Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Flower Garden

It's mid-July. My flower garden is blooming!  And I can see it from the deck.
You have no idea how happy I am to look outside and see these flowers.
And, as you can see, the butterflies like the flowers too. I did not get close enough
to see if the bees are also enjoying all of this beauty, but I'm sure they are. A bit later
in the season, the goldfinches will eat the cosmos seeds and a large variety of birds
will consume the sunflower seeds. The hummingbirds like the red geraniums on
the deck. So, happy me all around! Thank you again to everyone who made this
possible. It's the gift that keeps on giving!









Monday, July 3, 2017

Two Months Post Transplant

It's hard to believe that only two months ago, I got my bone marrow
transplant. How have I been faring since I have been released from the
hospital?

In a word: tired

This is totally normal and expected.  My body is busy making the new
bone marrow my own and also building up a brand new immune system.
This is very hard work and leaves me extremely fatigued.

And it's not just physical fatigue. It's mental fatigue too. Send an email? Maybe
tomorrow. Make those phone calls? Later - can't think now. Write the blog? Next
week, when I have more energy.

I spend a great deal of my day on the couch, either watching television, or napping.
And it's okay. Took me a while to accept that it is okay that I'm not busy. My body
won't actually allow me to be busy. I run one or two errands and have to lie down.

Ivy and I are still great friends. But I spend less time with her than I used to.  I only
have to do two hours of IV infusion every day instead of four. This is huge! I can
easily squeeze two hours of inactivity into my day. Four hours was a bit much.

I've had some shortness of breath. Not sure why. I have some tests next week to rule
out anything vile. Hoping that all is well. I worry.

I'm already past day 60 of my 100 days of super restrictions. I got the go-ahead to go
to the beach (as long as I wear water shoes) and I can go into the ocean up to my waist.
On a super good note, I am 99% engrafted, which means 99% of my sister's marrow has
made a home in my body.

Not too bad overall! And if you would like to visit, just give me a call or an email. I
would love to see you!

Happy 4th of July!