Hold your freekin horses

Hi,
The transplant is on hold. The docs are worried about my blasts and have a new plan. New chemos for a few months and then, if my blasts are down, transplant.
oy,
Beryl

Hey Buds

Hi,
I've had a busy few days. Yesterday I had an EKG, Chest Xray, chemo and met with HR. I gotta say, PVCC takes care of it's people.  Today it was the dentist and a bone marrow biopsy. They had to do it twice- my aspirate (???) was being uncooperative. James is talking with my transplant doc, Dr. Ballen about the counts. Hopefully last weeks new cycle of chemo, which I tolerated well, brought my blasts down. The immediate goal is to keep me from going to Leukemia, which is a whole other thing. We'll know some numbers in a few days. In the meantime I'm proceeding as if we are on track. I had a photo of Thomas blown up for my hospital room and I have another poster of Me and James and "the kids" from the last transplant. I bought some cute PJ's and my friend Rebekah gave me some cutish floral crocs as slippers. You know how I feel about crocs but they are floral and comfy so I'm going to try to be open minded. (my current slippers are paint spattered)

I haven't worn them yet- they are reserved for the event.  My happy drugs are wearing off so I'm going to do some errands. I bought new covers and blankets for the guest room. It's looking amazing.
I'm going to include the photo of Thomas I blew up. Did I mention I have a new grand baby on the way?? They're going to come into this world the day before my transplant, I'ma need a poster of the child. My guess, looking at Katie and Lyle, it's going to be beautiful and smart. I'll include pics if I can.
Take care
Beryl 3.0 (thanks Laura, for the new name- I'm going to put it on my business cards)

oy

Hi,
So I had a biopsy on Monday and the results show my blasts are rising pretty quickly. This isn't good. They are starting me on another round of a new chemo and hopefully that will turn this around. The transplant is still set for Jan 30th. I'll go in on the 30th, get the big chemo for a week and then the transplant on Feb 5th-ish.
I'm in it.
B

Tests and More Tests

Hi,
I spent the day at UVA getting tests in prep for the big event. I had a Pulmonary Function Test (good results) a bone marrow biopsy (we'll see in a few days but I'm guessing I have cancer), an echo cardiograph  (looks fine) and they took a ton of blood to test for a ton of things. The entry date for the hospital is Jan 27-30th somewhere in there, and the transplant will take place 7 days later. They estimate a month in the hospital and if all looks good, back home to rest and heal for 6 months or so. It all depends on my immune system growing, bone marrow growing, ability to make blood etc.
So I'm busy getting ready, getting things in order at home and at school.
The transplant doc says the chemo regime will be a little lighter because of my age but they expect it will do it's job. So far I am liking the transplant team. I feel strongly that this is my best option but it's still scary as hell.
My daughter-in-law, Katie Mason-Yates' mother, Jama Mason has offered to organize my after hospital care. The plan so far looks like February in the hospital, James will spend the first week out with me and he'll drop me off at the clinic when I need infusions/meds. I'll need someone to drive me home and stay with me until he gets home. I'll also need help on off clinic days. I'll post Jama's contact once we have a system in place in case anyone has the time or interest in helping me through this. I'm resisting hiring a stranger- that would be very tough.  Anyway.... I need some blood- I'm a pint short so I'll be getting a pint tomorrow morning.
Did I mention I bought 3 pairs of cute PJ's?
I'll keep you all up to date so that when we talk, we can focus on gardening, art, and of course my grandson, Thomas. I have another grandchild on the way too. We may share birthdays! It's first, my third!
Take care,
Beryl