Angel Stories

January 26, 2004

Dear All,

This letter is to let you all know how much I appreciate your thoughts, prayers and support. I know that I will never be able to reach everyone who has supported me in my battle with cancer, therefore I hope that you will share this letter with others that you know who have also given me support.

The Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia that I have was apparently caused by Agent Orange exposures that I received in Vietnam. CLL is generally known as a slow progressing cancer that effects older people. Many with this disease will die from other causes. Research on the disease, the symptoms and potential treatments has been limited due to the perceived “normal onset and progression”.

I was diagnosed in August of 2001. Although I have traveled to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX several times in the past two years for tests and checkups, I received my first treatments there this month. At this time, I have had two of the four prescribed infusions of a chemical know as Rituxan. Dr. Michael Keating describes the chemical as a “monoclonal antibody” which means that it targets the cancerous cells in my blood and supposedly leaves the others alone. After two treatments, my white blood cell count is in the normal range for the first time in almost 3 years. Dr. Keating claims that my red blood cells, hemoglobin and lymphocytes will return to normal about 3 to four weeks after the final infusion. No one knows how long these good effects will last due to a lack of experience with this drug and CLL. I had no ill effects from the infusions. I did feel hot (flushed) during the actual infusion, but that is all. Dr. Keating did say that most people tolerate the medication well without any side effects. My last two infusions will be in Lakewood (Denver suburb) over the next two weeks. The first infusion is the most likely to cause problems, so I expect the final treatments will be well tolerated.

I realize that many of us have some type of problem in our lives and that I am not alone when I wonder what my future will be. The fact that many of you are dealing with serious problems makes me even more thankful for the time and energy you take to support me. Believe me that each of you has my total support too.

I thank you again for your love, prayers and support.

Tomorrow Will Be a Good Day!

Galen Trabant

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