I'm Back....( to my ALL blog)
So, I don't know why entirely but I had to take a break from the blog. It was a combination of failed vox attempts from overseas (and here in the states - I've had to retype this entry 3 times - vox does not like my browser!), losing my camera, not wanting to be patient any longer, illness (at times), being busy working and traveling, and downright laziness. For those who have wondered about me and for those cancer patients monitoring my recovery - I apologize. I hope I did not let you down too much. I am still here to answer any questions you may have and to share my recovery with you. I hope very much that it helps others with their own recoveries.
22 months after after being diagnosed with Leukemia, I am doing very well. I continue taking Chemotherapy in the form of pills, 100 mg of Mercaptopurine (6-mp) every day 20 mg of Methotrexate once a week. My bouts with feeling lighted-headed have largely stopped as well. the dosage seems to be right. I have noticed I get sick easier has my immune system is slightly weakened. I was sick for most of April and May - while I worked and traveled in Europe. Both my cancer docs and a regular doc I went to see said it was ok and that it is sometimes hard for my immune system to get me over the hump with a common illness. I am trying to be better about avoiding germs but my constant travel makes it tough. I don't mind being sick so much but I do start to fear relapse at times While sick so it's always nice to have a checkup at the clinic to make sure all is well. I had a clinic visit last in June (after being sick in Europe). I was given antibiotics which seemed to work because I've felt really healthy since then. I go to the clinic once every 3 months now and I'm supposed to continue chemotherapy for about another year.
so there's the update. Again, I'm sorry I went away for awhile. I'll try to better giving more updates, if only to help inspire others to get well. To my cancer patient brethren - HANG IN THERE!! it will get better! I think about you more than you realize.
I'm currently working tennis in hot Cincinnati. Go Nadal!
These are my friends Duke and Gwen. I went to their lovely wedding at the Isle D'Yeu in France. Best wedding ever!
Congratulations my friends! I love you!
This my friend Mike Pithey. He inspired me to get back on the blog. Thanks Mike.
Jeffrey Brown - The Man.
My friends Andrea and Elettra. Andrea was a key photographer for me in the hospital.
Here's a couple photos from the Eurotennis I worked in April/May
I stopped by Brighton Beach in England - it felt a bit like San Francisco in many ways
I went to our UU camp near Petosi, MO in July. Our first year there but fun as always!
Our Ultimate hard-core group! Ya'll are the best!
My Friend Michael - a radical freak and great guy!
My Hiking buddies.
Mike and I met my Mom and Stepdad at my Aunt Penny and Uncle Lou's homestead near Columbia Missouri. They live like, I feel, we all were meant to live. Solar panels, windmills, chickens, goats, a huge garden, and close to the earth. They are the closest thing I have to heroes. great folks.
I finish with a few recent shots from our garden. By all. thanks for checking out my blog..... keep smiling!
Comments
Happy to hear you're riding the waves and the meds seem to be balanced. The photos are really nice and you look great. Glad you're back! My thoughts have been following you.
How are you? I am happy that you are doing so well! Don't know if you remember me. I was the other nurse practitioner working with Lisa, Michael, and Emily.
As you already know, I left the BMT department. Currently I am working at the Memory and Aging Center at UCSF as a research nurse practitioner.
I hope to see you at Lisa's wedding party this Saturday!
Cheers,
Rachel