Home Sweet Home!

Another day, another milestone, another answer to prayer! Monday, day +18, we got some great news at the Stem Cell Suite. I was able to get my central line out! Yeah! Dr. Mehta made it painless! Maybe he can do my next bone marrow biopsy too!

 We also moved out of the apartment and back to Easton. What joy to be able to come home, see my kids, and sleep in my own bed. Its been a long 5 weeks. Monday the doctors told me that my blood counts looked a little better than Friday and that they expected them to continue to climb, although maybe not quite as fast as I would like. Instead of taking the journey one day at a time, they are encouraging me to take it one week at at time.
As I sat on the edge of my bed, taking it all in, there is a part of me that absolutely cannot believe all that I have come through, and how well I have tolerated everything (OK maybe not everything...but I managed to get beyond it!) Now on to Phase 3 of the treatment. The marathon isn't over yet...this is when I have to dig deep and find the strength deep within myself, trust all my treatment/training so far, and finish strong.
My fears throughout this process have been two-fold. First, my fears were related to the treatment process that I had to go through. As you have all read in previous blogs, although I educated myself about what my body would go through, I was still petrified. I learned to process each step, each day, and ask God for the courage to get through each one. And he did.
Secondly, my fears have been about the end result. Will this treatment eradicate the Amyloid factory that my body had built? Will this treatment put me in complete remission...and for how long? These are answers that I will not have for a long time. But I cannot let these fears consume me. I must continue to believe, and have faith in my strength as well as the power of Gods healing love. One of my favorite songs reminds me daily to surrender any fears I have, and trust in Him:
"Whenever God shines his light on me
opens up my eyes so I can see
When I look up in the darkest night
I know that everything's going to be alright.
In deep confusion, in great despair
When I reach out for him, he is there
When I am lonely as I can be
I know that God shines his light on me.

Reach out for hime, He'll be there
with Him your troubles you can share
If you live the life you love
You get the blessings from above
He heals the sick and He heals the lame
says you can do it too in Jesus' name.

He'll lift you up and turn you around
and put your feet back on higher ground

Reach out for him, He'll be there
with Him your troubles you can share
You can use his higher power
in everyday and any hour
He heals the sick and He heals the lame
says you can do it in Jesus' name."

Van Morrison, Avalon Sunset 

Tuesday, Day +19, Del, Fred and I returned to BU Med Ctr to attend the Amyloid Support group. This was a great opportunity to meet and talk with patients who are at the beginning of the process patients who have been through the process, and even those who have been through the treatment several times. I look forward to attending these meetings if for nothing else than to give others hope and strength as they move forward through the treatment process. But, it was so great to return home and have a happy nappy on my own couch! Not much energy for blogging...very tired

Yesterday, Day +20, we returned to the BU Stem Cell Suite for more labs and follow up care. Although still very weak and tired, I returned feeling renewed and more refreshed after sleeping in my own bed for 2 nights. More good news...I am being discharged from the treatment program on Friday. Yeah! Although I will be coming in for follow up visits periodically. I will not have to come in daily. I will be continuing my recovery at home, monitored by my local Hematologist/Oncologist, who will be in constant contact with my team at BU. Slowly but surely over the next couple of months, I will regain my strength (as well as my hair I hope!)
For the next 100-120 days I must continue to be vigilant about germs, bacteria and diet. This is the crucial period during which my numbers will continue to improve. Lots of discharge instructions from Anthony, for me and my entourage.I'm all ears:)

Patience...breathe...pray...and grow.

Time for another nap...
Love to all!