My counts remain stable except for my hemoglobin. My wbcs are around 3.8 – 4.0 which I think shows that my immune system is getting stronger. I got a red blood cell transfusion last Tuesday and it gave me a boost of energy (I am realizing that headaches start when my hemoglobin starts to drop). I went overboard on some kettlecorn last Friday (fresh from the farmer’s market, DELISH!) and threw up, but other than that no nausea or vomiting. The skin GVHD is being managed by my topical steroid cream and it doesn’t bother me at all. I’ve almost completely de-puffed in my face and am back to my original weight pre-transplant. Man, if my last biopsy didn’t say I had relapsed, I’d think that all is well.
It’s nice having the energy to get things done. Recently Van and I did our taxes (1st time as a married couple – YIKES it still sounds weird when I call him my “husband”). I’m finally caught up on all of my mail, medical bills, unpacking from Seattle, applying for LLS financial aid, responding to emails and reconnecting with friends. I also treated myself and went to the mall to get an outfit for our good friends’ upcoming wedding. Trying to find a dress to cover my hickman line is a lot harder than you would think! I can’t express how happy I am that I’m not stuck in bed these days. The Cali sunny weather has done a bit of good on my spirits.
The Big Biopsy Day is next Monday and I’ve been doing loads of visualizations, self hypnosis and praying to ensure that all goes well. I continue to see the Chinese herbalist doctor weekly. In addition to weaning off most of my drugs, I think the herbal medicine has helped a lot. Update* I forgot to mention that my Kaiser oncologist was the one who referred me to the Chinese herbalist doctor. My oncologist actually gets treated by the Chinese doctor and the referral gave him the credibility I needed to trust him. It’s great because my oncologist and my Chinese herbalist talk to each other to make sure that they are on the same page with my treatments.
Thanks for checking in on me.
6 responses so far ↓
1 Samantha MacRae // Apr 20, 2009 at 7:35 pm
Michelle,
Thanks for the update. Everything sounds great.
I too have been catching up on taxes after not doing them for 2 years while we fought this beast. And Graham has started some herbal treatment to help him regain his strength.
We will be thinking of you and hope you get amazing news from the next Bx!!
Love Sam, Graham, Jac & Poppy xx
2 Jen // Apr 21, 2009 at 6:05 am
<3 you Michelle. =D It’s good to hear you’re doing better. You’re so strong and inspire me so much that I’m doing my health powerpoint project on Acute Myeloid Lukemia. Do you mind if I use you as an example? =)
Much love,
Jen
3 Bryan C // Apr 21, 2009 at 7:00 pm
who’s wedding? sounds lame. =)
though i’m sure you’re look fantastic in your dress!
sending you good vibes for next monday!
love,
april & bryan
4 John Arbour // Apr 22, 2009 at 2:24 pm
praying and visualizing for you here as well…
5 Wenda "Jello" Lee // Apr 23, 2009 at 2:09 am
Glad you’re doing well and you’re back at home enjoying yourself! Hope the new cells are kicking the leuk cells’ butts! I wish I saw you at the Cherry Blossom Fest cuz I would’ve formally introduced myself and given you hugs of more positive vibes (weird that a stranger would do such thing I know but at least I know your cousin, Crystal?-lol). I’ll be sending you more prayers in hopes your next biopsy will come out clean.
xoxo,
Wenda
6 Marcia // Apr 26, 2009 at 5:33 am
Sending positive thoughts and prayers my friend! So happy to see things looking up. Keep on doing what your doing ,your head doctor will heal continue to heal you. It was good talking to you last week….. Love Marcia
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