My fever broke! We're still not sure if I've got an infection or not, but at least the fever seems to have passed. It feels so good not to be sweaty, clammy, and shivery. I have come to the conclusion that I don't much like having a fever.
2 great surprises today! First, I got a ballloon, vase w/silk flowers and bag full of snacks from, of all people, my dentist! I went to her for the first time, prior to my checking in for my SCT, to get verification for my SCT team that I had no mouth problems. Turns out I had a little cavity, so I returned the following day to get a filling and we bonded over weight loss (she needed to lose 5 pounds to get into a bridesmaid's dress in a week.) She was very nice to me....but I never expected this sweet and thoughtful gift!!
The second surprise came shortly afterwards. Lorraine and I were both asleep in my hospital room and who should knock on the door but Bill (dubbyad)from the Hodgkins Message Board! What a sweetheart! Here's the thing: Bill had an SCT 6 months ago on Emory's BMT ward on 7E....and in my very same room! Pretty crazy, given the size of the place! We'd never met before but had communicated a bit online, and since hearing of my transplant he invariably offered use of his home a stone's throw from Emory. I need to have things laundered every day (pajamas, underwear, pillowcases, etc.) and he told us we could do laundry there, watch TV, take a nap....all of the things that a full-time caregiver really needs. He knows how far away from Emory our home is, so he offered up the temporary use of his home (even going so far as to offer us a key!) during this time. Aren't he amazing? Aren't people amazing? There is so much kindness in this world if you remain open to it. So thank you, Bill, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your incredibly generous offer!
In other pleasant news, I've lost 6 pounds so far! (Appetite's retreating as nausea's approaching.) Lorraine and I keep referring to my transplant as my "weight loss program, as in, "Ohhhh, there's chemotherapy? I thought this was just a weight loss program!" Big fun.
About Me
- Sarah
- I'm a 43 year old, happily partnered lesbo. I was raised in downtown NYC in a commune, and the woman who raised me was the real Auntie Mame. I've lived also in Italy, India, and Ireland. By the time I was 10, I'd already lived with over 4,000 people. When I was 2 1/2, I drank oven cleaner. I didn't know I was gay until I was 26. My partner of over 9 years is one of the finest people I've ever known. She's from Brooklyn. I was treated for Stage IIIB Hodgkins Lymphoma, subtype Mixed Cellularity. First I did 6 months of ABVD chemo, and that secured a 14-month remission. My relapse was caught early and I went right into a stem cell transplant. The cancer had already returned when I had my 3-month post-transplant scans. There's no cure available to me at present, so I'm now entering a period of palliative care. We're hoping a Gemzar/Navelbine chemo combination will keep my cancer at bay for as long as 4 years -- that's the prayer. In the meantime, I am focused on savoring every moment....and maybe even losing a coupla pounds!
3 comments:
Hi Sarah!
I am sorry to hear that you've had several miserable days....however, I am very pleased to hear that your fever broke. I am also happy to see you are updating your blog regularly. I haven't been on my laptop since my last blog entry....as my lack of energy & discomfort have made me lazy. I have still been able to receive my e-mails on my phone....so when I received your e-mail/comment today, it prompted me to get out of bed & turn this thing on so I can see how you are. I promise I will check every day from now on. I am still in hospital trying to get my esophogus pain under control (mucositis) & am making small strides in being able to eat. I swear that the radiation has caused me more pain then my SCT. In the meantime I am being fed by IV & trying to vomit what I try to drink orally. My short term goal is to be released from hospital on Monday......which means I have to prove that I can eat enough nourishment on my own....I am trying so hard...as I know how important nutrition is to healing!!!
When you mentioned your weight loss program...I laughed out loud....because I often refered to me treatments as: my "Chemo Diet".....Stem Cell Diet.....I guess I could call my latest diet the "Radiation Diet"
There are always positives to every situation...right?
I want you to know that I will be with you in spirit all the way through your transplant.....I say "Dammit this is going to Work"....YOU DESERVE IT!!!
Stay tough & continue to believe....
This will be over before you know it...
Your SCT friend, Angie
Sarah,
Hang tight you are almost done--3 and a wake-up. This whole SCT stuff scares me to staying in a NED state. You are an inspiration to all of us, for whatever reason you post the painful details. I do believe hospitals are to be avoided like the plague they do not house a lot of goodness, but some of the staff are excellent and some cause you to wonder how they got the name nurse..... So hurry and finish this generation thing and get home with the 4 footers and the maples. Lots of positives, say Hi to Lorraine for me.
Tony
Hi Sarah,
I'm so glad this fever broke. Glad that is gone and may it stay away for good.
That was so nice of the dentist and Bill. Bill is one incredible person.
Well -- that is one way to lose weight!!! You always see the bright side.
(((HUGS))) and prayers,
Judy
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