Monday Morning

I'm scheduled to have the Broviac/Hickman Catheter removed tomorrow at noon. I've very excited and a little anxious. It's done by the Department of Interventional Radiology. I'm supposed to arrive at the hospital no later than 9AM for blood work. At last count, my platelet count was borderline for having the procedure. They like it to be above 70 and last Monday mine was 60. So, if it's still below 70, they'll probably want to give me a bag of platelets before removing the line.

I've been coughing a lot lately -- like everybody else. I'm pretty sure it's allergy. I have no fever. I hope and pray that it doesn'y delay the procedure. Having the catheter removed is a huge milestone for me. It was inserted a week before my transplant -- on November 17, 2008. It's been in for almost 6 months. Flushing the lines, changing the dressing, taping it up to shower...these are all constant psychological reminders of what I went through/am going through. I think that once the line is out, I'll begin to feel more normal, just not having this "three-headed monster" hanging out of a hole in my chest. I'll be able to dress more normally and showering wont be such a production. Also, I suspect it's a factor in my eye issue and I hope that there will be some improvement in the chemosis once it's out.

We had a BBQ here yesterday for Mothers Day. Honestly, I didn't want to do it and I wasn't really feeling up to it...I was kinda shamed into it. My brother wasn't going to and my sister said that she didn't feel up to it so it became mine by default. I mean, after all Mom's done for me... how could I not?? She's leaving on Tuesday morning for a trip out West - to Nevada, Arizona and Utah. I'm sure she'll have a great time but she will be missed.

I want to wish all of the Mothers a Happy Mothers Day, especially the New Mothers!! Mazal Tov to all of you. Thank you all for your continued caring and your prayers and good wishes. This recovery is seemingly longer than I expected it to be, but I'm not complaining. I've had a couple of bumps in the road, but so far, nothing that couldn't be managed. Thanks to all of you and to my Angels who are constantly listening and supporting and working overtime. Believe in Miracles!