Ebb is right... about a couple more things....

[c_amos]

First, the Composting toilet is absolutely going to have to have the floor adjusted down in the V-berth if it is going to work. It is installed, but I can just about poke my head out the port while underway in the midst of my morning constitutional... once again Ebb is right.

Unfortunately,
It also appears he is correct about those harmful substances we bathe in while working on our wonderful old ships. My exposure is more likely related to keeping the cold war cold.... at times it has seemed to me that Ebb was a bit over zealous about the chemicals involved in boat repair.

I used to think that but the Oncologist says that Eosinophilic Leukemia (link) (http://www.cancer.net/patient/Cancer+Types/Leukemia+-+Eosinophilic) probably has some connection to long term exposure to things that our good friend ebb is warning us all about. Apparently the bone marrow biopsy identifies this (very rare) form of leukemia about which Virtually nothing is known.

Please do be careful. Please do not 'wait' just a little longer. None of us know how much time we have.

I am learning all I can and will do everything I can, sail more, enjoy friends more, and be more thankful for every day.

I would appreciate prayers of those who are inclined to offer them, and appreciate the blessing you all on this board have been to my wife and I as we have enjoyed cruising our little ship.

Blessings,

[Commander 147]

I am the type of person that absolutely believes in a higher power and please know that you have my prayers. Henry Ford once said "Whether you think you can or you think you can't - you are right". And faith is the act of believeing without any proof that what you are believing is true or not. You named your boat Faith for a reason. Keep the faith now and it will help you immensely.

After reading your link I see that this form of cancer has to do with the cells that cause allergic reactions. And having allergies all my life and already having had a reaction to the epoxy it has even more meaning to me. Have you had allergies in the past and or a reaction to the epoxy?

[ebb]

Craig, Got an idea for ya: Find yourself an INTEGRATIVE doctor. They are classically trained but also use supplements and vitamins to augment pharmaceuticals. This is not homeopathic or naturopathic med but may use elements.

You can tell you are in the right office because you will have to write out your complete diet including supplements and meds before you start. This is not usual procedure.
My integrative doc has voluminous blood tests taken which she uses to 'read' my body's complaints. Anyway, before somebody wants to give you kemo or plant little radioactive seeds in your spleen, get a second or third opinion. Especially if it is 'rare'. That means the doc doesn't know what is going on. Standard medicine gives you the least amount of care.

Usually you must have long term exposure to develop strange symptoms and cancers. It is critical in my thinking that you keep solvents at an absolute minimum. BUT unless you are longtime bathing in the stuff do you see a direct connection with leukemia? It could be former Service or exposure in childhood.

I am also a believer in what I call the 'modicum' diet. You can eat whatever you want. But what we all now agree is the 'bad' stuff we try to eat the smallest amounts of. If you love bacon, you get a single bite. If you must have sugar, then only on Sunday. That kind of thing. You've got to improve your immune system. Blood test your kidneys and liver. No more sugar, no more salt, no dairy, cut back on meat and oils, no wheat products, no white potatoes.....that sort of thing.
Find a fully aware younger doctor with a busy practice. If the office is successful treating real problems word gets around fast. My new doctor's practice is called Phoenix Wellcare. You want someone who checks out your whole body as an individual - not someone who prescribes according to a cardfile of symptoms.

WAY LATER EDIT
My doctor, Eleanor Hynote, died suddenly in Dec 2013 of a septic IV port. She had late stage Lyme disease and was self treating. She was well known as an systemic disease practioner. When I was at her clinic the small office was always over-run with female nurses and fledgling
doctors. I was given a thoro examination by an attractive young lady and pronounced with Lyme Disease. Been around ticks, like most outdoor kids, but never noticed the telltale LD 'target' bite of the deer or dog tick -- least not ever visible.

Already had left her care when hearing of her passing. Rumors were flying. The septic IV port cause may have been for public consumption. I was prescribed 3 vicious antibiotics in large doses for a year and a half. My condition got worse. Became convinced I was misdiagnosed. Interesting the doctor could not heal herself. Have long been convinced indescrimate eating of antibiotics doesn't do much more than destroy all the goodbiotics in your gut. Which is responsible for the whole immune system, along with most internal organs.

Condition is progressive, but otherwise healthy: modicum dairy, gluten, beef, sweets, fast food. Lotta exercise should do but don't, dammit.
Apropos following supplements: I think most of them are over-rated, might even be harmful, now cut daily doses way back to 1/4 or 1/2.
Eat large mixed salad every day, usually AM. fresh juice, nut milks, yogurts, no chips, popcorn OK (non-Monsanto). Frozen and canned fish, no more than 3oz chicken, unless binging on BBQ.

I'm prescribed 3 antibiotics for my condition.
But for my 'wellbeing' side I was given intermittent doses of Vit D (50,000 IUs per cap). I take prescription Vit B-12, 5mg each which is 83,333 % of the RDA. For my digestion complaint took a 450 billion lactic acid bacteria sachet a day for a month - cleared it up, no problems in the gut now. I do supplement and one-a-day multis on my own but these people don't fool around! Been told to take 2000 IUs Vit D3 for "lifetime".
Hope this illustrates the new thinking in integrative medicine.
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IMCO.
I'm convinced that the mouth is another place to look for chronic health problems. If you have been going to a drill and fill dentist, it's time to change and find a biologic dentist who will remove your amalgam fillings that contain mercury and could very well be compromising your immune system. If you have been going to traditional dentists and have had fillings done, you have a powerful carcinogen in your system. This alone imco could have opened the door to cancer.
If you go to a doctor that doesn't see this as a probable cause for a compromised immune system, get rid of him or her.

If you have stainless root canals, have the metal removed. It may mean unbelievably expensive bridges but your longevity is at stake.

Obviously I can go on and on about this. Get chlorine out of your house and out of your water. Chlorine is an anathema, remove it from your life.

REVERSE THIS THING!
Good luck!!!