November 8th, 2008

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Great News but Ugly Pictures :)

Saturday, November 8th, 2008

Happy, Happy Friday everyone!!

And, indeed, happy it is!! I woke up early this morning to shower (but of course I didn’t allow myself time to fix my hair—I just wear a hat these days. :) ) Hey, it’s hard enough to get me out of bed!! I went to have my blood drawn, to meet with my dr./pa/nurse team, and to go to my weekly pulmonary function study (a research study I signed up for). Well, when Jackie (my awesome nurse!) walked in the room, she seemed really excited and she shared the good news: my marrow is 100% Laura now, and there were no signs of recurrence. My blood counts are coming up for the most part. I asked why the numbers weren’t normal like Laura’s since they’re fully engrafted, and they explained that it was because her cells are baby cells, and they won’t be mature until around day 100 post-transplant, which is why they have you wait so long before coming home….to watch for any problems or GVHD that might arise.

They did notice the redness of my feet, and a little on my back, plus my hugely swollen eyes and nose. Yesterday, my PA was the same guy I had several weeks before my transplant and he looked at me and said “I know it’s been a while since I’ve seen you, but did your eyes always look like that?!”–my mom of course responded with “And what if they did!!” They are not sure if the eyes and nose are manifestations of GVHD, but I will go back in tomorrow morning to meet with the doctor. Hard to believe it’s day 31, huh?! I’m feeling a little less exhausted, but I look drugged, as you can tell. We’re working on this…it’s just not fair to have cancer take away your hair (well, I kept mine this year, but not last time) :) , prevent you from wearing makeup (for me, I don’t want anything that might harbor bacteria on my face, and make you swollen!! I mean, seriously, isn’t just the fact that I have—-excuse me—HAD cancer punishment enough?!! Get a good laugh at my eyes and nose, and be crossing your fingers that it goes away soon!!

By the way, just an interesting conversation topic: I was watching TV today, and I noticed a commercial advertising metal detecting as “the fastest growing hobby” in either the US or the world?!! hahahahaha Seriously?!!! Are you guys out there doing this and you haven’t shared the coolness of it with me?!!! ;) I’ll have to get me a metal detector when I get outta here. hahahaha

My mom is doing well. She does so much for me, and I’d like to take this moment to thank her for being here with me through good and bad moods. I’d also like to apologize for my chronic lateness….I really am trying, Mom, and will be on time—-let’s start tomorrow. You always have to pick goals, right? :) Seriously, I will get my act in order here!!!

Keeping in the spirit of the day and all the good news (ie no sign of recurrence and being 100% Laura), have another listen to the Garden Song that I put up here a couple posts ago. Keep on maturing, little Laura baby cells!! :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmLzr1YSI9Y

This weekend, I look forward to spending time with Aunt Nancy, Aunt Barbie and Katie, and despite the weather we are going to celebrate life and what I’m allowed to do right now (eg restaurant-off hours; walking in the rain–one of my favorite things to do, and just the fact that we’re all here together).

Enjoy the photos….the ones with my eyes and nose are pretty rough, but this is the honest blog, remember? I want to make sure I share everything with ya! Don’t worry, if I develop any rash on my bum or anywhere else inappropriate, I will not be sharing that with you!! :)

Love from Julie and the beautiful Seattle night skyline.