Re: Mommy

[Guest guest]

Thank Lottie

 

I have been researching for awhile, but nowhere close to making a decision. It

is a very confusing process. I want to have a child, but hope the the CML

doesn't inter fear with being a mother. I have been playing a part time mommy

role for the last few weeks and I am exhausted. My sister in law gave birth to

my nephew via c-section and there were a few complications so her road to

recovery will be a little bumpy. I have been working my 40 hour shift and

playing the wife roll Monday - Friday, and I am mommy to my brother's 3 year old

and newborn from Friday - Sunday afternoon, so that mom can rest and get

better, and so that my brother can get a good night sleep( my brother still

has to work crazy hours, even with a newborn.) Not easy being up every 2 hours

with a newborn at night and up and running around a 3 year old all day, but I

must admit I was a little bummed last night that I had no diapers to change or

bottles to get ready before bed time.

From: Lottie Duthu <lotajam@...>

Subject: [ ] Mommy

" CML " < >

Date: Friday, September 17, 2010, 9:41 PM

 

As Mommy to my daughter China, I am being forced to add weight to the subject of

being off drugs for CML. I am not a professional and this is by no means meant

to be " gospel " or an endorsement. I am writing this on behalf of , who

wants to become a mother. No matter what it takes, I know she will be a great

mother.

I have been off CML drugs for months now, as I have reported several times. Even

so, my counts have not been off the charts as I thought they might be. I will

share with you the highlights the doctor pointed out to me this week on my last

visit to MDACC. Keep in mind that I have been on CML drugs for 15 years that

earned me some credits in being able to remain CHR and CCR - never to PCRU.

wbc - 11.8 (4.0 - 11.0)

rbc - 3.93 (4.0 - 5.50)

hgb - 11.1 (12.0 - 16.0

hct - 35.4 (37. - 47.0)

plt - 453 (140 - 440)

Your doctor is going by the book on this issue, , but she does not have

your resolve to see this through. First I would see a doctor who had patients

who became pregnant with CML, that is paramount. Ask around, there are some in

the group who successfully broke the barrier and had children against the advice

of their doctors. There are doctors and yes patients, too, who would give you

some information on where to find these doctors who have seen women throughout

their pregnancy. Next you should find an obstetrician who would be willing to

communicate with your oncologist.

There would have to be an open dialouge between the two. My local doctor made it

very difficult for me when he refused to have any exchange about my CML history

with my doctors at MDACC. He just made excuses why he didn't or

couldn't/wouldn't. I should have seen the handwriting on the wall and dropped

him immediately. He continued to be a pain in the A** for 10 more years, until I

finally opened my eyes and left. I think my biggest deterrent was having to go

to the next town and having an alliance between the two, that if things went

from bad to worse, I would have him looking down at me in my hospital bed. If I

have to go to the hospital here, he would be the first doctor there as soon as

they looked at my blood results. I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

So, my dear , do your homework and then work on your plan, and good luck.

It brings back memories of when I had my first child, you can't believe that you

are a mother, but with it, comes a lot of responsibility. Ask yourself if your

health is really up to it, and who will take care of this baby, do you have

family around you that can pinch hit?

Carpe diem,

Lottie Duthu