Hi Cathryn, when I was admitted in to hospital hospital, I read all I could find on aml. I was hospitalized many months and leading oubout this disease. My oncology nurse kept me loaded with new information that wasn’t online to learn all the more. After getting out, watched where I went , stayed away from crowds etc. as time passed, I realized I was stronger and would go to gatherings. They became easier as time went by, to attend as aml was becoming non existent. If after traveling or visiting and not feeling well, I’d go to my oncologist who would do a cbc and check my blood to check for trouble.
Didn’t need an appointment so it was a quick procedure to see if i was still good. As time progressed and still learning about aml, being terminal illness, I started forgetting about the disease and aml was no longer the only item my brain dwelled on. Now we visit a lot and travel. We rode motorcycles to Roanoke, VA and back to Texas last week.2400miles. We stayed clear of Covid friends and attended large gatherings.
You and your spouse will do the same as time passes. If y’all are doing great, the leukemia will take a back seat
Praying for your family.
Stay strong and never forget… Our Lord is bigger than our illness

When my labs show good, my loved ones get plenty of hugs. I quit overthinking my aml illness including the what if’s… still stay vigilant but realize not everything is going to kill me

I am always on the look out for people that are sick or sound sick. I live in Bucks County outside of Philadelphia and it gets cold in the winter. So naturally gatherings move inside during the winter months. I am very cautious and look for people that are sick.

I really love going to the gym but even there I am cautious about others that are sick.

When I get sick my WBC goes very high and my platelets and RBC which are low go very low. So I do not think it is irrational to be cautious and avoid sick people.

As well said, we are all unique. Unique in our physical, relational, mental and spiritual health. After my diagnosis, I experienced deep apprehension. I withdrew and also did not share my diagnosis. I didn’t want to risk other infections and I also did not want to lose “me”. It was a dreary time and doubly so for my spouse. I came to realize that I had always been very healthy; that my family and friends are critical for my mental, relational and spiritual health; and that I had more to give. I, we, now invest heavily in our relationships. Often I’m the only one with a mask. I still don’t broadly share my diagnosis. I just tell folks I’ve become more cautious about my health. So, look to what fed you in the past and perhaps restoring that with some adjustments will help your whole health. The path is a challenge so give yourself grace as you walk.

We are all different, have different levels of disease and have a very different immune system. I am stage four CLL, and have lots of other health issues. But I am also an artist and exhibit my wears at shows where thousands attend. So I just try to do my best to strengthen my immune system by eating well, taking supplements, exercising reducing stress, getting the best quality and quantity of sleep and the like. Get a wellness doc to help you with that if you need it. I get regular vitamin C infusions, ozone, and hyperbaric and the like. Today I asked for a B-12 shot and that helped get me energized. I travel with Covid tests and will withdraw from the public immediately should I fall sick.

Recently I had a neighbor come down with Covid who approached me and wanted to chat. I had to be clear that I was immunocompromised and could not get close. He was NOT offended. Be careful with all those hugs and bugs! . They are normally very health promoting but not if one is sick.

I think it might be wise to tell your friends and loved ones in advance that you are immunocompromised and it is not advisable to be hugging at this time. I am a big time hugger so I know this is tough. Good luck,

And of course talk to your favorite doc about your anxiety.