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| Greg riding his bike with infusions,Ipod,(and some hair) Thursday |
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| Yvonne the caregiver for Sadie |
Live Happy!
Saturday, August 14, 2010
"Glass Onion"
It is day 92 and we are down to the final week of my official bone/stem cell transplant relationship with Fred Hutchinson/Seattle Cancer Care. They have crammed daily blood tests, clinics, reviews, and consultations every day this next week and then we/I graduate on August 20. I feel very happy for Yvonne as she can start to get back to normal and segue away from being my full time caregiver! I am sure I took advantage of that from time to time. There has been some downtime during this process, but also a lot of overtime especially for Yvonne. I chose "Glass Onion" as my song of the day due to how confusing the song's lyrics are, kind of like my surreal ending of my 100 days with Fred Hutchinson. I ended this past week in the clinic by myself Friday as Yvonne was caring for our Lab Sadie who just had her TPLO/ACL surgery. I was a little nervous leaving our house yesterday morning as I was used to having Yvonne take me to every clinic and medical appointment I have had for the entire transplant process. But I bravely got behind the wheel, and set off to Seattle solo at 6:30AM for what was supposed to be a fairly routine day. I was supposed to meet my new Doctor (they change every month) and end the day with my last intrathecal lumbar chemo at 2PM. I got home at 7PM due to delays, extra platelets infusions, and an almost psychedelic feeling at the end of the day. I had my last spinal fluid removal/methotrexate infusion take almost 2 hours when it usually takes 20-30 minutes. What goes around comes around too. My last doctor for what will be just over one week is the first doctor who we ever consulted with regarding bone marrow transplants. We met with her in November of 2009, her advice in Nov. was to NOT do a transplant. Now we end the whole thing together... The good news was how thorough she was during the clinic visit and actually added to my confidence with some good suggestions and making sure we do one more bone marrow test before I leave next week (to make sure my current white blood cell count isn't related to a relapse.)
John Lennon wrote most of "Glass Onion" for The Beatles (White) album in 1968. He throws everything but the kitchen sink into the lyrics, references to many other Beatles songs including the timely Paul is Dead rumors stuff. It didn't make any sense on purpose. I am wondering if my last week will follow the same trend as my blood counts are doing similar things. My white count took a big dip down, so did my platelets. I was in transfusion for regular blood today and two bags of platelets yesterday. My red count is going both directions. Lots of unknowns. So- I have decided to continue to work on things I can control like good nutrition, exercise, having a positive attitude, and making the best of every situation. And I will continue to be a renegade when I can.
Live Happy!
Live Happy!
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10 comments:
P.S. so far Sadie seems to be recovering nicely. Greg
Greg, we hope you do too. It is a long road ! Love Dad and Alice
wow there's been a lot going on! The surgery will be a blessing for Sadie when she recovers. We went thru that with Puff. It takes a few months till she's fully recovered. Puff blew out her acl and meniscus chasing a rabbitt in Lapine. We should have never let her run loose down there. I am proud of you and Yvonne how you have fought this battle. Good that you made your own decision about the transplant. Les takes me to my appointments now, he's my mouth! He wants to be involved. You look good btw. I'm going to scan our old pics, it might take a while ut they should be preserved. Have a great day,
Cathy
Did it hit 100 in PDX today Cathy?
Hi Greg, You have hair and a few extra pounds on you, good for you!!!!! :-) I am happy to see you smiling on your bike working out with your music!! Keep up the good hard work of fighting this battle one step at a time!! Wishing you all the best!! And a full recovery for Sadie too!! Live Strong and Happy!
In the upper 90's the pol on the corner are having their annual karaoke party, I remember how much you enjoyed that! looks like you are getting some hair.
Love, cathy
The curls are coming back for sure. Alice, I have gained a couple of pounds. (The prednisone makes my face bloated, especially the double chin!) Greg
Wow, sounds like an ultra event you went through with the over 12 hour day of tests. Great to see pics of you both. You look great! Can't believe all that you have been through. Happy Graduation. Enjoy the new time at home. We'll see you soon!
love and prayers,
Mary D.
Greg, will be leaving for Denver on Sunday. How is Sadie doing ? How are you guys ? We are still very warm here, 90 plus. Looks like you will be cooling down. Give us an update if you can. Love Dad and Alice
Sadie is doing good, and looks to be healing as she is supposed. I asked her about that this morning and her answer was a neck twist with a smile. Yvonne needs a break though.
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