In two days I turn 59, which is older than many of my family members were able to make, but I’m definitely feeling like a celebration! I’ve ordered a cake from Ben & Jerry’s, I intend to wear a party hat to my chemo / infusion / lab draws on Thursday, and I also intend to grab onto every single birthday I’m fortunate enough to have from this point onward.
Category: Leukemia
Detour
I know I’m improving every day, I can feel it – I can SEE it in the amount I’m able to do! But, as is usual for me, it’s not fast enough. Which is silly, because my recovery is exactly at the right speed for me. I need to just relax and enjoy the pace my body’s set for itself.
Anti Climax
None of us will beat death, it will get us in the end. I’ve become much more at peace with that truth over the last few years. I’ve lost so many folks who are close to me, maybe that’s why I have such a strong desire to see a grandchild. Or maybe it’s just that I love babies.
Cancer Dancer
While I was going through treatment for Lymphoma I made the decision that once I was in remission I would get a tattoo. The image I wanted was a Charles Schulz character named ‘Number Three’ who dances onstage in the Charlie Brown Christmas Special. She’s one of a pair of twins (her sister is named,…
Catching Up
And there it is. The hardest thing in the world to deal with, the thing that makes the cancer feel like a personal attack at times, instead of just an unfortunate roll of the dice. Missing Gerry is the hardest thing I do, I know it’s so hard for the kids and for his family back in NY, too. The fact that I had 12 years to contemplate and prepare for his leaving us does make it a bit easier, it really does. But at times the pain of knowing I’ll never hug that dear man again is almost overwhelming.
New Wheels!
The difference in how I’m doing right now is nothing short of a minor medical miracle. Or maybe the miracle is my kid’s love, and all the good food and REAL rest that I’ve been getting at home! Yesterday my doctor was pretty much astounded at how much better my hemoglobin and platelets are doing. …
Two Weeks At Home
But I have a big decision to make. Should I get a Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT). Gerry had one in 2007, and they’re NOT FUN. It would mean going back into the hospital for at least 30 days, and right now the best doner that we’ve found so far is Max! There are millions of doners in the registry, though, so they’re searching to see if there might be a better match.
Nadir
Today’s experiment is a roast beef sandwich that Andy’s bringing. I’m hoping the smell is not too strong, and that I can get a good bit of the sandwich down!
I Have Achieved Exercise Bike!
One of the really nice things about U of M Med Center is the update they give me every few days of my condition. It’s so helpful to see how my caregivers are viewing me, and I see hints in there as to what they’re hoping to accomplish in the near and far future.
Three Lovely Guests
It feels as though I’ve been in UM Hospital for a week, but it’s only been 4 days. They’re exceptional here, and I may be most impressed with my physical therapist. He knows how to get me to do good, steady work, and is steady with his praise. Today he said I’d shown so much…