally hospitalized. As a physician myself I know that would not have happened on any of the drugs we had when I went to medical school. My brother and all of you are the way medical knowledge progresses, giving each generation a better chance.I do want this post to say to those who do not have a " success story " , to remember that a support group is for you too. He and I both subscribed to and read the postings of this group, but he was reluctant to write here when his counts did not go down. Remember, not all successes are achieved linearly, some have setbacks and later still do achieve remission. The many success stories gave hope and nothing is more important in life than hope. In the end it was not the leukemia that took his life directly, but an infection.As a doctor, I want to remind those of you who do develop neutropenia (low white counts) in the early phases on a new medication, that it is very important to take precautions against infection, because the effective wbc count may actually be lower than the on-paper number suggests. had an wbc count of 3 but was in " functional neutropenia " so actually had an effective wbc count less than 1 and no defenses against infection. He felt strong enough to take a 5 hour flight to attend a large conference on business 2 weeks ago and didn't think he needed to wear a mask, or use antibacterial wipes, or avoid large crowds and long flights, all of which we had advised. Years of hating too-high white cell counts made sometimes think that " lower must be better " . Unfortunately, that is not so.The work towards curing 100% of CML victims continues, and while losing my brother is so hard, I have to say that in some ways cancer made him an even better person. He cherished his family (especially his 11 year-old son ) even more in the last 5 years and took great joy in many cancer-related fund-raising activities. chaired one of the most successful " Relay for Life " programs (at Barry University) for the last 3 years, he actively participated in Habitat for Humanity and he even represented the American Cancer Society last year speaking on Capitol Hill. I know would have wanted me to thank you all and wish every one of you the best outcome possible.le Beaubrun, MDhttp://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article?id=161225817http://www.redorbi\ t.com/news/health/460169/lapping_illness_the_miami_shores_relay_for_life/http://\ www.legacy.com/Broward/DeathNotices.asp?Page=LifeStory & PersonID=96992503 _________________________________________________________________ Climb to the top of the charts! Play Star Shuffle: the word scramble challenge with star power. http://club.live.com/star_shuffle.aspx?icid=starshuffle_wlmailtextlink_oct Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 2, 2007 Report Share Posted November 2, 2007 Dr. Beaubrun, I am sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing 's story and your wisdom. You are so correct this isn't a place just for celebration it is also a place of comfort. I hope you'll stay and continue to join in- we are all of the same tribe. Chi --- vaclements <mrspoiler@...> wrote: > I want to thank the Group for the support this > site has given to > me and my beloved brother in his 5 year > struggle with CML. > Regrettably, despite the best medical care in the > world, passed > away this week. > > Diagnosed almost exactly 5 years ago, at age 45, > was initially > on Gleevec (imatinib) under the care of Dr. > Sawyers at UCLA > (Los Angeles) and achieved partial remission > temporarily. He was then > changed to Sprycel (dasatinib) at the University of > Miami, and his > counts went down again on that, but not far enough > and after a year > they began climbing again. As there was no bone > marrow match > available, on the advice of Dr. Druker in Portland, > traveled to > MD in Houston where he was started on > SKI-606 (bosutinib) in > August of this year. He was a diligent patient, but > unfortunately > because of low white cell function, he caught a > rapidly progressive > pneumonia which took his life within one week. > > I don't want this post to discourage anyone in their > struggle. > had 5 years of full quality of life and kept the > full-time job he > loved, working up to the day before he was finally > hospitalized. As > a physician myself I know that would not have > happened on any of the > drugs we had when I went to medical school. My > brother and all > of you are the way medical knowledge progresses, > giving each > generation a better chance. > > I do want this post to say to those who do not have > a " success > story " , to remember that a support group is for you > too. He and I > both subscribed to and read the postings of this > group, but he was > reluctant to write here when his counts did not go > down. Remember, > not all successes are achieved linearly, some have > setbacks and later > still do achieve remission. The many success > stories gave hope > and nothing is more important in life than hope. In > the end it was > not the leukemia that took his life directly, but an > infection. > > As a doctor, I want to remind those of you who do > develop neutropenia > (low white counts) in the early phases on a new > medication, that it > is very important to take precautions against > infection, because the > effective wbc count may actually be lower than the > on-paper number > suggests. had an wbc count of 3 but was in > " functional > neutropenia " so actually had an effective wbc count > less than 1 and > no defenses against infection. He felt strong > enough to take a 5 > hour flight to attend a large conference on business > 2 weeks ago and > didn't think he needed to wear a mask, or use > antibacterial wipes, or > avoid large crowds and long flights, all of which we > had advised. > Years of hating too-high white cell counts made > sometimes think > that " lower must be better " . Unfortunately, that is > not so. > > The work towards curing 100% of CML victims > continues, and while > losing my brother is so hard, I have to say that in > some ways cancer > made him an even better person. He cherished his > family (especially > his 11 year-old son ) even more in the last > 5 years and took > great joy in many cancer-related fund-raising > activities. > chaired one of the most successful " Relay for Life " > programs (at > Barry University) for the last 3 years, he actively > participated in > Habitat for Humanity and he even represented the > American Cancer > Society last year speaking on Capitol Hill. > > I know would have wanted me to thank you all > and wish every one > of you the best outcome possible. > le Beaubrun, MD > > http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article?id=161225817 > > http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/460169/lapping_illness_the_miami_s > hores_relay_for_life/ > > http://www.legacy.com/Broward/DeathNotices.asp? > Page=LifeStory & PersonID=96992503 > > > __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 3, 2007 Report Share Posted November 3, 2007 Dear le, My heart goes out to you and all who knew and loved . Please accept my sincere sympathies at this time. 's life was filled with courage, strength and love. He will be missed. Kathy dx 5/03 > > I want to thank the Group for the support this site has given to > me and my beloved brother in his 5 year struggle with CML. > Regrettably, despite the best medical care in the world, passed > away this week. > > Diagnosed almost exactly 5 years ago, at age 45, was initially > on Gleevec (imatinib) under the care of Dr. Sawyers at UCLA > (Los Angeles) and achieved partial remission temporarily. He was then > changed to Sprycel (dasatinib) at the University of Miami, and his > counts went down again on that, but not far enough and after a year > they began climbing again. As there was no bone marrow match > available, on the advice of Dr. Druker in Portland, traveled to > MD in Houston where he was started on SKI-606 (bosutinib) in > August of this year. He was a diligent patient, but unfortunately > because of low white cell function, he caught a rapidly progressive > pneumonia which took his life within one week. > > I don't want this post to discourage anyone in their struggle. > had 5 years of full quality of life and kept the full-time job he > loved, working up to the day before he was finally hospitalized. As > a physician myself I know that would not have happened on any of the > drugs we had when I went to medical school. My brother and all > of you are the way medical knowledge progresses, giving each > generation a better chance. > > I do want this post to say to those who do not have a " success > story " , to remember that a support group is for you too. He and I > both subscribed to and read the postings of this group, but he was > reluctant to write here when his counts did not go down. Remember, > not all successes are achieved linearly, some have setbacks and later > still do achieve remission. The many success stories gave hope > and nothing is more important in life than hope. In the end it was > not the leukemia that took his life directly, but an infection. > > As a doctor, I want to remind those of you who do develop neutropenia > (low white counts) in the early phases on a new medication, that it > is very important to take precautions against infection, because the > effective wbc count may actually be lower than the on-paper number > suggests. had an wbc count of 3 but was in " functional > neutropenia " so actually had an effective wbc count less than 1 and > no defenses against infection. He felt strong enough to take a 5 > hour flight to attend a large conference on business 2 weeks ago and > didn't think he needed to wear a mask, or use antibacterial wipes, or > avoid large crowds and long flights, all of which we had advised. > Years of hating too-high white cell counts made sometimes think > that " lower must be better " . Unfortunately, that is not so. > > The work towards curing 100% of CML victims continues, and while > losing my brother is so hard, I have to say that in some ways cancer > made him an even better person. He cherished his family (especially > his 11 year-old son ) even more in the last 5 years and took > great joy in many cancer-related fund-raising activities. > chaired one of the most successful " Relay for Life " programs (at > Barry University) for the last 3 years, he actively participated in > Habitat for Humanity and he even represented the American Cancer > Society last year speaking on Capitol Hill. > > I know would have wanted me to thank you all and wish every one > of you the best outcome possible. > le Beaubrun, MD > > http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article?id=161225817 > > http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/460169/lapping_illness_the_miami_s > hores_relay_for_life/ > > http://www.legacy.com/Broward/DeathNotices.asp? > Page=LifeStory & PersonID=96992503 > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 4, 2007 Report Share Posted November 4, 2007 Thank you le for this letter. Please accept my deepest condolences. Macos. On 11/2/07, vaclements <mrspoiler@...> wrote: > > I want to thank the Group for the support this site has given to > me and my beloved brother in his 5 year struggle with CML. > Regrettably, despite the best medical care in the world, passed > away this week. > > Diagnosed almost exactly 5 years ago, at age 45, was initially > on Gleevec (imatinib) under the care of Dr. Sawyers at UCLA > (Los Angeles) and achieved partial remission temporarily. He was then > changed to Sprycel (dasatinib) at the University of Miami, and his > counts went down again on that, but not far enough and after a year > they began climbing again. As there was no bone marrow match > available, on the advice of Dr. Druker in Portland, traveled to > MD in Houston where he was started on SKI-606 (bosutinib) in > August of this year. He was a diligent patient, but unfortunately > because of low white cell function, he caught a rapidly progressive > pneumonia which took his life within one week. > > I don't want this post to discourage anyone in their struggle. > had 5 years of full quality of life and kept the full-time job he > loved, working up to the day before he was finally hospitalized. As > a physician myself I know that would not have happened on any of the > drugs we had when I went to medical school. My brother and all > of you are the way medical knowledge progresses, giving each > generation a better chance. > > I do want this post to say to those who do not have a " success > story " , to remember that a support group is for you too. He and I > both subscribed to and read the postings of this group, but he was > reluctant to write here when his counts did not go down. Remember, > not all successes are achieved linearly, some have setbacks and later > still do achieve remission. The many success stories gave hope > and nothing is more important in life than hope. In the end it was > not the leukemia that took his life directly, but an infection. > > As a doctor, I want to remind those of you who do develop neutropenia > (low white counts) in the early phases on a new medication, that it > is very important to take precautions against infection, because the > effective wbc count may actually be lower than the on-paper number > suggests. had an wbc count of 3 but was in " functional > neutropenia " so actually had an effective wbc count less than 1 and > no defenses against infection. He felt strong enough to take a 5 > hour flight to attend a large conference on business 2 weeks ago and > didn't think he needed to wear a mask, or use antibacterial wipes, or > avoid large crowds and long flights, all of which we had advised. > Years of hating too-high white cell counts made sometimes think > that " lower must be better " . Unfortunately, that is not so. > > The work towards curing 100% of CML victims continues, and while > losing my brother is so hard, I have to say that in some ways cancer > made him an even better person. He cherished his family (especially > his 11 year-old son ) even more in the last 5 years and took > great joy in many cancer-related fund-raising activities. > chaired one of the most successful " Relay for Life " programs (at > Barry University) for the last 3 years, he actively participated in > Habitat for Humanity and he even represented the American Cancer > Society last year speaking on Capitol Hill. > > I know would have wanted me to thank you all and wish every one > of you the best outcome possible. > le Beaubrun, MD > > http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article?id=161225817 > > http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/460169/lapping_illness_the_miami_s > hores_relay_for_life/ > > http://www.legacy.com/Broward/DeathNotices.asp? > Page=LifeStory & PersonID=96992503 > > > -- Marcos Perreau Guimaraes Suppes Brain Lab Ventura Hall - CSLI Stanford University 220 Panama street Stanford CA 94305-4101 650 614 2305 650 630 5015 (cell) marcospg@... montereyunderwater@... www.stanford.edu/~marcospg/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 4, 2007 Report Share Posted November 4, 2007 le, Thank you for sharing. My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. Joan Porter ville, Fl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 6, 2007 Report Share Posted November 6, 2007 le, I am so sorry for your loss. I am sending you and your family positive thoughts and hopes that you are able to get through this difficult time. :{ vaclements <mrspoiler@...> wrote: I want to thank the Group for the support this site has given to me and my beloved brother in his 5 year struggle with CML. Regrettably, despite the best medical care in the world, passed away this week. Diagnosed almost exactly 5 years ago, at age 45, was initially on Gleevec (imatinib) under the care of Dr. Sawyers at UCLA (Los Angeles) and achieved partial remission temporarily. He was then changed to Sprycel (dasatinib) at the University of Miami, and his counts went down again on that, but not far enough and after a year they began climbing again. As there was no bone marrow match available, on the advice of Dr. Druker in Portland, traveled to MD in Houston where he was started on SKI-606 (bosutinib) in August of this year. He was a diligent patient, but unfortunately because of low white cell function, he caught a rapidly progressive pneumonia which took his life within one week. I don't want this post to discourage anyone in their struggle. had 5 years of full quality of life and kept the full-time job he loved, working up to the day before he was finally hospitalized. As a physician myself I know that would not have happened on any of the drugs we had when I went to medical school. My brother and all of you are the way medical knowledge progresses, giving each generation a better chance. I do want this post to say to those who do not have a " success story " , to remember that a support group is for you too. He and I both subscribed to and read the postings of this group, but he was reluctant to write here when his counts did not go down. Remember, not all successes are achieved linearly, some have setbacks and later still do achieve remission. The many success stories gave hope and nothing is more important in life than hope. In the end it was not the leukemia that took his life directly, but an infection. As a doctor, I want to remind those of you who do develop neutropenia (low white counts) in the early phases on a new medication, that it is very important to take precautions against infection, because the effective wbc count may actually be lower than the on-paper number suggests. had an wbc count of 3 but was in " functional neutropenia " so actually had an effective wbc count less than 1 and no defenses against infection. He felt strong enough to take a 5 hour flight to attend a large conference on business 2 weeks ago and didn't think he needed to wear a mask, or use antibacterial wipes, or avoid large crowds and long flights, all of which we had advised. Years of hating too-high white cell counts made sometimes think that " lower must be better " . Unfortunately, that is not so. The work towards curing 100% of CML victims continues, and while losing my brother is so hard, I have to say that in some ways cancer made him an even better person. He cherished his family (especially his 11 year-old son ) even more in the last 5 years and took great joy in many cancer-related fund-raising activities. chaired one of the most successful " Relay for Life " programs (at Barry University) for the last 3 years, he actively participated in Habitat for Humanity and he even represented the American Cancer Society last year speaking on Capitol Hill. I know would have wanted me to thank you all and wish every one of you the best outcome possible. le Beaubrun, MD http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article?id=161225817 http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/460169/lapping_illness_the_miami_s hores_relay_for_life/ http://www.legacy.com/Broward/DeathNotices.asp? Page=LifeStory & PersonID=96992503 View our family & #39;s photos at webshots Our pet & #39;s pages: Simba: www.catster.com/?219163Â Nala: www.dogster.com/?215653Â Pumbaa:www.dogster.com/?225974 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 6, 2007 Report Share Posted November 6, 2007 Thank you for sharing s Journey with us. Please accept my sincere condolences. ez Dx 5-2000 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 6, 2007 Report Share Posted November 6, 2007 My heart is heavy for your loss. God Bless yours and 's family. " lunaemica@... " <lunaemica@...> wrote: le, I am so sorry for your loss. I am sending you and your family positive thoughts and hopes that you are able to get through this difficult time. :{ vaclements <mrspoiler@...> wrote: I want to thank the Group for the support this site has given to me and my beloved brother in his 5 year struggle with CML. Regrettably, despite the best medical care in the world, passed away this week. Diagnosed almost exactly 5 years ago, at age 45, was initially on Gleevec (imatinib) under the care of Dr. Sawyers at UCLA (Los Angeles) and achieved partial remission temporarily. He was then changed to Sprycel (dasatinib) at the University of Miami, and his counts went down again on that, but not far enough and after a year they began climbing again. As there was no bone marrow match available, on the advice of Dr. Druker in Portland, traveled to MD in Houston where he was started on SKI-606 (bosutinib) in August of this year. He was a diligent patient, but unfortunately because of low white cell function, he caught a rapidly progressive pneumonia which took his life within one week. I don't want this post to discourage anyone in their struggle. had 5 years of full quality of life and kept the full-time job he loved, working up to the day before he was finally hospitalized. As a physician myself I know that would not have happened on any of the drugs we had when I went to medical school. My brother and all of you are the way medical knowledge progresses, giving each generation a better chance. I do want this post to say to those who do not have a " success story " , to remember that a support group is for you too. He and I both subscribed to and read the postings of this group, but he was reluctant to write here when his counts did not go down. Remember, not all successes are achieved linearly, some have setbacks and later still do achieve remission. The many success stories gave hope and nothing is more important in life than hope. In the end it was not the leukemia that took his life directly, but an infection. As a doctor, I want to remind those of you who do develop neutropenia (low white counts) in the early phases on a new medication, that it is very important to take precautions against infection, because the effective wbc count may actually be lower than the on-paper number suggests. had an wbc count of 3 but was in " functional neutropenia " so actually had an effective wbc count less than 1 and no defenses against infection. He felt strong enough to take a 5 hour flight to attend a large conference on business 2 weeks ago and didn't think he needed to wear a mask, or use antibacterial wipes, or avoid large crowds and long flights, all of which we had advised. Years of hating too-high white cell counts made sometimes think that " lower must be better " . Unfortunately, that is not so. The work towards curing 100% of CML victims continues, and while losing my brother is so hard, I have to say that in some ways cancer made him an even better person. He cherished his family (especially his 11 year-old son ) even more in the last 5 years and took great joy in many cancer-related fund-raising activities. chaired one of the most successful " Relay for Life " programs (at Barry University) for the last 3 years, he actively participated in Habitat for Humanity and he even represented the American Cancer Society last year speaking on Capitol Hill. I know would have wanted me to thank you all and wish every one of you the best outcome possible. le Beaubrun, MD http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article?id=161225817 http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/460169/lapping_illness_the_miami_s hores_relay_for_life/ http://www.legacy.com/Broward/DeathNotices.asp? Page=LifeStory & PersonID=96992503 View our family & #39;s photos at webshots Our pet & #39;s pages: Simba: www.catster.com/?219163 Nala: www.dogster.com/?215653 Pumbaa:www.dogster.com/?225974 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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