5 Months Post Transplant

I don't even know where to start! So much has happened in the past 3 weeks or so. I guess I'll start with my favorite thing that's happened; I FINALLY FOUND SOMEONE ELSE MY AGE WITH ALL THAT IS ALSO PH+ LIKE ME! It only took 10 months haha. Many of you know how hard I tried to find just one person, and then that person found me! yay. Her name is Samantha, she lives in Colorado and was just diagnosed July 14th I believe so she is still in the hospital for her "induction" round of chemo which usually lasts about a month. She has two siblings that will be tested to see if they are stem cell donor matches if not then she'll go to the national registry to hopefully find a completely matched donor. It makes me extremely happy to be able to help and coach someone through this, especially because I can pretty much guarantee she wont find anyone else for a while if at all that's our age. Like myself, she too is a young mother of a young little boy. I pray that as you prayed for me that now we can all pray for her as well. Meeting her was definitely a blessing to me. Now an update on myself. I FINALLY FEEL LIKE I'VE TURNED A CORNER! I haven't been sick in 3 weeks! Getting more energy each day and I actually would like to start working again! Of course I have to see if my doctor will release me to work but since winter will be here in a few short months I really don't know if he will given I wont have any of my shots (all the ones babies get from 2 months on), and I don't know if he'd want me in a crowded office, hospital especially, or clinic for that matter. We will see. I would start at part time of course to see if I can handle it or if I jumped the gun a little. Most people don't feel "normal" again for 8 months to a year from what I've heard and read but hey I'll never be "normal" this is my new normal. Last week my numbers were in great shape, my platelets were even 150,000 which is the highest they've been since I was diagnosed. Oh and we're starting to wean off some of my medicines. I hate taking 20 something pills a day so I'm 100% ready to cut it as much as I can and believe me if that means begging Dr.V to get off something I'll do it haha eventually he gives in and says "ok w can drop the dose or cut it in half then ok lets stop this med" and score one more gone =) My sister and one of my biggest fans is celebrating her birthday on August 16 as well as my daughter Rachel and friend Brianna, it will be a busy month. I'm hoping to go to Austin in 2 weeks to see the babies and of course I could never miss my princesses very first day of kindergarten!! Ryan will be in first grade, I'm so glad they have each other. Thank you all for continuing your love, support and prayers!

Still Fighting,
Katie

Kjenn and Rachel! Happy Birthday Girls. Love you infinity x the world!