SAVE THIS INFORMATION!!! SHARE THIS INFORMATION!!!
There has been a lot of conversation on several of my Lymphoma pages and web sites, as well as my personal pages of people battling the flu and other ailments right now. But before I lose anyone, I want to stress that this post is not just for cancer patients. I also urge you to save this information, share the information, and feel free to print the picture posted below:
I am just one of those that happens to pay a lot of attention to illness rates and the medical care received. I have to. As a long term survivor of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, and having lost my spleen during the diagnostic and staging process, and also living with heart issues (courtesy of my Lymphoma treatments), this card has saved my life at least twice.
You do not have had to battle cancer to have lost your spleen. Many over time have lost their spleen due to accidents such as automobile or falls. But what was once thought of as a “useless” organ, medicine in recent years has learned that it makes a huge difference in the battles against infection. And because of that, precautions must be taken. Many of us are aware of our fragile situations, many are not.
So it is simple. If you have had Lymphoma, splenectomy (asplenic), have any immune deficiency (like Vitamin D) or compromised immune system (such as those with Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis), or cardiac issues, please pay close attention to the information on this card. My card specifically lists me as “asplenic”, no spleen. You can make up your own card, shrink it, and laminate it. But make sure that you keep it with you at all times.
This card was given to me by my doctor, one of the top doctors in the country for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and late effects at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. The information is crucial. And it will make a huge difference if dealt with in time.
Paul's Heart 