This is another good day! My white blood count inched up to 1.0 and my hemoglobin is holding steady at 7.7. Still good signs that my bone marrow is improving, and that I will most likely be going home sometime this week.
So, what's next? About a week after going home, I will have to see my doctor again to have my blood drawn for evaluation. Based on the result and another biopsy, it may mean starting my next round of chemo in a week or two. This will be a 6-day procedure that may be done at home if there is a Home Health Care company that is covered by my insurance, and authorized to administer chemo at home. Otherwise, I will have to have it done here in the hospital. According to the doctor, the second round of chemo will not be as bad as the first round, because my bone marrow will be in better shape and my blood count should be more stable. After chemo, I will once again be under special observation for potential infection, need for blood transfusion, etc. If such is the case, then I will have to be admitted to the hospital again for whatever needs to be done. Once I recover from the chemo, the next step will most likely be the bone marrow transplant. This will take some time to get logistically prepared for it, so it may not happen until a couple of months later.
So far, it seems like things are moving in the right direction. I am excited to go home soon! My hair is almost all gone, so I've decided to just shave it off rather than see clumps of hair messing up my bed and the floor. I'm kinda excited about it. This is my once in a lifetime chance to shave my head, and it may be fun. So, tomorrow, Rob will bring his razor. We use the razor for Rob's buzz cut and tomorrow, we'll get use it on me! We tried to convince our kids to shave their heads, too, for solidarity, but they didn't think that's such a good idea. :-)
That's it for today. Please continue to pray that my blood count will continue to rise so I can go home soon, and that my bone marrow will only produce good cells. And please continue to pray for our spiritual and emotional well-being. May God bless you all.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
8/30/09 - Moving to a bigger room!
I just got the good news from my nurse. My chicken pox is gone with only traces of the rashes left so I am no longer a threat to other patients. It is no longer necessary to keep me in the isolation room, and the bigger room is available - would I like to move to the bigger room? Yes! Yes! Yes! It's just perfect timing that the bigger room that I like is available! Thank you, Lord!
My white blood cells inched up to 0.8 today, and the hemoglobin is holding steady. The fever has not returned. So far, positive signs for potentially going home sometime next week.
I had another beautiful day. I got to spend much time with my family this afternoon - without masks and just enjoying each other's company. I now have a greater appreciation for people and events that I normally take for granted. That, in itself is a blessing. Having my sister in town to help us out is a also tremendous blessing.
Last night, as I reflect on the weeks of my stay in the hospital, it occurred to me that I was happier and more at peace the last few weeks than I have been during some periods in my life when everything was okay. I thought that it was strange and ironic, but then I realized that it is often how we view things rather than the actual events in our lives that determine our happiness and contentment in life. Fortunately for me, at this time in my life when I need it most, and through the prayers of many people, I can truly say that I have joy in my heart and I am experiencing the peace of God that surpasses human understanding. In the stillness of the night, I enjoy some of the sweetest moments with my Savior and my God. And I sleep peacefully in the palm of His hands where He holds me safe in the eye of the storm.
My family is also adjusting well to the situation, thanks to all your prayers. Thank you all for praying not just for my physical healing, but also for the spiritual and emotional health of my family. Please continue to pray for us. The journey is still long. Please do not get tired of praying for us. May God bless you all.
My white blood cells inched up to 0.8 today, and the hemoglobin is holding steady. The fever has not returned. So far, positive signs for potentially going home sometime next week.
I had another beautiful day. I got to spend much time with my family this afternoon - without masks and just enjoying each other's company. I now have a greater appreciation for people and events that I normally take for granted. That, in itself is a blessing. Having my sister in town to help us out is a also tremendous blessing.
Last night, as I reflect on the weeks of my stay in the hospital, it occurred to me that I was happier and more at peace the last few weeks than I have been during some periods in my life when everything was okay. I thought that it was strange and ironic, but then I realized that it is often how we view things rather than the actual events in our lives that determine our happiness and contentment in life. Fortunately for me, at this time in my life when I need it most, and through the prayers of many people, I can truly say that I have joy in my heart and I am experiencing the peace of God that surpasses human understanding. In the stillness of the night, I enjoy some of the sweetest moments with my Savior and my God. And I sleep peacefully in the palm of His hands where He holds me safe in the eye of the storm.
My family is also adjusting well to the situation, thanks to all your prayers. Thank you all for praying not just for my physical healing, but also for the spiritual and emotional health of my family. Please continue to pray for us. The journey is still long. Please do not get tired of praying for us. May God bless you all.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
8/29/09 - Patiently waiting
Another beautiful day! I got to spend time with my family, my sister, some friends and cousins. Also got to rest quite a bit, and have some good food thanks to Alvina! I am getting better everyday. My fever's gone, my platelets are very high, hemoglobin's holding steady at 7.7, and white blood count came down a bit. Overall, very promising. I may be able to go home sometime next week! I'm so excited to be able to go home soon.
The best thing that happened today was...smiles! The doctor no longer required people to wear masks when they come to the room, so I get to see beautiful smiles - from nurses, doctors, the staff, my precious girls, my husband, sister - everyone! It was so nice to see a person's complete face for a change. The smiles really lit up my day!
Please keep praying that my bone marrow will continue producing good cells, and that I will be able to go home soon. Thanks you all so much for your prayers. I know my journey was much less difficult because of all your prayers, words of encouragement and support. May God bless you all.
The best thing that happened today was...smiles! The doctor no longer required people to wear masks when they come to the room, so I get to see beautiful smiles - from nurses, doctors, the staff, my precious girls, my husband, sister - everyone! It was so nice to see a person's complete face for a change. The smiles really lit up my day!
Please keep praying that my bone marrow will continue producing good cells, and that I will be able to go home soon. Thanks you all so much for your prayers. I know my journey was much less difficult because of all your prayers, words of encouragement and support. May God bless you all.
Friday, August 28, 2009
8/28/09 - Hallelujah!
My bone marrow did a wonderful thing. It increased my white blood count from 0.4 to 0.8! That's remarkable! My hemoglobin also went up to 7.7 today. Also wonderful news. The doctor thinks that things are certainly moving in the right direction, and that I should be able to go home soon. We just have to wait for the white blood cells to go up further. Much thanks to everyone who have been praying for me, and for my bone marrow to get up and do its thing.
Last night, I was thinking of the story of how Jesus raised the girl and Lazarus from the dead. It is nothing for Him to wake up my bone marrow to start producing the cells - is anything too difficult for Him? I believe that if we ask anything in His name, according to His will, He will grant our requests. Sometimes, we're just too shy to ask for much because of our limited view of God or other reasons. Let us come boldly to His throne knowing that our Father only has our best interest at heart, and will give us anything we ask for if we ask for the right reasons and according to His will.
Another beautiful day in my world. I got to spend precious time with my family, my sister, and my best friend here. Also got a box of Leonidas chocolates from Rob's coworkers! Yum! Can't wait to go to food paradise soon. I am a hopeless foodie!
In my room with a view, I get to see the news live right outside my window. I shudder seeing the fire and smoke come out of the mountains and how they spread so quickly. I also saw the helicopters and planes flying back and forth with water to put out the fire, but making very little impact. I could only ask for God's mercy that nobody will get hurt or die from the fires. So far, I have not heard of any.
That's it for today. Please continue to pray that my bone marrow will continue producing good cells and that I will be able to go home soon. Thank you all for your prayers and concern, and may God bless you all!
Last night, I was thinking of the story of how Jesus raised the girl and Lazarus from the dead. It is nothing for Him to wake up my bone marrow to start producing the cells - is anything too difficult for Him? I believe that if we ask anything in His name, according to His will, He will grant our requests. Sometimes, we're just too shy to ask for much because of our limited view of God or other reasons. Let us come boldly to His throne knowing that our Father only has our best interest at heart, and will give us anything we ask for if we ask for the right reasons and according to His will.
Another beautiful day in my world. I got to spend precious time with my family, my sister, and my best friend here. Also got a box of Leonidas chocolates from Rob's coworkers! Yum! Can't wait to go to food paradise soon. I am a hopeless foodie!
In my room with a view, I get to see the news live right outside my window. I shudder seeing the fire and smoke come out of the mountains and how they spread so quickly. I also saw the helicopters and planes flying back and forth with water to put out the fire, but making very little impact. I could only ask for God's mercy that nobody will get hurt or die from the fires. So far, I have not heard of any.
That's it for today. Please continue to pray that my bone marrow will continue producing good cells and that I will be able to go home soon. Thank you all for your prayers and concern, and may God bless you all!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
8/27/09 - Waiting game
As the doctor said, it is now a waiting game. We have to wait for my blood count to go up high enough for it to be safe enough for me to be discharged. Everything seems to be improving, but my hemoglobin had gone down slightly and my white blood cell count got stuck at 0.4 the last 3 days. It went up by 0.1 a few days ago. The normal count is 4.1 and up. The doctor says that my bone marrow is still having a hard time generating new cells, and that we just have to wait. In the meantime, they still give me several antibiotics and anti-fungal medication for my colon and fever. Once again, I am being given a lesson in patience. But, I need it now! :-)
This has been another good and uneventful day. LA has had 3 wildfires in the last 2 days - it's just been too dry and too hot. I could see one of them from my window. It's kinda scary to see the fire and smoke. Isn't it humbling to realize that with all the knowledge and technology we have these days, we are still at the mercy of the forces of nature?
I got lots of goodies tonight when my family came to visit. All the gifts and cards that have been accumulating at home finally found its way to me. yey! They really cheered me up. Vic, thanks for your CDs. I am sure they will help me along this journey. Tes, Mariette, Dennis and Tong, thanks for the cards and the extra stuff that came with it. Cynch, I finally saw your books! Katie had already read the book for the girls, and Ellie is in the process of reading it now. I think it will help them with the situation. Thanks for the books for me, too, of course. To Olive, the Uys, Rectos, thanks for sending the books. I have received 2 of them, and I believe the third one should be on its way. Bessie, thanks for the yummy Fettucine Alfredo. That was one of the best I have ever had! We all enjoyed it very much. Thank you.
That's it for today. Another good day to be alive! Please pray that my bone marrow will be strong enough to generate new and beautiful cells, so I can go home soon. Thanks for all your prayers, support, words of encouragement, and may God bless you all!
This has been another good and uneventful day. LA has had 3 wildfires in the last 2 days - it's just been too dry and too hot. I could see one of them from my window. It's kinda scary to see the fire and smoke. Isn't it humbling to realize that with all the knowledge and technology we have these days, we are still at the mercy of the forces of nature?
I got lots of goodies tonight when my family came to visit. All the gifts and cards that have been accumulating at home finally found its way to me. yey! They really cheered me up. Vic, thanks for your CDs. I am sure they will help me along this journey. Tes, Mariette, Dennis and Tong, thanks for the cards and the extra stuff that came with it. Cynch, I finally saw your books! Katie had already read the book for the girls, and Ellie is in the process of reading it now. I think it will help them with the situation. Thanks for the books for me, too, of course. To Olive, the Uys, Rectos, thanks for sending the books. I have received 2 of them, and I believe the third one should be on its way. Bessie, thanks for the yummy Fettucine Alfredo. That was one of the best I have ever had! We all enjoyed it very much. Thank you.
That's it for today. Another good day to be alive! Please pray that my bone marrow will be strong enough to generate new and beautiful cells, so I can go home soon. Thanks for all your prayers, support, words of encouragement, and may God bless you all!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
8/26/09 - Slowly, but surely getting better
I am slowly, but surely getting better. My platelets have come back to normal levels. My skin rash from the chicken pox and allergic reaction to the medications have been clearing up fast. My abdomen and colon seems to be improving. My white blood count has not improved from yesterday, and my hemoglobin is still very low, but this is normal because my bone marrow got knocked out big time, so it needs time to get back on its feet and start doing its job effectively. Once the blood count comes back to acceptable levels, I can go home! I am so excited about it!
My sister, Verna, has been preparing a special tea to help me get better, and I really appreciate all the help I can get to recover from my state. She will get her blood drawn tomorrow to see if she is my cell match. Ayayayayay! I hate having her go through all the trouble on my account.
A pastor and his wife visited me at the hospital today. I was touched by their concern, even if I do not to to their church. They even gave me some advise about my insurance. They had quite a bit of experience in the area, and also knew people who had Leukemia who easily used up their $2M insurance cap. Our insurance is capped at $1M. Little did I know how quickly we can blow through it with Leukemia treatments. Boy, when it rains, it pours! But I trust that God will pave the way for us to be able to deal with all of these things, like sending the pastor and his wife to warn us ahead of time so we can do something about it.
My hair is falling like crazy. It's kinda funny to see how it it just shows up everywhere. I am glad they mop the floor and change the sheets everyday or the floor may become "carpeted" with my hair. I still have hair left, and it doesn't bother me so much - at least not yet. I don't see my scalp yet, so it's not so bad. Right now, it's not my biggest concern.
This is it for today. I thank you again for your prayers and support, and may God bless you all!
My sister, Verna, has been preparing a special tea to help me get better, and I really appreciate all the help I can get to recover from my state. She will get her blood drawn tomorrow to see if she is my cell match. Ayayayayay! I hate having her go through all the trouble on my account.
A pastor and his wife visited me at the hospital today. I was touched by their concern, even if I do not to to their church. They even gave me some advise about my insurance. They had quite a bit of experience in the area, and also knew people who had Leukemia who easily used up their $2M insurance cap. Our insurance is capped at $1M. Little did I know how quickly we can blow through it with Leukemia treatments. Boy, when it rains, it pours! But I trust that God will pave the way for us to be able to deal with all of these things, like sending the pastor and his wife to warn us ahead of time so we can do something about it.
My hair is falling like crazy. It's kinda funny to see how it it just shows up everywhere. I am glad they mop the floor and change the sheets everyday or the floor may become "carpeted" with my hair. I still have hair left, and it doesn't bother me so much - at least not yet. I don't see my scalp yet, so it's not so bad. Right now, it's not my biggest concern.
This is it for today. I thank you again for your prayers and support, and may God bless you all!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
8/25/09 - Sister's here!
This has been a good day. I woke up in a better mood than yesterday. I guess it just takes time to accept the fact that I will most likely have to go through bone marrow transplant. If God thinks that that is the best thing for me, so be it. Now my siblings will have to be tested to find my cell match. It takes a long time to get the logistics ready for a bone marrow transplant, so the most likely scenario would be the following:
- Once my blood cells go up to an acceptable level, and when I have no more problems with my body, I will get to go home for a short "vacation".
- While on "vacation", I will have to meet with a bone marrow transplant doctor who will explain all the pros and cons of the procedure. Then, I'll have to decide whether I want a transplant or not.
- I will also have another biopsy to see how well my cells are growing back - office procedure only.
- Then, it's back to the hospital for another round of chemotherapy, similar to my first chemo, but with a stronger dose of the same drugs.
- Then, depending on what we decide to do, I could have a few more rounds of chemo or move on to having the bone marrow transplant done.
My white blood cell count is inching up slowly, and my platelets have gone up nicely, so the doctor thinks these are good signs that my bone marrow is recovering. The rashes from chicken pox and allergic reaction to some medications are disappearing. There is still inflammation in my colon - this is a common side effect. So, I'm still being loaded with antibiotics. The doctors expect my condition to improve in the next several days. That means I may be able to go home soon! Home sweet home! I do miss lying down in my own bed, with soft sheets and nice comforters. These are some of the simple pleasures in life. Of course, food is up there, too. Once I realized that one of the things getting me down was the unpalatable hospital food, I have started asking Rob to bring food for me from restaurants when he comes to visit. I was craving for chinese comfort food, and now I can have it. yey!
The best part of my day was seeing my sister, Verna, in my room this evening! She came to visit with my family. I could feel the love from hundreds of miles away. She couldn't wait to come see me, so instead of getting an economy seat in September (yes, that was the first available seat), she got herself on business class just so she can be here sooner! I am so blessed to have her as my sister! She arrived this afternoon with gifts for my kids and for me. It was a happy reunion despite the circumstances.
That's it for today. Thank you all for your prayers, words of encouragement and bible verses that make this journey less difficult and lonely. To all the people who have helped us with our groceries, and preparing food for the family - a big thank you to you all! For people who sent cards and gifts, thank you, they do help more than you know. For friends who call or text to check-up on me from time to time, I really appreciate it - they do cheer me up. We are truly blessed to have so many people who are willing to go on this difficult journey with us and who support us in so many ways. May God bless you all!
- Once my blood cells go up to an acceptable level, and when I have no more problems with my body, I will get to go home for a short "vacation".
- While on "vacation", I will have to meet with a bone marrow transplant doctor who will explain all the pros and cons of the procedure. Then, I'll have to decide whether I want a transplant or not.
- I will also have another biopsy to see how well my cells are growing back - office procedure only.
- Then, it's back to the hospital for another round of chemotherapy, similar to my first chemo, but with a stronger dose of the same drugs.
- Then, depending on what we decide to do, I could have a few more rounds of chemo or move on to having the bone marrow transplant done.
My white blood cell count is inching up slowly, and my platelets have gone up nicely, so the doctor thinks these are good signs that my bone marrow is recovering. The rashes from chicken pox and allergic reaction to some medications are disappearing. There is still inflammation in my colon - this is a common side effect. So, I'm still being loaded with antibiotics. The doctors expect my condition to improve in the next several days. That means I may be able to go home soon! Home sweet home! I do miss lying down in my own bed, with soft sheets and nice comforters. These are some of the simple pleasures in life. Of course, food is up there, too. Once I realized that one of the things getting me down was the unpalatable hospital food, I have started asking Rob to bring food for me from restaurants when he comes to visit. I was craving for chinese comfort food, and now I can have it. yey!
The best part of my day was seeing my sister, Verna, in my room this evening! She came to visit with my family. I could feel the love from hundreds of miles away. She couldn't wait to come see me, so instead of getting an economy seat in September (yes, that was the first available seat), she got herself on business class just so she can be here sooner! I am so blessed to have her as my sister! She arrived this afternoon with gifts for my kids and for me. It was a happy reunion despite the circumstances.
That's it for today. Thank you all for your prayers, words of encouragement and bible verses that make this journey less difficult and lonely. To all the people who have helped us with our groceries, and preparing food for the family - a big thank you to you all! For people who sent cards and gifts, thank you, they do help more than you know. For friends who call or text to check-up on me from time to time, I really appreciate it - they do cheer me up. We are truly blessed to have so many people who are willing to go on this difficult journey with us and who support us in so many ways. May God bless you all!
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