PS I celebrated my two year transplant anniversary last week! Happy Birthday to me!

Getting the motherload of tests!~

Hi, I'm in Richmond today getting all the good tests: Bone Density Scan Pulmonary Function Test Bone Marrow Biopsy CT Scan So far I've done the first three. The bone density scan is normal- which is wonderful. I'll get the other results on Nov. 21st. If all is well I will change to having the biopsy every six months rather than every three months. Fingers crossed. James is with me as always and is being wonderful. I'll post when I have the results! xoBeryl

All Good News

Hi,
The latest biopsy results were great. I received the third hep C immunization and the polio vaccine. At the end of Oct I go in again for the massive tests again. (biopsy, pulmonary function, cat scan and a boatload of bloodwork) After that, if all is well, I'll be slowing down on the testing (yay).I am approaching my second birthday since the transplant- Oct. 29th. My doc said 80% of the people who are going to relapse do so in the first 18 months after the transplant. I'm 22 months out- so far so perfect! I'm still being cautious- lots of hand sanitizer, avoiding the sun, exercising, juicing, meditating, tapping etc etc. I'm staying busy with school and, of course, working on Obama events!
Yay,
B

CT Results

Hi My last CT scan showed multiple thorasic hernias. I finally found a surgeon who could read the scans. He said they were there but so tiny that they could be ignored so they are officially being ignored! yay!

Update from Sollaworld!

Hey! My port wound is healing very nicely. I had another biopsy today- I'll get the results in 3 weeks. My blood work looked great and so far so good. I'll update after the results. I am 22 months post transplant! Take care, Beryl

Port-landia

Hello! I went to Richmond today to have my port removed! All went well- the doc said it was thoroughly encapsulated by a kind of scar tissue and was tough to get out..but he did it. He was wonderful. The Doc, Brian Strife, is the soon to be fiance of one of my colleagues daughters at PVCC AND was best friends with a guy my niece dated in med school and a casual friend. He was also the doc who removed my other port about a year ago. What are the odds? It was very comforting to know who was doing the work. It's a common surgery but it's still surgery. I'm resting- not doing any heavy lifting (literally!) and of course James is taking excellent care of me. I'm laying around like a carp and he's doing everything! I will have a scar on my chest and I'm starting to make up stories about how I got it. Truth....optional! I have a biopsy in a few weeks- I'll report results in late august/early september. I am feeling great- 100%. I'm also feeling lucky and grateful. Take care, Beryl

Results!

Hello! I had a good day with the Richmond Docs today. My biopsy came back and the results are perfect. I also got a few more vaccines and made a date to remove my port (July 16th). I'm excited about that. The port is not a good summer look! It's a small procedure (aren't they all??) in and out the same day. I have a few small things that I need to follow up with a local doc but nothing unusual or scary. I keep forgetting that I still have to have normal glitches like everyone else! I'm feeling great and have almost completely stopped napping. I do it for fun now- not necessity. My next biopsy is at the end of July so I'm still on a 3 month cycle. Not forever. I think until my 2nd anniversary. My billiruben is almost normal and my blood levels have remained stable. So, I'm a lucky duck! Here's to a lovely, uneventful summer! Beryl

Today and Today and Today

Hi, I go to VCU for all the tests tomorrow BUT TODAY is my 18th month anniversary! I had the transplant 18 months ago!!! Happy Birthday to me!!!!! I will be celebrating by being normal and healthy! Take care, Beryl

More test test tests

Hi,
I'm almost a year an a half old! (since the transplant!!) I go in on April 30th for another biopsy, CT Scan and Pulmonary function tests. I still have my port which is NOT attractive! Just sayin.... I'll keep you posted.
Take care,
beryl

It's all Good

Hi,
Sorry for the delay. I went to Richmond last thursday for the biopsy result. The doc said I still have male DNA and I'm still 100% engrafted. He said the results could not be better! So I'm happy! I'm fighting a cold again- my second this winter, but it seems pretty normal- no big deal. I am resting, doing all the stuff you are supposed to do and taking care of myself. It's snowing outside- I'll take a pic with the computer for you!
At the end of April I go in for another biopsy and all the pulmonary function tests again, as well as more vaccinations.Oh Boy!
Take care,
Beryl

Biopsy Day!

Hi,
I went to Richmond today for my 3 month bone marrow biopsy. I'll have the results in a month. In April I go in for massive testing- chest, lungs, another bone marrow biopsy and more immunizations. According to my most recent bloodwork my hemoglobin is getting better but my biliruben is edging slowly back up. Nothing to panic about- just something to watch. We came home and had a lonngggggg nap. They pump me full of drugs that make me sleepy. I don't know what James's excuse was!
Take care,
Beryl

Helloooooo

Hi,
Just a quick update. I go in next Monday for a biopsy and more immunizations. I'm getting more energy and don't nap most days. I'm still seeing my integrative medicine doc and nutritionist. They've got me swilling vitamins like mad. I'm back in the classroom and so far so good. Also I had a cold about a month ago and it behaved just like a normal cold. No drama, no hospital no nothing! Just a normal cold meeting a normal immune system. Pretty pretty pretty good!
Take care,
Beryl