I have a quick query. I retired, this year to do a 4 year undergrad course in geology. A few months ago my GP did a routine blood test and then another. The results came back that I have CLL, I am in the wait and see stage.
My query is would I be able to study, read, write essays or listen to books when I come to any of the treatments stages. Sorry. Just thinking ahead, with deadlines with essays and exams. I know my University will give me extra time for these things and help.
Kind regards
Written by
dal58
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It’s impossible to predict what will happen in your case. Some people have a decade or more of watch and wait with no major symptoms. Others develop more quickly. But some manage to work even though treatment.
So I suppose If this is what you want to do with the next few years you should go for it! And certainly having something to take your mind off CLL May be a good idea.
That is good to know, that it is possible that I can work thru the treatments. Getting possible extensions to essays are great but, I would prefer not to use them unless I have too.
I see no reason why not - go for it and live your best life doing what you really want to do. Put another way, in 10 years time you would be kicking yourself for not doing that geology degree - it sounds fascinating
When I was a kid I wanted to be a geologist, then one day. I went for a job interview to gain experience during interviews at the local big engineering company. I got the job as an apprentice, it was 4 years no money and no guarantee job or 4 years with pay and job at the end of it.
So I am going full circle. I know the university will give me the help, with my studies so I can complete my degree. I don't like to ask for extensions for course work.
But thank you all in reassuring me. I can continue
my cll adventure began 10 months ago. Fatigue has mounted steadily. Some days I struggle to juggle 3 variables in a software program. At day's end I collapse.
Finally understand John Lennon's "can't sleep, can't stop my brain, it's been 3 weeks, I'm going insane. I'd give you anything I've got for a little peace of mind." Don't worry. Everything's coming up roses. (just got my CT scan results today. licking my wounds.)
Go for it! I was able to teach full time, including during most treatments. I was very ill when diagnosed and took some time then.
I envy you going back to study geology. Historical geology was a class that we fought to get into, when I was an undergraduate, because the Professor (Dr. Stone - no lie) was so amazing. I fell in love with geology.
I see from the replies that I have had. Is that the treatments effect people in different ways. And it can be possible I can study during it.
Sorry, to go off in a tangent, just encase you are interested.
During the summer I was lucky to attended a two day meeting organised by the historyofgeologygroup . This meeting was in Edinburgh. But their meetings are all over UK. The first day was a series of talks. And on the second day was two, two hour field trips around the city centre. This group organises a few meetings a year. They produce a very good newsletter every 3 months.
Hi Dal58, I did exactly what you are doing. I went to University as a mature student, aged 55 for 3 years. Yes looking back I had CLL then. It was tiring at times, but I ended up with a 2:1 in Criminology and Sociology and it was one of the best periods of my life. If you tell your Tutor of your diagnosis they will make allowances for your illness. Go for it and the very best of luck. Regards, Eric.
That is excellent you got a 2:1 in Criminology and Sociology.
That sounds fascinating subjects especially criminology.
I did some classes last semester January to May, but had to withdraw due to getting a chest infection which I thought would clear itself, It took me about 3 weeks to make an appointment to see a GP. I have very seldom been ill, and I thought it would go away on its own. Then straight after antibiotics I caught a bad cold. Which took a while to clear. On top of that. I got fluid behind both of my ears. so I could not hear too good.
I have an understanding with my surgery, so that if I pick up infections I get to speak to a doctor on the phone that day and they issue me with antibiotics. As one doctor said to me recently, "You know what you're talking about Eric, you are not a time waster" and issued a prescription. On an other occasion he told me he needed to see me and gave me an appointment later in the day. See if you can speak to your doctor about it rather than the receptionist. They have been extremely good with me and I am very grateful, so only ring them when necessary. By the way, the Sociology was far more interesting than Criminology, I found that boring!!!
I think that will be the case now, I used to think nature will take its course, when I have minor ailments, I also never took any sort of drugs to help with these ailments.
Your life and your understanding of the world will be greatly enriched by doing this geology course. In fact, by strengthening your scientific background you will be in a better position to understand CLL, thus making better decisions in the course of your disease.
Fortunately, the CLL landscape is changing much faster than the motion of tectonic plates. Chemotherapy seems pre-Cambrian in 2020!
I had a geology course in 1965. It was the most demanding one I ever had, especially physically, as we had many excursions. If your course is similar, it will help your fitness!!
And get ready to krig! (a geostatistics method developed in South Africa)
Thank you. Sorry I meet up with a fellow students yesterday to go for a beer or two to celebrate the last exams of this semester. As you do.
I have just subscribed to the nature magazine, some of the lectures had mentioned an article here and then. I find the articles that I can understand excellent, Most of the articles way over my head, at the moment, but when I get time I am making my own notes deconstructing the words and terms. I also go YouTube to see if there are any short videos on the subject.
They also have a geoscience journal that comes out each month.
I am looking forward into attending the field trips. It would be great to head to South Africa for at least one trip. I picked up a geology book of South Africa the last time I was there. Geological Journeys by Nick Norman and Gavin Whitfield.
I am currently a geology major at a large university. I went back for this degree into my 60's. I completely understand the passion for geology!
I had intended to concentrate on hydrology when I began, was diagnosed with CLL my second year into the program. I felt I had to switch to glacial geomorphology because hydrology class field trips included several extended cave research trips and wading around in urban streams and wetlands. Even as I had intended to focus on research and not go into teaching these activities are required.
I am not in treatment yet but since I have a history of low neutrophils I try to be alert to risky environments. I cut my exposure to sick students by taking some classes online usually spring semester when everyone returns with illnesses from wherever they spent their holidays. That has worked out well.
I also sit away from other students, very front and by the door for fresher air, but so many geology courses want you in groups or on teams to do reports, so there's that to deal with. Best to discuss work arounds with professors in advance.
Good luck with your studies. We had two lectures in hydrology so far and found them to be very interesting. Sorry that you could not do the classes you wanted to do. I attended a couple of trade fares before I retired Oceanology International and Ocean business I was amazed at the number of instruments coming on the market to help with the data collection of water.
Due to my hearing loss. I normally go to the front of the class anyway where I can record the audio of the lectures using Sonocent. The lectures are usually recorded anyway but I prefer doing it my way. Where I can delete anything that is not relevant and add only other extras from other podcasts ect.
Since my classes start in mid January. I was thinking about getting a doctors plague mask from the late 1340's haha. I think I will be getting absence from class ticket.
I record lectures with a sony voice recorder which I also use for my doctor appointments. I have a very long drive to and from classes, being >60 miles away. So I listen to lectures as I drive. I will look into your recommendation to supplement my recordings.
That mask would be a hoot. I haven't used masks in classes as of yet but if I were to enter into treatment I would not hesitate.
I hope you stay illness free next semester and have a great time rocking geology.
Hi The software I use is Sonocent. Which cost money but my university has given me one of their licences to use. And I use a Samson mini mic it has a spring that goes on top of the laptop. I don’t drive so use public transport. Again. That is study time.
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