Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Updates, Updates, Updates!

It’s been days since I’ve written, but the news is all good. If you’ve been following this blog you already know that my brother Brad is a 100% bone marrow match. With only a 25% chance of that happening, this is truly a miracle. I am blessed and I know it! Brad contends that this is simply what family members do for one another. From my perspective it’s so much more. Without a bone marrow transplant I cannot survive – that is a fact. Brad is giving me something truly extraordinary – he is literally giving me the gift of life. And to have that gift come from a family member is so profoundly meaningful to me – it’s so personal and comforting and feels so right – I know our parents are proud of their son who is not only family helping family, but is doing it so graciously and willingly.

Baring any unforeseen circumstances with Brad or myself, I am tentatively scheduled for transplant on May 26th. The first week in May I will begin my evaluations – CT Scans, EKGs, that sort of thing. On May 20th I will be admitted to the Weinberg Center for what they so pleasantly refer to as my 6-day “prep”. In reality it’s my trip to hell when I’ll be zapped with mega doses of IV Chemotherapy to kill all of my existing bone marrow in preparation for receiving Brad’s harvested bone marrow. After a 3-4 week stay in Hopkins (worse case scenario) I will begin to feel better and grow stronger and will eventually be released to the IPOP clinic for daily monitoring. So, things are really looking up. I am excited and anxious at the same time. Thanks for all of your prayers, thoughts and positive vibes you’ve been sending my way. But, please, don’t stop now, the party’s just startin’.

Headache Update - after 11 days my headache is finally gone. I'm starting to feel like a human being again. I was in clinic everyday last week (had the weekend off) for IV fluids, IV caffeine, etc. I had my 3rd Lumbar Puncture this past Tuesday and so far so good. I adhered to complete bed rest and was prescribed steroids for 3 days to help things along. Tomorrow I’ll return to clinic for more IV fluids and then probably won’t have to return until next Tuesday for my 4th LP. My 5th and final LP is scheduled for the 28th. My numbers are really good (W=3400; R=3.24; P=115,000; H=10.20), so good in fact that I was taken off 3 of my prescriptions – at least for the time being.

6 comments:

  1. This is all such wonderful news! You are doing so good getting those "grades" up - keep up the good work! And lots of thanks to Brad! See you in a week.
    Donna

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  2. Help your sister's boat across, and your own will reach the shore. ~Hindu Proverb

    Bev, What wondeful news to read on this beautiful Spring Day !! I can only imagine the happy dance you're doing right now and all your friends and family are right there with you.
    Remember a lot of people will be at the dock!!
    Lots of love always,
    Susan

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  3. Bev, Congrats on this great news. The tentative dates carry with them a glimmer of the light at the end of this dark tunnel. I'm thinking of you everyday and praying you are feeling good. I love Susan's message above. Can't wait till we all meet you at the dock!
    Love, Andrea

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  4. We were so happy when dad called to give us the news! I am sure that you are the strongest person I know and have no doubt that you will be digging your toes in the sand before you know it. Keep the faith and remember that we are all here for you. Love, L

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  5. Hey girlfriend, best news I have had in quite some time. You are already starting to sound like your ole self again. I hope you don't think I'm too hokey, but I have been lighting candles in Church for you and saying this prayer: "God of love, ever caring, ever strong, stand by us in our time of need. Watch over Bev who is sick. Look after her in every danger and grant her your healing and peace." I think it's actually working. Friday nights just aren't the same without you (and Ray). Miss you bunches. Love, Linda (and Barney too)

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  6. Brad is my hero! You have such fabulous numbers. It's what I love the most. My prayers are for you girlfriend. Lynne

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