I received more results today from the Bone Marrow Biopsy. The ratio of my cells to the donor cells is called chimerism. I mentioned last time that I was not expecting 100% donor cells because of the strong immunosuppression drugs I have been on. In fact I was wondering if there would be some regression of the donor cells. There are two cell lines that they follow. The CD33 cell line was still 100% donor cells just like the previous biopsy. The other cell line is CD3. Last time it was still 23% me, this time it was only 13% me! So I'm or rather she(my donor) is gaining.
Several of you wanted me to let you know the results when I got them....so there you go.
I have had some really good days lately, more strength and more energy. That has been great and encouraging to me. My "shaking" is better with lower dosages of some of my meds. Also my appetite has been much better.
Thanks for caring, the battle is continuing and I am moving forward .
Grace and Peace to you. Peggy
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Thursday, November 7, 2013
A Wonderful Gift!
Sorry it has taken me so long to update. My one year anniversary was coming up and I was getting more than a little anxious about my one year bone marrow biopsy, I thought the less I talked about it the less I would think about. Of course I expressed some of what I was feeling to Den, the girls and a few close friends. But other than that I didn't want to dwell on it. On the other hand I didn't want to lead people to believe that it would necessarily be good news. However, the results were very GOOD! The biopsy showed no signs of disease! So for right now I appear to be cancer free. I know very well this has come at a high cost in every sense of the word. For those of you who have prayed over me and for me, cards that were sent over the course of a year, words could never express the sense of appreciation I have felt for each one of you. So many of you have been wonderful friends to not just me but to Dennis and each of the girls. Thank you one more time!
The test that determines the ratio of my cells to the donor cells has not come back. They want me to call back in a week for the results of that. I am not expecting to be 100% donor because of the strong immunosuppression drugs I have been on since April to fight the GVHD of my liver and my skin. So we shall see.
So speaking of that I know many of you have noticed how "shaky" I have become. I also have issues with my sense of balance and a few more things that I knew were not good or normal. Dr. Magineau believes I have a toxicity in my central nervous system from one of the drugs I have been taking. It has relieved me that I'm not falling apart. So, obviously we need to get me off some of these drugs. However I have been making great progress and would hope and pray that the GVHD does not come back.
I am still itching but other than my arms it's definitely getting better. I saw the Dermatologist today and they are giving me a few more meds that should help. This pill taking is just so bizarre to me, I never used to take vitamins! Now 25 pills a day would not be unusual. I thank God every day for them and the awesome doctors who treat me as though I am important to them. It has been a strenuous journey but I have learned so much. That is for another post another time.
I have been blessed by so many, family, friends, medical staff, long time friends and many new ones.
I am working hard to get better and stronger with the help of my Heavenly Father.
My love to all. Grace and Peace,
Peggy
The test that determines the ratio of my cells to the donor cells has not come back. They want me to call back in a week for the results of that. I am not expecting to be 100% donor because of the strong immunosuppression drugs I have been on since April to fight the GVHD of my liver and my skin. So we shall see.
So speaking of that I know many of you have noticed how "shaky" I have become. I also have issues with my sense of balance and a few more things that I knew were not good or normal. Dr. Magineau believes I have a toxicity in my central nervous system from one of the drugs I have been taking. It has relieved me that I'm not falling apart. So, obviously we need to get me off some of these drugs. However I have been making great progress and would hope and pray that the GVHD does not come back.
I am still itching but other than my arms it's definitely getting better. I saw the Dermatologist today and they are giving me a few more meds that should help. This pill taking is just so bizarre to me, I never used to take vitamins! Now 25 pills a day would not be unusual. I thank God every day for them and the awesome doctors who treat me as though I am important to them. It has been a strenuous journey but I have learned so much. That is for another post another time.
I have been blessed by so many, family, friends, medical staff, long time friends and many new ones.
I am working hard to get better and stronger with the help of my Heavenly Father.
My love to all. Grace and Peace,
Peggy
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