My posts are getting shorter and shorter with the amount of energy I have. I remember some things from the last few days. I remember being sick to my stomach a lot, being too weak to do anything but lay here, listening to worship music hoping not to go insane, going to the bathroom every half hour due to fluids (even at night), being picked and probed a lot, taking chemo 10x stronger than I have yet, having trouble getting food down, terrible storms next to huge windows, worried about not being able to work, and not being able to concentrate very well. I also remember my wonderful husband bringing me food that I might can hold down or even swallow in the first place, Evalyn playing with my hospital bracelet and smiling at me (I think she thought I was going with them), and my parents coming up to my room for a little while. I have successfully cried in front of most staff and the truth is that I don't feel good and I'm scared. Again, I know that God has a plan and I'm thankful for that, but this is some hard stuff. Since I tested positive for a cold, I can't even go to the kitchen and get my own food or get some exercise in the halls.
If the stem cells get here early enough tomorrow then the transplant will be tomorrow; if not, they may push it to Wednesday. Today I will try to get some rest and again try not to go insane. Even if I do, God is still good.
WELCOME
Hello,
Welcome to my Blog! Yes, I have been in the fight of my life against Leukemia, insomnia, depression, side effects of medications, molting skin, pooping my pants and this list goes on.... however, I still love my life, and that's what this blog is about Real Life. I hope to meet others who trails have brought them closer to the Lord and molded them for the next step in God's will. In January 2011 , my family, physician, and Be the Match was featured on a Fox 5 news story about bone marrow donors and transplants. In March, I was interviewed on Atlanta and Company along with Be the Match. I was chosen to sing the national anthem at the Be the Match Run last year and will also be doing it this year, along with some other songs. My team, no thanks to me, raised over $4,000 and raised more than any other team! Please join my team this year or consider donating here at the Run those Stem cells out ! Team I was also chosen for a patient advocacy panel for the international council meeting at Be the Match in MN in November. How exciting!! I ended up not being able to attend due to the relapse. I had hoped I could help raise awareness about how easy it is to sign up to be a donor and how many people need your help! Please go to bethematch.org and sign up! I was able to have my bone marrow (same as stem cell) transplant at the end of March thanks to a 22 year old donor oversees that I hope to meet her one day. As I came up on my 6th month mark and continued to add more normal activities to our lives, I relapsed, meaning that the that the cancer had mutated and the leukemia came back. I spent 2 more weeks at Emory and some other nights here and there and now I'm on a drug from the FDA. I have a compassion waiver so I am able to get it. I have to take it day by day sometimes hour by hour. Time keeps moving and my little girl is growing up. I'm lucky that I'm getting to see it. I continue to praise God for his wonderful blessings he has shown us including my wonderful husband Jonathan, baby girl Evalyn Rose, supportive family and friend, great medical care, new readers, and the chance to make a big difference, even if that means being a Lab Rat.
God Bless You!
Please read, comment, enjoy, learn, grow, LOVE LIFE.
Most Recently I have started a booth at a local consignment store with handmade jewelry from friends, crafts, and my own art from recycled materials. It is called DAY by DAY. God was very clear with me starting this. Please look over to the right of blog and click on Day by Day to see some pictures. I'm just getting started but I am taking orders from people that I know. You will be able to personalize items, etc. I just haven't decided how I will be selling them via internet yet. But for now, the jewelry is at A Weekend A'fair in Athens, GA and will hopefully be at some stores downtown soon.
Love you Heather. Praying and thinking about you every day.
ReplyDeleteSusan Haut
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk , and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
ReplyDeleteYou're in our thoughts everyday. I know its hard but I'm so glad you keep writing.
ReplyDeleteHi, you don't know me but I'm a friend of Shanna's. I've been reading your blog for a while and I am totally impressed by your strength, optimism and courage. We're all pulling for you. Thank you for sharing your journey with everyone.
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone, I'm feeling a little better today.
ReplyDeleteHeather I am thinking and praying for you daily. I so know exactly where you are now and how you feel. May God give you rest and peace. The good thing is you won't remember hardly any of this when your back home.
ReplyDeleteThanks for keeping us posted on your journey with this dreadful disease. Is Dr. Khoury and Stacie dropping by to see you?
Hang in there.
Charmaine Marlow
Dr. Khoury came last night, he always spreads hope where he goes :)
ReplyDelete