Day + 33

Yesterday I had an appointment at Baylor as most of you already know. I still had to get an infusion of magnesium but I was fine with that because I had my sister Jenn there with me, we had good conversation and I was happy she was there for the big results. Then Mom showed up too, she usually doesn't miss anything! The Doctor finally came in and sat down. My first question was what was my PCR (the most sensitive test to detect the leukemia) and he said "less than one percent" my heart just stopped, it had occurred to me what he was telling me....that the leukemia is still there, he left the room to go get the "official report" and I just cried and my mom hugged me and Jenn had tears in her eyes. The Doctor came back and said "I'm so sorry I've made a big mistake, but a good one". Then he told us "everything is negative" and handed me the official report. He left, we all cried...again then Mom and I went to dinner to celebrate! It's still hard to wrap my head around "CANCER FREE" after all the chemo, radiation, stem-cell transplant, medications, etc... I'm so thankful for all the support and prayers and of course my ultimate healer God!


Love,
Katie

Day + 29

Well, it's almost been two weeks since I've been home. It's been up and down. The first two days or so were good, the next few...not so much. Trying to work out all the medication levels (all 18 of them) has been quite the nightmare on my system. I've been extremely fatigued just like everyone told me I would be, everyday I pray for strength and courage; and everyday does get a little better. Today I had my first bone marrow biopsy since my transplant, so I should know next week if I'm in remission. I've been going to the doctor usually every other day to have blood drawn and to get transfusions of magnesium as mine has been extremely low. My white blood cells have held in range but my platelets are steadily going down right now at 86, not sure if that means much but I guess it's par for the course. On a high note, my babies are coming for Easter! I talk to them via skype almost every night but there's nothing like having your babies in your arms! We'll be going out to Aunt Sherry's house....they love animals and even have a pet duck the kids love so they are very excited! That's really all I have for now and will update more as I feel better.

Love,
Katie

Second day home

I was released from the hospital on Monday, April 4th so I've been home two days now. I didn't really wrap my head around this "extreme fatigue" everyone kept warning me about because I walked every day at the hospital, but I've figured out what everyone meant now. I'm finding it very difficult to stay awake past 7:30 or 8:00pm and very difficult to wake up before noon then lay in bed until 2:00 or so. I will see the doctor 2-3 times a week for the next few weeks or so. Next Thursday is a "big" day. It will be 30 days since transplant and also they will be doing a bone marrow biopsy...probably the only one I'll ever look forward to haha. I can't wait to see if I'm in fact cancer free! I've started to write a letter to my donor. I had no idea how hard writing that letter would actually be. There are obvious things I want to say to him but I also have questions but don't want to be too intrusive. Any ideas would help...(Aunt Sherry???) I have an appointment tomorrow, so I'll update again soon.

Still Fighting,
Katie

Day + 17

It was great to see my Aunt Sherry and Uncle JD today! I know it's a long drive and just know it's greatly appreciated! Can't wait to come spend a few days in the country relaxing! My numbers are all still in normal range and climbing...on their own! So, now It's time to get home, recover the rest of the way and get back to life! So ready for ALL my mommy duties back, talking to the babies through skype is nice and neat and all but I just want to hug and kiss all over them whenever I want! That aspect has actually been one of the hardest for me of this whole ordeal is being separated from them. It wont be long now! I pray that each and everyone of you has a beautiful blessed day as I have. I continue to pray for you as you have for me.

Blessings,
Katie