Great News but Ugly Pictures :)
Written by JKM on November 8th, 2008Happy, 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.
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- Addison, my goddaughter-----what a cutie, huh?!!!
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- And here she is as a flower for Halloween--I love this one of Tracie too...too bad you got cut off, Trace!! hahaha
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- I'm so happy to know my pups are at home in Virginny enjoying the fall weather...but i still miss them!!
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- This is my cousin Christopher at a pumpkin patch in GA--I love ya, buddy!!! And I love this picture.
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- Thanks for the pics, Lori! Nothing like UVA during the fall!! I love going back to visit!!
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- OK, here's number 1...note: hair smashed by hat (no time to curl), no makeup, verrrry swollen eyes and nose---creepy, huh?
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- If I EVER see either of these pictures in the future for blackmail purposes, something will happen, I'll guarantee you that!!! Don't forget that my mom's from Charleroi, and they don't mess around up in western PA!! I better not see these again!
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- And a normal pic of me to contrast with the other horrible puffy ones...please Lord, I know it sounds narcissistic, but please don't make me be itchy and swollen and a bit freakish-looking forever?!!!!
8
AM
FELICIDADES, Putita!
:) 
VERY happy to hear you’re officially “100% Laura” now…that truly is incredible news, if only everyone could say it. 
And kudos on being able to dine out, even if it is during the off hours, that’s great news! 
Thanks for sharing the pictures…I’m sitting with your boys right now, watching a little TV while Tiso enjoys a cigar. We’re at Mom & Dad’s and the windows are open and it reminds me of Thanksgiving. 
I’m giving Jamey & Guinny LOTS of extra lovin’ and they miss you! See you soon! Love you, Laura (The other Laura that is) 
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
8
AM
GREAT NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Keep up the good work ‘Laura’! Enjoy the restaurantes and the lluvia. Here’s hoping you de-puff soon!
8
AM
I am so glad to see the WONDERFUL headline news that we all have been praying and waiting for! You did it girl! I am so glad “Twinkle Toes” blood was sooooo good! She always marches to her own drum and she sure made her blood cells “fall in line” and do what they were supposed to do! I will be out soon and we will be having our breakfast specials.
Love ya.
Aunt Bitsy
10
AM
We were all smiles this weekend when we read about 100% Laura. And I’m also happy that you have a little GVHD manifestations…need that to kill off any stray leuk cells hiding down in the weeds.
Technically, my counts weren’t entirely normal until year +3, but I was a slacker.
No exaggeration: I can’t imagine how you could be doing any better, Julie. Your top two enemies are now (1) infection, and (2) boredom. Cancer is now way down the list.
10
PM
Hola Julia! I have looked at the pictures for two days now and I can honestly say if the swelling never goes down–ever–I will love looking at you even more–can’t imagine anything less significant. There’s that smile. . . looks a bit like Laura’s????????
Love from Georgia
11
PM
Congrats Juaura/Lulie on the seamless merging of your cells! The chronic lateness thing makes me wonder if you also didn’t get a hint of Nakamura, but we won’t be out there ’til next week, so we can’t be to blame (yet)! Can’t wait to see you and Mama Matthews - let me know if you want anything special from Virginny!
11
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Just as a side note, as far as the Julie/Laura name situation goes, I think I like Lulie the best so far! Talk to you soon. xoxox
12
AM
This is a little message to let you know that those you barley know may very well be thinking of you. Every time I see Tiso (which is always at work because I am one of the golfers who frequents the Goo a couple of times a week) the first thing I ask him is how you are doing. I’m a big fan of Tiso’s by the way, even though he is the one who got me addicted to Lost and Big Brother. Was he as persuasive with you?
So yes, I do ask about you when I see him. I read your Blog. I viewed your video. Thank you for both as it teaches us many things. I don’t profess to have profound words that may encourage someone in a struggle but from what I see in your support group of family, friends and staff is amazing….and yet all of that combined doesn’t compare to the courage, strength and sensitivity to life that you posses.
I’ll keep reading…you keep moving forward. I am anxiously waiting to have a drink with Laura2 at the Goo.
Cheers,
Mark.
This is the embarrassing part. I have a ridiculous nickname of Hollywood (only at the Goo) but you can call me anything but that…lol
12
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I’m so proud of you! See, all of your resting has been truly beneficial! Take care of those baby cells!
BTW, I like Lulie, too.
12
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Yup, I’m a big fan of Lulie as well!
29
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I continue to enjoy your blog.Your zest for life is such an inspiration to we senior citzens.My wife ask me every day what is happening and we both rejoice in the good news. You are really making the most of these days, I hope you write a book in the future. Love the pictures, your mother looks like a great cook. Maybe she will have their special patients over for a meal.
Keep up the good work, we are decorating for Christmas. Just learned our son from England is flying home this week for a few days. After reading your blog, I know you would love him and his music. He travels the world singing house music( a little much for me, but a great son). He just returned from Cairo.
Keep celebrating.
Wesley & Jeanie Peyton