Leukemia; Low White Cell Count Dangers and Precautions

As I prepare for my first trip since being diagnosed with leukemia, I am taking major precautions to ensure that I do not end up sick. Since a good portion of our trip will be dance related, I will be in close contact with many people. If you are ill, please do not be offended if I do not dance with you; it is for my own health and I must be very careful.

Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia is a blood cancer that affects your body’s white blood cells. The treatment for this cancer is a daily pill, Dasatinib(Sprycel),  that inhibits the chromosomal switch that causes your body to produce an abundant amount of immature white blood cells, thus crowding out all other healthy cells. One of the side effects of this drug is a lower, overall blood count, which suppresses the immune system; thus reducing the body’s ability to fight infection.

One of the most important things that I can do, to help prevent getting ill is to avoid sick people. I know that this is not entirely possible, but when I know that someone is sick, I must stay away.

Secondly, I must wash my hands well, and often. I also carry anti-bacterial liquid and use it frequently when I dance. I can just imagine the germ pool that exists on a dance floor!

Third, I must be sure to get plenty of rest and be careful not to “over-overdo it”. This will be the most difficult part of my trip. I am so looking forward to getting out of Los Angeles and seeing all of my friends back in Boise.

Fourth, I must continue to eat a regular and healthy diet. This is not very difficult at home, but sometimes when traveling; it can be a bit more challenging. I also must be conscious of the actual handling of the food and it probably will be a good idea to stay away from actual salad bars.

I think this one will do!

Fifth, I will definitely need to stay hydrated at all times and avoid situations where I will be out in the sun and heat for any extended period of time. I will need to have snacks; fruit, nuts and water in the car for all of our jaunts in and around Boise while we are house hunting. 

I can hardly wait until tomorrow and am praying that I feel well and have a great week.