Myeloproliferative has three phases of this disease group.  The first two phases are non-cancerous and many people live a normal life with minor adjustments.  The third phase however, is a very serious form of cancer that is not treatable and considered terminal.  This is the form I have.  It is called Myeloproliferative dysplasia, JAK 2, idiopathic fibrosis.
This cancer changes your bone marrow into a fibrotic material much like cement.   It also causes more work on your spleen and liver which have to monitored very closely.
 
The main problem right now is to find out how much fibrosis has taken over the bone marrow.  If you are in the beginning phase of this cancer you may possibly be able to have a stem cell transplant.  However, if the disease has progressed too far there is no further treatment.
 
This disease affects your appetite, taste, liver, spleen, causes increased weakness and tiredness consistently, and creates severe anemia, requiring frequent blood transfusions.  There is also increased joint pain. 
 
Becauses of the Factor V blood disorder that was diagnosed eleven years ago, I have needed an oral chemo to help keep platlets (causes you to clot and can create blood clots if not monitored) at an acceptable level.  I have also been on coumadin and aspirin to decrease chances of clots.
 
Now that I have been diagnosed with Myeloproliferative dysplasia, I have had a hard time adjusting the oral chemo due to the low blood counts.  The Doctor is having to take me off and on the oral medication trying to walk a fine line between keeping my platelets down and keeping my blood counts up.
 
The life expectance of this disease is 2-5 years.  However, we know all things can change and there is always a positive side and people who respond in a positive way.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Peg Lewis went home to the open arms of our Father today, Sunday, Januray 24th, 2010. Peg has been battling cancer and had been at Baylor Medical Center in Dallas for a bone marrow transplant. Peg leaves behind a legacy of love and faith. Peg is survived by her husband, Tony, four daughters, Cayti, Cristy, Ceara, Joella, ten grandchildren, Jaedon, Johnathan, James, Ella, Caeleb, Mia, Jacob, Josh, Olivia and Janelle.
Details for her memorial service will be sent as they become available. If you have pictures you would like to share please send it to the family contact below.
You may make a donation to the National Foundation for Transplants in memorium at www.transplants.org by clicking on 'Make a Gift'.
Family contact: Cayti Burch, 918-284-5293, caytib@sbcglobal.net
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Saturday, December 5, 2009

Update

Hey everybody - I'm sending for mom but wanted to let you know that she did have the transplant today and everything went well.  She tires easily but is keeping in good spirits.  We found out the donor was actually in Germany - isn't amazing that they found her match halfway around the world?  Pray for blessings and good health for her donor too.  We will never know who he or she is, but s/he has given mom a gift we can never repay. Your calls, e-mails and cards are very much appreciated.   Thanks everybody for your support and your prayers!
 
We love you all!
 
Cayti Burch nee Lewis
 
P.S. We are having a Pampered Chef fundraiser online - the invitations said the party was Tuesday, but it is an ongoing thing on-line and you can place orders up until December 15.  A portion of the proceeds will be donated to National Foundation for Transplants for Peg Lewis so check and see if there's something you might like for yourself or for a gift. 
Each day is a day that God has given us, and each moment of that day is in HIS hands.
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Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Thanksgiving Day

I am going to Dallas at 5:00 am Tuesday morning.  I will have central line placement and physician visit wednesday and admitted to Baylor at Dallas on Thursday.  I will start  IV chemo for six days (which is a big change) and will have the stem cell transplant a week from Friday.  Tony is staying at the Twice Blessed House on the Baylor campus.  
 
Say a prayer please.....
 
Love, Peg
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Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Transplant Update

Today I was notified that the donor will not be able to come in until the 16th.  It then takes seven to 10 days to clear her to be a donor.  I will be going to Dallas about a week before the actual transplant date which is now tentatively the first week of December.  Please keep praying as we keep trying to increase transplant funds, try not to get to nervous and pray for Tony's work.  This is the 3rd time he has had to change his vacation and time off.  This also means i will not be home for Christmas.
 
Thanks.  Love, Peg
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Thursday, October 29, 2009

The transplant has been postponed for another week. This is sure stressful. Would appreciate a lot of prayers right now. The only things we are missing is snacks (diabetic) for Tony and anykind of restaurant suggestions. Tony is going to have to cook for us everyday or go out daily. I appreciate everyone's help. The motel is $40.00 a day for six weeks. We are just lifting up to God to supply. Peg
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Saturday, October 10, 2009

10/10 update

Dear Friends and Family,

I heard Friday that a match has been found and I will be leaving for Dallas in two weeks.  We will be staying at Dallas in the hospital motel which is $40.00 per night.  It is about the cheapest we could find and has transportation to the main hospital each day.  I will go in for transfusions and lab daily.

Please pray that the stem cells take and for continued life for me.  I appreciated all that everyone has done, all the prayers and help. 

We still do not have the house unpacked as I get to short of breath when I do very much.

 

Love, Tony and Peg

 
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Monday, September 21, 2009

MPD Walk

http://nwahomepage.com/content/video/?watch=1&cid=121622&shr=addthis&shr=addthis

View News Coverage of Saturday's Siloam Springs MPD walk
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