Loads Of Energy

I have loads of energy today. It's a good thing because there is no room on the couch.

I bought a couple of director's chairs at a junk store.  I am finally recovering them with some of the fabric I have had for years.  It would have been nice if they had a pattern to follow, but I am figuring it out. It's fun to get something crossed off my list.

Speaking of, Kent is crossing many things off his list. It's nice to have him home and more relaxed. He is happiest when he is building and creating.

No other news. Still waiting on a schedule for the next chemo and then transplant.

We love slow news days!!

Song In My Heart

It's all about attitude.  It has been two months since I was checked into the hospital. I am thinking in two more months, we will have the good news that the hard part is over. We will have had the transplant done, and I will be feeling loads better and I will be cured.

I still don't have a schedule for the next chemo or transplant or my thing, but I am not worried about it either.  It would be nice for planning purposes....

Today was nearly pain free, which was nice. I still took it easy which probably helps a lot.

And now it's a little tv and bed time.

Resting on the Up

Happy weekend. Sort of.  My counts have bottomed out and beginning to increase. I am keenly aware they are not normal, and I am not normal.

I am still required to be quiet and still.  As soon as I think I am highly functioning and can do my normal activities, I feel fatigued. So I rest.  Dex and Annie are great helpers. They encourage me to SIT.

I am Sick and tired of being sick and tired.  But there is nothing to do but listen and react. And quit bitching and moaning. I allow myself the small indulgence of a vent, then onward.

Speaking of onward, I got an amazing hand made quilt in the mail!  Sheila took up quilting in retirement, and made me a special mood booster I can take with me to clinic. (It's always cold there!) It's so lovely, I will try to show you.

The colors are amazing and the back is fluffy soft.

There are two embroidered panels her friend helped with.

So as much as I try to be self centered and whiney, my network of support is reaching me and pulling me through.  It helps to know you are reading and I am not alone.

Thank you all for sending me good vibes and staying positive.  

Next step is chemo #4 within the next week or so, then waiting for the transplant date mid to late September.

Then more healing!

Released

Years of living on reserve has made us aware that plans can change quickly. Last night when I told Kent last night we have to go the hospital because I spiked a fever, he dropped everything. I wasn't even in the system when I arrived.

Of course, when they took my vitals, the fever was down. Exercise in futility? Probably not. My Doctor had no doubt I has a neutropenic fever and I got antibiotics to be sure there wasn't an infection allowed to run rampant.

Breakfast was nice, but interrupted. Everyone has a job to do here, and it is a constant revolving door of things to do: weight, vitals, visit from physical therapist, seen by nurse, seen by mid level, seen by doctor, visit from Stefan, catering, etc.  No one ever said hospital stays are restful. We have a neighbor who has been in the hospital at Atlanta Medical Center for over a month now.  I can't imagine how badly he wants to get home.  He is very close to being released. Paws crossed.

Plateletes are the determining factor in my schedule.  If they are 40 or higher, I will have the weekend off. If not, I go to clinic on Sunday.  As always, since I m still at my low, if I show signs of a fever or chills, heart problems, etc., we get admitted again.  Upon release, my paperwork said 55, so next clinic Monday!

Room 462: new view, funky airconditioning with a mind if it's own. 

The nice people on TV say it's Labor Day Weekend, and the start of Fall. It's a stretch, but I decided to celebrate with a big pot of pulled pork chili.

Hey, it's only 90 outside. I am thankful for good airconditioning!

100.6

Another uncomfortable day. With each hour it gets better, but there still is some pain.  I would rate it a 4-5, so there really is no need to take tramadol or any other pain medication this late in the game. The Neupogen has boosted my white blood cells to 13, which is too high now. It will stabilize in a few days.

I also have been given the gift of neuropathy or "tingling" in my feet. It makes it strange to walk around, but at least I am stable. I think it is probably left over from the tramadol.

I got a ride in with Buffy to clinic today (thanks!) and just needed a bag of fluids.  Kinda felt out of it all day.  Beverly came and donated plateletes, so I hitched a ride home.  (Double thanks!) Then I ate and took a nap.

To be released to home care comes with certain commitments. One is that you call immediately if you have a fever of 100.5 or higher.

I felt strange all day, but no fever until I woke up from my nap.  I took several readings at different intervals before I called.  Just to be sure it wasn't just because I woke up.  Dr. Holland said I had to be admitted based on my being neutropenic. Better to be safe than sorry.

So we are at Northside Hospital again.  I spoke to my nurse and she sees this quite a bit. It isn't uncommon to be admitted, checked over, given antibiotics, and released the next day.

Let's hope for that.

Bone Pain

Wow. Last night sucked. Bad. It wasn't a 10, but this was the only photo I had. ( I stole from Linda. )

So, my body went from not making any new blood cells in my marrow to building new blood quickly. Like "drag race smoking tires" fast, thanks to Neupogen. A side effect is bone pain and I got it in both knees and hips. We knew this was coming, and I have a prescription for tramadol 1-2 pills 4-6 hours apart. The first time I got the pills in the hospital they gave me 2 at one time. I felt no pain, but was dizzy, disoriented, and was afraid of falling. So I took only one last night at 4 hour intervals. I don't think it was enough. When I finally got to sleep, I was wakened by a hot flash and had to start over. That occurred. Over and over throughout the night.

Hot flashes. That's right. Another fun side effect of chemo. The nurse yesterday was telling me she has a 32 year old woman having them. How fun. Now I understand what my girlfriends are experiencing. 

I wish I had the energy to write more. But I don't. Today was spent in bed napping. Tomorrow is clinic with Buffy. Probably no more Neupogen shots since my numbers are up. That's good. Now.. When is this pain going to subside?

Thanks for the cheer up gift from BRU, Dave! Pierre is the best beer guru ev-aaaaarrrrrrrrgggggghhh!

Merci, Pierre!

Up Swing

Yesterday my white blood cell count count was .1 and I thought I was just about at 0.0 meaning the chemo killed off everything. Well... Today it is .4 so we are on the upswing. That means I have healthy marrow making blood as expected. I am doing daily Neupogen injections will helps build up marrow. The side effect will be bone pain. I have experienced it the first time in the hospital. And it was bad. I took 2 pain pills and had to redose after that to be comfortable. The next time I was at home. I took one at the first sign of pain and was nearly pain free. Once and done. Whew! That's the plan for this time. I will NOT get behind the power curve on this one. Just took one at 8 pm. Crap. Here it comes.

Plateletes are continuing to fall, so I got a bag today and get tomorrow off. My potassium is up, magnesium up, and protein holding.  I tell you what, it's a lot of work to think about the chemistry of eating to be sure I have good numbers. This is the last day of steroids, yay. They spike my blood sugar, so I have been careful what sugars I eat. I forgot to watch the carbs. The hamburger bun I used for my egg sandwich made it jump from 95 to 165. Oops.

Last night was the first time I had to take a Tums for indigestion. Chemo is expected to tear up the gastrointestinal tract, and I have been lucky so far. They have "Pepcid as neded" on my medicines list, but haven't needed it so far. More monitoring.

On the way home from clinic I got to sit in the car at Lowe's. Whoo. Hoo.

And in case you were wondering what color my toes are... They are Gill Grape. Thanks, Kim!

Tomorrow is a day off. Ahhh..... I will sleep in and rest. This low period kinds makes me tired. My energy is a 6 out of 10. I have felt so much worse after flying a red eye.

I got this.

Steroid Farts

It's not me. It's the dog. I mean it! 

Dexter has a foot problem that flairs up once a year. He is on prednisone (steroid) and an antibiotic and it is clearing up nicely.  It think it's something in the yard, but we have been wiping his feet every time he comes back in the house, so I don't know what's up. We do not feed him anything but his regular dog food, since we know he is allergic to corn, wheat and soy. Maybe I need to be giving his a warm foot soak each day. Can you say spoiled? He's worth it! 

But the smell! Dexter! No more steroid farts!!

Mary brought me to clinic today. (Thank you!) We arrived early, and I only needed two units of blood.  We were done in record time (2 hrs), but had to be seen by the weekend physician's assistant who went to the hospital. Then came back and had others to see. I heard them talking about me, and my nurse was trying very hard to divert the PA to me, but you can't push a rope. (Unless you wet it and freeze it!) 

Patience is a virtue. I am learning. So when the PA and Dr. Hollnd did rounds, and I was released with instructions to return tomorrow for a PICC line bandage change and platelets. They were at 28, just above the threshold of 20. They were considering waiting until Tuesday, but Monday works for me. I can ride in with Buffy Monday and Wednesday if we do every other day.

My blood chemistry is being closely monitored. Areas I need to work on are protein intake, magnesium, and potassium.  They gave me a sheet with food suggestions and this is the meal I came up with. Tastes good, high in potassium: artichokes (425mg) beans and spinach (838 mg) over brown rice. I don't think Kent would appreciate it, but hopefully my body does. If I don't get enough potassium. I will have to have a two hour drip to boost it. Bananas and oranges in the morning will help, but I have to watch my glucose since I am on steroids. It's a fine line, for sure.

Last bit of thought.  My nurses gave me the advice not to overthink from day one in the hospital.  I have certainly taken it to heart and hope you do too!

This came in a gift and is so timely! (Thanks, Martins!)

Home Alone

Mom flew home today (first class in a Boeing 757!) and Kent went to work. Gives me no excuse. The house is in order and I have an early clinic. Considering I missed out on 3 hours of sleep last night, I could use some rest. But thanks to the steroids, I might have a repeat tonight. Steroids are on the schedule for Sunday and Monday, then done.

We had a great morning just chilling on the deck with breakfast until it got warm, then I got out. With my hair.  Mom drove me to publix, and I waited in the car. Who-hoo.

Kent found my hair. Not a bad look, but he chickened out and didn't wear it to work.

Nice little bit of rain this evening after a stunning perfect day. Good sleeping weather.  Except Annie doesn't like thunder. Hope there won't be much.

I am still in good spirits, eating and drinking well, plenty of energy, not nauseated at all. Lucky girl.

Tomorrow will probably be a dose of blood and platelets, since I am sure I am at absolute zero. (Neutropenic, no immune system, vulnerable.)

As always, we hope for a short visit. Don't get me wrong, the staff is wonderful. But it is not home.

Transplant Process

With every chemo, there is a time when I am neutropenic. Today is that day. It's like being a newborn baby with no immune system. None. 

It will be the same during the days around the transplant.  Also we will also have to be aware of the side effects of the transplant/graft itself. The transplant cells may march into my body and say "hey! This isn't home! Attack!" Not cool. But there are drugs to help them get along. The best case would be they come in and say "Nice place. We will live here. Hey, look! Leukemia! Attack!" That will be the time when we say I am cured and my body once again takes care of mutated cells.

The details about the transplant will be given to me soon, but here is what I understand to be correct. 

I will complete my next round of chemo (cycle 2B) on or near September 2 which will require about 4 days in the hospital. (Yes.. 2 more lumbar punctures...) Then within 60 days of that chemo, we will need to do the prep work for the transplant. I have a feeling it will begin within 2 weeks.

The prep work has multiple steps.  One is testing at the clinic: bone marrow biopsy, pulmonary function test, ct scan, etc. Another day I will be meeting with scores of people for talks: the doctor, hospital finance, the transplant coordinator, etc.

Then we start the curative therapy, aka transplant.  When it's time for the transplant, I will be in the hospital 8-10 days prior getting very strong chemo and radiation to get my white blood cell counts to absolute zero again.  That will probably coincide with other medications to prevent bacterial, fungal, or microbial infections.

As we approach the day of transplant, Ed will come down for some testing: ct scan, echocardiogram and bloodwork, and an informational meeting.  Then he will take Neupogen for 5 days prior to the transplant to boost his cells and prep for donation. Hey... If I can shoot myself with an injection, anyone can.  (FYI Ed's birthday is Sept 24th {and CJF too!} some references call transplant day my new birthday. What if they are the same day? Weird...)

There was a lot of information thrown out, but I found this chart online. Transplant day is day zero. The 8-10 days prior are called negative days. The day after transplant is day 1. As far as I can tell, after the transplant there will be no more chemo or radiation, but fighting the side effects and hoping the transplant takes easily and quickly.

From day 1-30 I will have daily trips to the clinic for fluids and labs. This will be 8 hour days, 7 days a week. (Help! We will publish a sign up schedule for drivers.) After that, it will taper off to 4 times a week for up to day 100, then decrease to 1-2 times a week for a while after that, then... I don't know.

Day 0 is when I receive the stem cells.  I am told I will feel lousy for 14 days.

Day 30 tests to see how we are doing.

Day 60 tests

Day 100 redo the prescreen testing, then a meeting will be scheduled to see how if the graft has taken. I strive for perfection and will hope for nothing short of that.

Day 180 redo the prescreen testing.

After that, we have check ups at 1 yr, 18 months, and the 2 year mark.  Then follow ups every year for up to 5 years.

When can I go back to work? Don't know.

When can I socialize? Don't know. Have to be strong and healthy first. Not immuno suppressed.

When can I drive? Don't know. Not rushing this one since it will be a while until I feel "good". Feeling good is relative, and I am always seeing the glass half full. ALWAYS.

And of course one last question: When can I drink? I see you posting your martini or daiquiri or PBR.  My doc said I can have a glass of wine a week. Well..  It's the thought that counts.  I had a couple of sips once, but it didn't taste all that good. I guess my tastes have changed. 

But... Tonight I had 3 sips of beer. THAT was worth it! And tasted delicious!

Ok. So this is day 2 of a lot of information. 

Sit back and have a half full glass for me.  Don't forget to toast Maj. Happy birthday!

Go Fight Win

I have acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-cell ALL). It is actually not rare, but definately not common. I have some abnormal chromosomes in my genetics, and my kidneys were effected in the beginning which is also not usual for leukemia.  All this means I do not fit the standard mold. Huh. Go figure.

I am in remission.  The last bone marrow biopsy showed no cancer cells. (Or if there were any, there were too few to count.)  In remission, we want the best long term course of treatment to prevent a relapse of cancer. The chance of getting into a second remission after a relapse are uncommon, so we want to continue treatment quickly and aggressively.

We had our talk with Dr. Morris about long term treatment plans. The two choices are chemo only, or chemo and radiation with transplant. It's a big choice. They have a team of 4 doctors and I don't know how many physicians assistants, nurses, and transplant coordinators who have been studying the case.

There is a 10% better chance of cure with transplant.  The doctor recommended transplant, so we will do the transplant. My brother, Ed, is a full match and will donate via a simple blood draw from a vein.  Then they do whatever they do to process out the stem cells and I receive it as an infusion.

My recovery, however, will be a bit tougher. The chemo and radiation are stronger and has a higher risk of side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, rashes, mouth sores, etc. 

In addition, the transplant itself has a risk of graft vs host disease (GVHD).  This can be just a rash, or progress to liver, stomach or intestinal disorders. There are drugs to mitigate the effects. They suppress the immune system, so once again I will be susceptible to infection. 

The time frame for being on the drugs for GVHD could be 8 months or up to 2 years for a chronic case. The drugs used also can cause emotional side effects. Cool. <<sarcasm. But it will help to know the side effects are temporary.

I was warned that I will get stir crazy: no crowds, no shopping, limited visitors, etc.  I am already experiencing it, but it's something I have to endure as long as I am on the GVHD drugs, but as a minimum through Christmas. The last thing I need is to be hospitalized for an infection. Maybe I will just become Bubble Girl. There. That's safe.

As far as a timeline, I will get another round of chemo (2B) on or about September 2nd.  This may begin the process.  I am not sure. 

But I am getting ahead of myself. This is a big matzo ball. The easiest thing to do is take this one day at a time, all the while accepting nothing short of beating the odds and being cured expeditiously.

Have I told you how lucky I am? First of all, I had a choice. Second of all, I have an immediate donor. Not everyone gets one. Thanks, bro! (As if "thanks" is enough!)

I have to acknowledge you, my faithful supporters, for allowing me to share this with you. It's not a fun journey, but it's ... ummm  .... interesting. 

Lastly, I leave you with a song in your heart, and a couple of funny photos.

"Stop and smell the roses as you're walking by."    http://youtu.be/JuqR6tAfa2M

Kent has the gift of being able to sleep anytime, anywhere.

Guess who donated platelets! 

Mom had never even donated blood before.

What if...?

What if .... . Fill in the blank however you like. There are a million things to think about or stress about, but I remain focused.  Tomorrow we will be presented treatment options, and will make an informed decision.

But that's tomorrow.  Today I am focus on relaxing.  Although the lumbar puncture went well, I have that old familiar pain in my neck and shoulders. Last time I got it after the LP it lasted a week. I sure don't want that, but there is nothing I can do about it except lie down. Or take drugs. So far I don't need them.  Caffeine will help, they say. I will have some in the morning.

6th LP

I went to bed early to be well rested for today's lumbar puncture with chemo.

At 0230 I woke and couldn't get back to sleep until 4. 

When my alarm went off at 5 am, I was having a dream. In my dream I was almost done with the LP procedure.

Rude wake up call, and very disappointing that I had the whole thing ahead of me still.

Mom would love to be in the room for the procedure. Luckily it's not allowed. I would be a nervous wreck. I find all these procedures gross I do not want to know anything about them. Just tell me when it's done. Mom is the polar opposite.

I had a muscle that seized up during the procedure. Debbie said it was a normal body reaction. It took a few tries to get the needle deep enough. And then it worked just fine to extract spinal fluid and then inject chemo.

When the needle came out, I felt it in my foot. That was new. My back was slightly tender through recovery, but real no pain.  My 2 hour flat on my back recovery went well. Now it's 24 hour "bed rest." Drinking plenty of fluids, and up the intake on caffeine.

Tomorrow is a day off, then clinic on Thursday morning for the big talk.

I found out yesterday my brother is a match to be my blood marrow donor. He met 10 out of the 10 criterium, but there are still a few more tests to do.  The big talk should tell us if we need him as a donor. (Right now he is working 16+ hour days for St. Louis County in Ferguson as a police officer... Maybe he could use a break! Imagine that.. A bone marrow transplant would be like a vacation. Sad.)

Does this eye patch make me look fat? It think I will wear it to my consultation on Thursday. Or maybe my wig. At this point it could go either way.

Annie is even having fun dressing up today.

At some time I do expect to be able to chat about non-medical related items, but it will be months away.

Until then, we look for little milestones.

Need Blood

I need blood. Luckily, I am at the clinic and I hear they have it here. Well... If not immediately available at the clinic, then across the hall.

How do I know I need blood? I feel like I did in mid June when I was anemic: not enough oxygen which causes me to be tired. I also know better than to do strenuous activities and wear myself out.

Today I got a liter of fluids since I am slightly dehydrated. I tried to bargain for only 500ml, but that didn't work. Maybe I will only get charged for a small bag!

How cheap are we? 

We WON'T pay for parking, and the clinic does not validate. So, Kent went to donate platelets. They validate. There. Saved $4 for the day. That will make a difference.

Look out, Mary, he is catching up to you! I couldn't get him to stop at the good Costco, though! I will try next time.

Ok... For those of you who can't read between the lines, this is dripping with sarcasm. I guess I am feeling spunky. But remember I write this as is... No holds barred.

We do believe in donating platelets. They are only good for 5 days and cannot be frozen. Kent can donate again in 8 days. Whole blood is a different story. It can be frozen (up to 10 years) and saved for use. In addition, a donor can only donate every 56 days. Plateletes are always in need, and Kent happy to help.

Tomorrow I get a spinal tap. Wish me luck!

Happy Birthday, Kent

Kent worked his second flight of three last night. This morning he got home and took a nap and played the violin and guitar. I think he needed a break. He has been going at break-neck speeds.

The problem is he doesn't know how to say no. He tries to do too much in a day.

I, however, do not try to do too much.  I always was pretty good at listening to my body and taking what I needed. Nap? Sure, sleep. Feeling good? Walk. Bored? Complain.  It's pretty simple.

My big job is to rest, eat, drink. I am so well hydrated. I will leave it at that.  Maybe I will be a better cook since I have so much time at home. I attempted a beef stew this evening. Attempted. It wasn't what I would call flavorful. It was ...   ummm... Comfort food. The gravy came out very well and paired nicely with the bread. Oh well. So much for a yummy birthday dinner. And guess who didn't complain. What a great guy. I am a lucky girl.

This is what's left of the Birthday Brownies. Thanks, Mary! He really enjoyed them.

Tomorrow is clinic in the afternoon. Mom arrives again for a visit and we have another lumbar puncture with chemo on Tuesday. Maybe Wednesday will be a day off. Then Thursday is an early morning meeting with the doctor to discuss our long term treatment plan. I promise I will let you know what I know. The options are continue with chemo only or chemo coupled with a bone marrow transplant. We will see. 

Lastly, I know you are dying to know the outcome of the paint choice. It is Cocoa for the toes and Fairy Dust for the tops.

(I love boring days!) Good night!

This was not a staged photo. I was lying down to type and he parked himself on me. Best medicine ever.

Helpless?

Helpless??  I think not.

Just had to start with a giggle.

Dexter has decided to help. He is trying to get Kent out to work in the shop. He is bringing him his shoes. Much better than a bird, in my opinion.

So today is kind of a day of rest.  I am coming down off the steroids, and my numbers are falling. The combination makes for a quiet day.  

Luckily, Kent was super busy, and the dogs love to just hang.  They did get out and play, but I didn't. And that's ok and expected. There is really nothing to do either today or tomorrow.

We had lunch with the Hamiltons. Thanks, guys! It's nice you can come give me a taste of the outside world!

Little Livi got admitted for a fever. I feel for her. I am doing everything I know how to do to stay clean and safe. I am sure they are doing the same, but not everything can be controlled.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Love-For-Livi/352050968275822

It is so sad when a child gets sick, but I know she is getting the best care possible. We are lucky we aren't trying to get through leukemia 20 years ago.

In other news, our neighbor Don, is still in the hospital for his broken arm. I think he is working on day 20 or so. Since he fell from a tree and ground his coumpound fractured wrist in the dirt, it takes a long time to kill the infection. Hopefully he will be able to come home Monday. Linda will be a great nurse!

So... Although there is not much to report medically today, I am thankful for a boring, catch up day.

Early Mornings

Enough of the early mornings. I never was a morning person, but sheesh. Yesterday I got to clinic and napped a bit. Poor Buffy had a full day of work.

Today I gave up and napped in the car and let Kent have some silence. Here he is all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.

Annoying, huh? But I have my cup of coffee and trying to wake up.

Bloodwork came back ok today. I am a little low on potassium and protein. So hopefully Kent will get me some groceries tomorrow. He has a list, but may need a reminder. It will be a good excuse to send him out for lunch if he doesn't stop on his way home from in the morning.

I can't tell you how full the days have been: wake, meds, 1 hr drive, clinic, drive home, meds, nap?, drink 3 ltrs of water, meds, dogs, make 3 meals and snacks (since I can't go out to eat) fold laundry, put away clean dishes, and hopefully 2 hrs of TV (the Chew {need a new antenna to get that one} and Rachael Ray). What the heck? It's just living and looks easy on paper, but really isn't.  Anymore.

I did get 8 hrs of sleep last night, first time in a while, and that's not even trying to be social. You know how much I miss that. Decking next summer for sure.

Oh well. It's my full time job, so nothing else matters.  Except keep my spirits up. THAT'S the easy job. I am so lucky to keep getting emails and snail mail every day. Every day, every day. The notes range from inspirational to hilarious. Thank you!

So now Kent has gone to work and I can concentrate on me. I will begin step one in "me time" and remove the nail polish and try another color. Taupe? Purple? Both? The sky is the limit.

So... I have the weekend off (unless I get anemic or spike a fever) then labs, blood, and platelets on Monday. Out patient lumbar puncture on Tuesday. That will be 6 of 8. Almonst done.

Found out there is another friend with a friend who was recently diagnosed with leukemia. 40 yo husband, father. Hopefully I can help him in some way. (HI if you are reading this!)

Hmmm. Dexter tried to bring me a gift. Call me silly, but I don't think it's sanitary enough for me. Sorry, Dex. I do appreciate your skills and the wonderful obedience to the "Drop it! Come!" commands.

I am hoping that is all the news for today. I certainly think it's enough. Good night!

Quick Clinic

Very quick clinic today. 8 am to 1045. That includes a pint of blood and a chemo and Mensa fluid change for my BFF. This should be the last 24 hours crying around the fanny pack.

I am supposed to have been on bed rest from the lumbar puncture yesterday. Kinda hard to do with a clinic appt. but they have recliners, and blankets, so I snoozed a bit until it got busy.

In addition to the take home fluids, I am drinking 3 ltr of water, plus whatever coffee, tea, or juice I feel like. I do try to steer clear of caffeine and sugar. My CRE is now 1.0 which is normal people numbers - yay! The antibiotic drip probably bumped it, so we back to normal now.

Since I am getting plenty of fluids, the fat feet are back. They don't hurt, but look funny. Time to elevate.

"Put one foot in front of the other. And soon you'll be walking out the door!"

Check out this video on YouTube:  http://youtu.be/OORsz2d1H7s

It's another early clinic... So getting ready for bed.  Leave you with this thought. (Thanks, Patsy!)

Do It Now!

 Do you have a health issue you thought wasn't a big deal? I did. I was just a little tired. 

Turns out my bone marrow was comprised of 83% leukemia cells. My blood was 90% leukemia cells. I do believe I was on death's door. Literally. Had I ignored it, I probably would have been dead by June 30th. That was a wake up call for me.

Hopefully what I am going through is a wake up call for you. Turn the mirror on yourself.  What are you ignoring? What preventative medical items have you deferred? Do it! Do it now!

Although this is from United Healthcare, it think it's information is useful:  http://www.uhcpreventivecare.com

Ok?  Off my soap box...

Clinic today. My chauffeur, Buffy, brought me in again. I actually am 154 on platelets! That is up from yesterday and in the normal range. Kind of cool! But the next 3 days of chemo will take care of that quickly. Thanks to Jim, I envision Indy killing the aggressive Leukemia in with a single shot!

Creatinine was down from 1.3 to 1.1 which is a better number for the kidneys. I am super sensitive about the kidneys functioning well since they are doing such hard work filtering the anti-toxins released from destroyed leukemia cells. 

Nice collection of arm bands going. Feels like airshow days.  My red blood cells are beginning to tank, so I will need blood tomowwow, but I am Typed and ready. Maybe tomorrow will be a short clinic day!

I had an expected rough night sleeping due to the steroids. Now I am on steroids and caffeine. Nice (Caffeine mitigates the side effect of "worse than a migraine" headache from the LP) Trying to sit still in my clinic chair proves to be a challenge. Must focus!

My "happy goto clinic bag" today. In addition, I am dressed in black.

Arrrrrrggggghhhhhhh!

Got a nasal lavage today. Basically a squirt of saline up the nose, then blow it out in a cup. That is to check for a virus since I had a sneeze attack at 9pm and 2:30 am. Great Air Dexter photos have a price, I guess.... But there are several workers wearing masks. Hopefully I didn't pick up a bug. Will find out tomorrow.

The LP went well. Did not get a nerve. Phew, so 2 hrs flat on my back, then released and Buffy took  me home. The rest of the 24 hours will be bed rest with bathroom priviledges. 5 LP down, 3 to go. Excited!

Can't you tell?

Bed rest it will be at clinic tomorrow. Day three tomorrow with the at home chemo bag then day 4 will be in clinic one day different chemo.

Then maybe some days off. Who knows.