Hello All!  I apologize for not posting last week as I said I would.  Like I mentioned, my mom was much better at this than I am!  I have had two doctor visits since my last update.  Not much to report other than I am on the right track.  As I mentioned before, having chronic GvH, such as my blistery and dry hands, dark, spotty skin, mouth sores and dryness, watery eyes, etc. are good outward signs that my new stem cell system is “working”.  Although it is at times uncomfortable, I have adjusted my lifestyle to deal with it all.  As Dr. P says, “You can have a deadly disease, or deal with annoying side effects”……I’ll take the side effects!

My blood counts are doing great!  I’m actually in the “normal” range for white blood cells and hemoglobin.  My platelets are just under “normal” range, but to no risk.  This last few days I have acquired a head cold and cough and I thought that Dr. P would be more concerned about it today at my appointment, but my lungs are clear, which is our main concern, so he gave me an antibiotic prescription to fill if I feel that I get any worse.  I am feeling better each day so I don’t expect to have to fill the prescription.

I am on an incredible road to recovery that I thank God for every day.  I am so grateful for all the thoughts and prayers that you all send daily….they truly get me through each and every day.  I am still working with a trainer at the gym a few days a week.  Although I am self motivated to get back into shape and remain healthy, it sure is comforting to have a gym trainer by my side to watch my every move and monitor my strength and muscle control.  I jog on the treadmill for short periods of time and I am always mindful that I can hit the “stop” button or grab onto the side rails if needed.  I do suffer from tingly and numb feet (as I understand is common among chemo patients), so once again the treadmill is my friend.

The family is doing great.  Steve is working like a maniac and likes the fact that I have become “mom” again.  Christian has proudly been accepted to Servite High School, an all boys private Catholic school for the fall.  We are very proud of his achievement!  He has also found a new love…the sport of lacrosse.  He has played locally for the last two years and hopes to further the sport through high school.  Lauren is in 6th grade at SSJ and plays soccer year round (her first love), basketball, and volleyball.  We are proud of all of her accomplishments as well.

We are ready to dive into our active lives that we are used to (doctor approved, of course!).  God has given me a cross to bear that I accept with Grace.  I will one day understand my true calling to this disease.  I believe the lessons learned by myself, my family and friends will lead us all to a life of understanding, forgiveness, gratitude and mercy.  Keep in mind that cancer does not discriminate….

I have had the comment made to me, “but why you?, you are so nice!”.  Although I understand what that person meant to say, we must remember that God chose me for a reason, and I will listen to Him and open my heart to the path he is leading me to.

With Passion,

Karen