Thursday, January 21, 2010

Day Twenty-Nine, Hoping Ryan's Blood Wins Not Mine.

Today is day 29. They sent out a Chimerism test today. The results won't be back till next week. This test is performed every thirty days until day one hundred. It determines how much of the blood in my body is Ryan's and how much still belongs to me. We are hoping and praying I am 100% Ryan. The doctors told me this was a fight I should let Ryan win :) I'm waving my white flag (to Ryan, NOT MDS). But I could still take him in a fist fight. If it isn't 100% they will manipulate meds to get it where it needs to be.

Here are my counts from today's appointment:
WBC-3.2 (hasn't been that high since March)
ANC-1,952 (hasn't been that high since March)
Hemoglobin-13.3 (with help from Monday's transfusion)
Platelets-44 (haven't held this high since March)

I could go on and on about the excitement of getting better. As a matter of fact, I just might. The feeling I get is so richer and deeper than anything I could have imagined. It's so rewarding to know that I've worked so hard to get to this point. You know, I think people may know what they are talking about when they say hard work pays off. There were and will be bad days, but my Dad has always told me, "Let your highs be high, and your lows not too low." So I'm going to enjoy it. The days I struggled and my life was in God's hands, when my faith was the only thing keeping me going, and every single minute of pain makes these days that much better. My cheeks hurt from smiling and I wouldn't be surprised if tomorrow my voice is hoarse from blasting "The Climb" on our way home from clinic.

Not only were my counts looking superb, but they took me off IV nutrition(TPN)! The best part was I didn't have to beg. I didn't even ask. It was their idea! I am only on sugar water for 12 hours a day. Some of the medicine can have harsh effects on my kidneys so they want to continue to give me a large amount of fluids at least through the weekend. This is all great news. It's one step closer. They are very pleased with how well everything is moving along.

We are most definitely speeding along, but we hit our first speed bump. We were loving the outside weather and rain until it came inside. There is a leak somewhere in Ryan's room. Mold is dangerous to anyone, but especially to someone with a low immune system. It can easily work it's way into the lungs and cause big problems. We are thankful we caught it early. Since I am not allowed to be around construction (torn up carpet) or mold (wet carpet) which are both in Ryan's room I am typing this from my new bedroom, our car. No just kidding. I'm waiting in the car for my Grandma's house to be deep cleaned. Boy, am I a lot of work! I'll be spending the next few nights at her house until the problem is resolved. It is the safest and doctor approved way. Good news is-the doctors say they'd rather have to fix the house than me! My new roommates and I are pictured above :)

Now more than ever, "I can almost see it. That dream, I'm dreaming."

6 comments:

  1. Well, this is the one fight you definitely want to let Ryan Paul win! I'm so glad to hear that things are going so well! I hate that about the leak in the house, but at least you have somewhere to go (that's not the hospital), and I think you have the sweetest roommates around!!! "Some things might have knocked you down, but you're not breaking!" ;) Keep Climbing! Love ya, Jena Belle

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  2. Ceci: What a newsy blog especially written from a car!!!! We are glad we could clean and have you visit us. Uncle Vaden and I didn't think the pictures were real becoming, but all things considered!!!!!!!!!!!! Gammie says and I always know Grandpa agrees with me "To see God in every thing makes life the greatest adventure there is.' Have we told you lately that we love you....

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  3. I can't imagine better roommates!! I'm sure Aunt Polly and Uncle Vaden count themselves very lucky to get to spend this time with an upbeat teenager. I loved the picture! I am praying for a complete takeover of Ryan's blood--I picture it smiling and pursuing and winning!!!! You just keep singing and climbing, Ceci! Much love, Kathy & Rexie

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  4. Thanks Ceci for keeping us posted with your upbeat blog. Yeah! We are so grateful for the numbers to have increased. Miracles, miracles, miracles, and we know there will be more. Sorry about the problems in the house. . . .but so grateful for solutions that come through! Hugs from WA!

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  5. Hey Ceci!!
    I know I haven't posted in a while but I follow everyday! Just have not had a chance to comment. Congrats on getting home!!! So proud of you...and Connor says he knows you could take Ryan in a fist fight! Hahaha. Tell him lefty says hello and maybe he can come see him pitch sometime! They will be playing in the Elite 32 in Orlando in August...Go Blaze! :) Keep up the good fight and know we are pulling for you every step of the climb!! Much love to you all!!
    The McCords

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