Leukemia is the general term used to describe four different disease-types. That’s FOUR (4) disease types.
There are eight subtypes of Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (which is what Reid is dealing with). Didja get that number? EIGHT (8). Treatment for AML may vary by subtype.
Some people have differences in the chromosomes of their AML cells (chromosomes are the part of the cell that carries genes. Genes give instructions that tell the cell what to do.) The cell has 46 chromosomes. Look -- more numbers: FORTY-SIX (46).
Please, please, please -- don’t walk up to me and say “I knew (NOTE: PAST TENSE) someone with the same cancer your son has.”
Maybe, but doubtful.
Pay attention. Do the math. There are a lot of variables with leukemia. There are many types, subtypes and chromosomal combinations. Put them all together - and then add in the FACT that each individual is, well - an individual. While there may be commonalities between people, there are also totally unique treatments, responses, life styles, personalities, attitudes and possibilities.
Get to know Reid, and you'll be certain he "has" a positive, strong, optimistic and vibrant life spirit. Concentrate on that equation; it's what counts here.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
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Dig long enough in the pile of numbers and you will eventually come across the “survival rates.” They are excellent at recording the past, but are absolutely useless for predicting the future. Because, as you say, we are each individuals.
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