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.

Monday, August 15, 2011

Medical Update 8/15/11

Hello,
         My Emory appointment went very well. I actually found out today that my last blood test came back cancer free so I'm considered to be in remission and the transplant a success!!!!!! Praise the Lord!!! My new immune system has a long way to go and the medications will be around for a while. I didn't expect any news and didn't really feel that it was big news so I didn't even tell many people that day. I guess I just figured it was working or I would be dead. It's not the cancer that ever really bothered me or made me feel bad, it's the treatment and the recovery. I'm am thankful to say that I'm in remission and try to think about that as I deal with the side effects of all the other stuff. Dr. Khoury took me off the medication that was making me feel so bad for the weekend but I have to start it back today. I felt so much better this weekend not being on it, so at least we have narrowed it down. He said I have to be on it at least a year but we are hoping my body gets use to it. I'm going to try it at night.
        Remember that if a young lady overseas would not have signed up to be a donor, I wouldn't be here right now. Please sign up to be a donor, people are waiting. bethematch.org. Really tired today and don't have much to say. Going to lay down for a bit.
Love,
Heather

No comments:

Post a Comment