Most Recent Oncology Appointment

Last Thursday I had an appointment with my oncologist, Dr. Carraway. My white blood counts and neutrophils were a little low, but she assured me that they were not low enough to worry about. They will be watched, but are likely a side effect of my medications.

After thinking I was completely done with bone marrow biopsies, I found out that I have to continue them well into 2011. Guess that was wishful thinking on my part. So on June 3rd I will get a bone marrow biopsy, blood work to test for hyperthyroidism, liver and kidney function, various viruses (including CMV) and a bunch of other stuff. Since the one-year anniversary of my bone marrow biopsy is May 26th (yes, it will be a year!) I also have to get 6 shots - my childhood immunizations. Then in August I will get the boosters. In the next year it looks like I will be getting 2-4 bone marrow biopsies - although I am doing so well that my doc is going to re-think that. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

The last few weeks have been pretty amazing for me. Slowly, very slowly, I have begun to feel a strong sense of clarity . I live in the moment now instead of always worrying about tomorrow, I am truly enjoying the very moment that I am living. For that reason I feel completely in control of my life again and that's a very uplifting and powerful feeling. If you've never lost your way or had to completely depend on others, you may not understand what I'm trying to say. For well over a year I have relied completely on my doctors, my family and my friends for just about everything. Now I have choices and I'm capable of making them - that's quite freeing! Along with that new-found clarity, I feel proud of the way I handled myself throughout my illness and treatment and I'm proud of the progress I've made. I believe a positive attitude is 90% of the battle. So, here's to life - I'm back - better, stronger, prouder, more confident, happier and freer ~ God Bless me!

Easter Weekend

Our Easter weekend started off with a wedding on Saturday at the Antrim in Taneytown. The bride and groom looked stunning and the weather couldn't have been better.

On Easter the family gathered at my niece's house. Brad happened to be in town on other business so he was able to come as well. He looks healthy and happy and was glad to see that I am doing so well. The food was wonderful, but of course I awoke during the night with stomach problems. My body is just not used to all that rich food two days in a row. I figure it's probably the onslaught of fat that gives me the problem. My body just can't handle it these days. It's funny how my relationship with food has changed since my diagnosis. Before I ate when I was happy, sad, mad, upset, etc., etc. Now I eat only to nourish myself. Nothing tastes particularly good anymore and I'm always leery about what is going to send me running to the bathroom.

I haven't been to see my oncologist since March, but am scheduled for the 22nd of April. I have already started composing my list of questions. My sinuses have been giving me a fit and I am basically living on Claridon D. I think my sinus infection has cleared up after a 14-day round of antibiotics, but the pollen and my post nasal drip are are really wearing me down. I am still suffering with insomnia - too much to think about I suppose.

I recently learned a startling bit of information while exploring the Norvartis website. They are the company that manufactures Gleevec. Last March when I was diagnosed, I was in what is referred to as the "blast-crisis stage". While I knew my situation was grave I just realized how very grave it was. The blast-crisis stage is also referred to as the "terminal stage". I'm not sure now what I was thinking at the time, but I can assure you, I was not thinking about dying. All I could do was drop my head in my hands and take a few minutes to steady myself - it took a while to absorb it all. I am truly just now realizing how very sick I was and believe me, it's very, very scary and very humbling at the same time. I am one lucky girl!