First of all, I got platelets yesterday. They were so low that I was actually considering wrapping myself in bubblewrap for the drive down to Philly. Scary low. They are okay now, but I'll be getting more on Tuesday and Friday. And so on until this is fixed.
So I had my bone marrow biopsy last Friday. And the doctors were predicting one of two outcomes.
1. Making platelets but those platelets were being consumed.
2. Not making platelets.
It is option 3 - the Wild Card. My new bone marrow is weakening it's grip. In October, I was 99% my sister's bone marrow. Now it's 91%. The bone marrow is not making enough cells. Period. Not enough platelets. And now the red cell production is slowing down.
Okay. It's okay. There is a treatment for this. And I hope against hope that the treatment works.
It is: Blast O' Brenda Booster™
I will be getting some T-Cells (little soldier cells) from my sis. Luckily, this does not involve any more surgery for her (whew). She does need to go down and donate some blood. They'll take out the t-cells they need, process it and the same day, give them to me. Hopefully, those little guys will come in and kick my new bone marrow in the ass and get it working again. This can take up to 6 weeks to determine. I will be very closely monitored for that time.
If any of you know my sister, she is a feisty, fighting force to be reckoned with. I hope that this Blast O' Brenda Booster™ will be the same.
Of course, I am having a small pity party that this is happening. Angry that my body is not working like it should be. And so tired of living in the World of Fear and Worry.
But here are the positives:
1. Most importantly, there was NO NO NO Leukemia present in the bone marrow biopsy. I'm still in full remission
2. It looks like this has been caught early
3. There is a treatment and it's not too invasive for anyone
4. I'm off all steroids!! (Hip-hip-hooray for that!)
I will not dwell on the negatives. Even though you all know I will anyway in those dark moments. But I am hoping that this Blast O' Brenda Booster™ works and I will be right as rain very soon.
In the meantime, my PICC line and I will be great friends for at least the next several weeks and probably the next 3 or 4 months. BTW - it's PICC's birthday today. One year ago I got it put in and got the initial chemotherapy that put me into this nice remission. So there's that.
And more importantly, there is a plan and there is a treatment. Sometimes that's all you need to make it through the day.
Hi Carin,
ReplyDeleteWell it sounds like you have a little detour but remain on track. Keep up the good work. We are thinking of you and keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Ed & Rita
Carin,
ReplyDeleteSounds like a bit of a setback, but so happy to know there is a treatment. Also, great news that there was no leukemia present in the biopsy. Stay strong, and don't kick yourself for feeling like you're having a pity party sometimes. You've been through a hell of a lot and you've "earned" those feelings as well. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Come on Brenda Booster!!!!
Wow. Very excited they are able to give you extra T cells. There was a time that was not an option! And knowing your sister, her T cells have very big boxing gloves on. Brenda blastem getem girl!!!
ReplyDeleteCarin,
ReplyDeleteI'm keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Keep fighting! God bless.
Glad to get the update, Carin - we hope that a rebound will bring your percentages back up and we are happy to hear you are continuing to be in full remission. Hillary and Serena and I are sending love and many smiles.
ReplyDelete