Letter: Sen. Carrell diagnosed with MDS – pre-leukemia
By Mike Carrell, State Senator, 28th District
You may have heard that I have been dealing with a health issue over the past several weeks. In fact, I have spent several nights at Providence St. Peter’s Hospital in Olympia while doctors performed a series of tests. I now know the results of those tests, and I’m sorry to inform you that I have been diagnosed with the myelodysplastic syndromes – or MDS – formerly known as pre-leukemia.
MDS is a diverse collection of hematological (blood-related) medical conditions that involve ineffective production of the myeloid class of blood cells. Essentially, there are four levels of pre-leukemia: low-grade, mid-grade one, mid-grade two, and high-grade. Once the condition passes the high-grade level it is considered full-blown leukemia. Right now, doctors believe I am in the low- to mid-grade one area and will be actively monitoring my condition.
I want you to be assured that this diagnosis will not affect my ability to fully represent the constituents of the 28thDistrict, nor will it interfere with my ability to chair the Senate Human Services and Corrections Committee or participate in other legislative activities at the same level I had been. At no point will any treatment of my condition impair my abilty to represent you.
This will no doubt be a difficult time for my family, but I ask only for your kind thoughts and prayers as Charlotte and I travel down this road together knowing that all is in God’s hands.
Category: Government, Lakewood, Letters, Pierce County
As we say in the Veterans/Military community, “”The prayer flags are up”" for you sir.
Dear Mike,
Well, you know, we’ve come to the age where we either have problems or we are one. I know this challenge is very difficult, but I also know you’ll handle it with your usual strength and grace.
Prayers and love,
Dorothy Wilhelm
You and your family are in my prayers Mike.
I am so sorry to hear that news. My thoughts and prayers are with you and of course Charlotte. As you say, all is in God’s hands.
Mike: we have known you for too long. You have served us superbly! Be assured you will be in our prayers! Meanwhile, just do what the doctors tell you@! Don Brown
We are so sorry to read the news concerning your illness, our thoughts and prayers are with you,Charlotte
and your family.