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!