An end to the year.

I have Chronic Myelogenogenous Leukemia. They did the genetic tests on my bone marrow and found the Philadelphia chromosome. That means unless I do something about it, I’m dead in five years.

CML is treatable with Gleevec, the wonder drug from OHSU and my prescription costs $2000/month. Apparently, my insurance may cover some of it if my doctor approves it. I spent an hour at the pharmacy finding out that they had never heard of Gleevec and they didn’t have any of it. Plus, I have to wait for them to arm-wrestle with my medical insurance before they’ll order it. How nice.

Well, I still don’t have a job. What a nice year I’ve had.


So, New Year’s Eve and I’m diagnosed with leukemia. There’s a good chance I’ll get this medication that may prolong my life, but I probably shouldn’t drink beer while I’m taking it. I headed down to the pub for my “last” beer but they were closed. I hope next year is better.