As the Chemo Turns
This week felt like a total soap opera. Every day was a new crisis (which worked out), ending with a cliffhanger on Friday.
Because I'm a good Minto Pyramid consultant and don't believe in burying the lead, here's the cliffhanger: I am now officially scheduled for a bone marrow transplant at Stanford on Feb. 4. Both good and scary news. This date is not set in stone and will still depend on the results of another biopsy this month, willingness of the identified donor to proceed, and stabilization of my health until then. But, the wheels are in motion, and I am now in a slight frenzy of figuring out the logistics of house sitters, Stanford apartments and caregivers (when I'm not exhausted on the couch.)
Stanford and my Kaiser doctor started accelerating the transplant because my health and numbers have been going down. After the Vidaza not showing positive results, there were lowered platelets on Sunday so I couldn't start the Jakafi on Monday; a 102 fever on Christmas Day with the attendant 3-4 hour wait for the skeleton call center crew; etc. etc. Throw in a garage door that wouldn't open and a different chemo regime starting Wednesday, and you get the soap opera picture.
However, I was blessed to have a house guest this week who helped keep me calm - Helen Rigby, Pat Williams' RN sister. The week would have been a lot more lonely and stressful without her company.
Friends are also really stepping up to help with the move logistics. Jim Lussier is checking out Palo Alto apartments, Sheila Zelinger has identified some caregivers through the local NextDoor, Kathy Hill has narrowed down agencies to call, and Kelly Wilson has introduced me to a potential house sitter for Larkspur. What would I do without my friends? Thank you!!
Love,
Joanne
Comments (6)
Dear Joanne, What a good omen to start 2019 with the hope of a bone marrow transplant and health. We wish you only good luck and not too many cliff hanging soap operas. We love you. Anne and Hal
Alexa will be with you. All the Best fortune upcoming for 2019!
The lede I see is that your support network of friends and your resilience are more important than Vidaza, Jakafi, or even bone marrow transplants!
What a roller coaster of a week! And what fantastic news. I am just thrilled!!!
Just understanding all the terminology and keeping track of these processes must be exhausting — your incredible brainpower is a gift to do so! Excited that the transplant now appears to be moving in the right direction. I return from Mexico on Jan 11 so will be available as a helping hand. Big New Years hug to you with wishes to make our next year’s 2020 New Years a celebration of a year to get back to planning THE FUN THINGS of your life;
Joanne, thinking of you and praying that your numbers do improve and you can start the new round of Chemo. So sorry it was such a rough week for you, but was great you had a house guest. I am also keeping you top of mind for a positive result on your bone marrow transplant and that you are able to have it on Feb 4. I appreciate how much there is for you to do to get ready for same. If I can help in anyway from afar, please let me know. Stay positive!