You know…”Lifetime”, the women’s network? The gals in my family have a long-standing relationship with the network, especially around the holidays. You know, I think if the network weren’t called “Lifetime”, perhaps some men would like the shows too!! After all, I watch “Spike” sometimes despite the name.

OK, now it’s Tuesday, and I am 31!!! Guess I’ll have to change the “about me” section on the blog, huh? I woke up early this morning to a beautiful, clear day! My mom served me some delicious pumpkin bread and coffee, I opened gifts from Laura and Katie (and I love them all!!!!), took a shower, and got ready for my day.

We were at the clinic from about 9:45 AM until 1 PM going to different appointments: blood draw; team meeting with my Dr., P.A. and nurse; chest X-ray; meeting with my social worker; and meeting with my nutritionist. They are very happy with how I’m doing, so all good news! Unfortunately, I have gained some more weight…nothin’ crazy, but I spoke a lot with my nutritionist about different suggestions, and she isn’t worried at all about the weight gain, especially since I’m still on the Prednisone. She said the main thing is that I’m eating and drinking, and as long as I make sure I’m getting protein, a some type of grain, a fruit and/or veggie with each meal, I’m doing well! BUT she said not to expect to do that all the time, especially this time of year! I love meeting with her because I’ve always had questions about food and how best to use it to energize your body. I asked her about starting a food log, but she said to wait ’til the Prednisone is completely out of the picture, and only if I really feel like doing it. So that’s that!

By the way, aside from being the most wonderful day of the year (my birthday), today is day 70!!!!! Hard to believe in the early fatigued days (remember, magnet on the couch and bed fatigue) that I would ever feel this good, and I would be out and about in Seattle (you know, relatively speaking….restaurants on the off-hour, outdoor activities, shops where there aren’t too many people).

Oh, I know what I forgot! I took the ZGF (architects of SCCA) book into clinic today to show Jackie (my nurse) and the rest of my team. My P.A. especially loved it, so he’s going to keep it for a week to check out all the beautiful photos inside. I’m really going to miss my team. Jackie has stayed the same throughout the months, and we love her! But we’ve also gotten to know Peter, and other doctors and P.A.s, and every single one is pleasant, knowledgeable, thorough and reassuring. Of course, I am excited to get back to my doctor in Virginia, but it’s been nice to meet some new friends out here.

I know, I keep harping on about missing Seattle and the changes to come, but I’ve been thinking about it frequently, so you’ll have to pardon the repetition. I guess some people may not think of it this way, but after cancer (or any other traumatic event, I imagine), if you look normal and you’re doing well, everyone assumes things are back to normal. So many emotions are involved…I love Seattle and the city life, feeling healthy and having my own space, but I miss Virginia and my dogs, cat, friends, etc, etc, etc. My life is forever changed by leukemia, but you can’t tell it from the outside (well, once the hair and puffiness are gone). You all know what’s going on on the inside, because I’ve basically put all of it up here on the blog, but I guess there is a a fear of getting back to “normal”, and leaving my safe “bone marrow center” haven, the SCCA 3,000 miles away.

There, I said it! I’m afraid. It’s weird because I’ve done so well, and they expect me to continue to do so, but it’s scary to leave the cocoon of safety I feel here, and the life my mom and I have created, albeit a mini-version of one. Some patients might read this and think “What a crazy girl!! Why on earth would she be worried about going home?!”, but we’ve spoken with others who feel the same way. You just can’t duplicate the SCCA; it’s all about the organization, the friendliness of everyone, the feeling that EVERY PERSON in the clinic knows what’s going on with you.

Geez….listen to me droning on. This was supposed to be a light blog!! But I guess, since I am technically a year older, perhaps I’m becoming more of a thinker………..nahhhhhh, can’t be that!!!

I hope everyone is doing well!

Enjoy the pics.

Love,

Julie