debutaunt.com

Wait... Wait... I'm Thinkin....

If you know what that title means, then it means that I truly truly love you.

[aside]
Apparently when I was in the Big House with, you know, the enceph-of-the-ilitis, I kept saying that phrase over and over when someone would ask me a question. I couldn't tell time, or figure out how to use my cell phone, or remember the names of really common things. I'd hold up my hand and say "Wait. Wait. I know this. I'm thinking. I'm thinking. I know this. Wait." It's funny now to hear stories of things I did and said in the hospital. At the time of my incarceration though, I really and truly did think I was going to die. So, apparently, did lots of other people. Not so funneh then.

[aside over]

Met with my bone marrow transplant doc, Dr. Q, today. He said I'm doing just swell and looked great. My numbers (it's all about the numbers) are egg-cellent. And that I would really like my new doc. Working on getting stuff transferred to the San Antonio hospital. I'm nervous, but I am sure it will all work out just fine.

I am officially off steroids too. It was a great great (two greats) day. Here's to praying I don't have any bad side effects. And hoping to get rid of the moon face sooner than later. It will be nice to make up a more normal debu_face.

We got to the hospital really early today, but gosh, every department was really busy. I had to wait 45 minutes for my labwork and two hours to see Dr. Q. Mom went with so she could watch them change my central line bandage. It's sort of complicated and we took the class last week. I could do it myself, but there is a part where you have to stick this clear plastic patch on and you can't really do that yourself. I'm hoping that I can do most of it on my own. No... actually I'm hoping to get my magnesium levels up .2 because then I can stop having to do them via infusion and can have my line removed. Then I can swim. Beach. Surf. Waterski. Did I mention swim? Because that is my all time favorite activity. Baby steps, Deb, baby steps.

[aside 2]
My parents are the greatest. Mom's nickname is the "White Tornado." She is so full of energy it's unreal. And she takes the best care of me. I am so lucky that she has been able to be here for this post transplant time. While I wish that I could be taking care of myself and working, I'm just so blessed to have my family's love and support. They are so awesome.

I know that this time was meant for me to get stronger and start the beginning of my new, different, debu_life. I think this is a time for me to really listen to my body and nurture it and get healthy. I've been doing some yoga (um... can you say inflexible?) and lifting weights and walking. It's also a time to be with Zoe. To reconnect after not living with her for months. I truly miss her so much. I never had the luxury of being able to stay at home with her, so now is the opportunity. She called yesterday and said that she is having "super fun." That's the only thing that keeps me from going bonkers without her.

[aside #2 over]

NE Way, while I was waiting this morning, I took a few pictures.

Not too bad for no makeup (and ten days away from turning 39). Although you can't tell that my eyelashes are super long. Three cheers for eyebrows. They took so long to grow back that I almost hate to pluck them. A bit thick still, but I'm beyond happy to have them. A regular eyebrow extravaganza. Woo!

Texas law folks. No get out of jail free card with the pharmacy.

I had some really expensive medications that I was no longer taking. So mom gave them to SIL #2 and she brought them to a clinic. I still have some of the neupogen shots that I'd like to donate. They cost $20,000 a month and I rarely need them because my counts are so good. So many people don't have insurance and can't afford these kinds of medications. I hope I can make another donation. It really could make the difference in someone's life.

I thanked a blood donor yesterday. I was in the store and she was wearing her donor shirt. I told her that I had received 14 transfusions and that people like her save people like me. She started crying and said thank you. I gave her a hug and thanked her again. I also got the clerk at the store to consider signing up for the bone marrow donor list. She said she had heard of it before, but wasn't sure how to sign up. I told her and she said she was going to sign up.

There was a little girl in our apartment complex. She looked to be about four. They were from Mexico. She was bald like me and always wore a little tiny mask. She pushed a baby carriage like the one that Zoe has, and she was always singing when I saw her.

The apartment complex manager told me that she was waiting to find a donor match for a bone marrow transplant. Apparently they were unable to find a match. So the family left. Basically to take her home to die. A four year old.

If you haven't considered registering, especially if you are a minority (which make up less than 5% of the list), please do so. If you want information on how to register, email me. I'll find the details for you.

I can do this. I'm feeling pretty strong. And it was a great great day.

Your assignment for today is to thank someone. I'm sure that my thank you to the donor really meant a lot to her. I'm sure it will make her not think twice about donating blood again. So. Try to think of someone that did something for you. Or someone that you really appreciate. And call them or send them a thank you note. It's better if they are totally not expecting it. Who knows? You might just make their day.

Now I'm off to give mom a big ol' hug. I thanked her yesterday for everything and made her a yummy crab salad for lunch.

P.S. I cannot, and will not, be manipulated, by the way.

So pfffffffttttttt on you! You truly do suck.

Posted by debutaunt at July 10, 2006 05:15 PM