The restaging is a series of tests (blood draw, bone marrow biopsy, CT scan, pulmonary function test, etc.) to check my progress. It has been scheduled for October 16. Then we have to wait for the results. The appointment to receive the results is scheduled for November 6. (Happy Birthday, Mom!)
Pending the results, I should be able to get permission from my doctor to go back to my normal job. It will be a process, but at least it's getting closer! Don't get me wrong, I am thankful to have my part time job teaching. I do enjoy it, but it's not my first choice in careers.
I am so humbled and thankful that I had a perfect match in the family for transplant donation. Many, many, many do not have that option. In those cases they have to look outside the family. There is a wonderful organization that has a national database of potential donors. It's called Be The Match Foundation. The men and women who sign up submit a cheek swab and wait until they are needed. Then they get an all expense paid trip to the doctor and donate whatever cells are needed. Volunteer donors never pay out of pocket. How fabulous.
It's a great program, but as you may guess, they need to raise funds. A friend of mine bought tickets to the fundraiser and asked me to go as her guest. Yay! I am honored to attend. I even asked a neighbor to donate an airplane ride as a silent auction item. (Thank you, Vic!) I hope it raises a lot of money!
Other news, September is Blood Cancer Awareness month. I was asked to tell my story for Northside Hospital as part of a campaign to raise awareness, and solicit funds for those who cannot afford treatment. Here is how it turned out.
To be honest with you, I am surprised if anyone is still reading the blog. But, I said I would continue to write with news, and this counts!
Now go enjoy this beautiful Fall Season with those you love!
That's an order!
