small bump in the road

I've been off all meds except for the one and I've been feeling pretty good. I've been walking every morning and am beginning to make plans to go back to school. Really, all good, Thank God.

But a couple of residual spots on my legs that have been there since February 2009 have "flared up". I went to see my friend Suzanne who is a dermatologist. I gave her the whole background story about how these lesions all popped up when I was in the hospital back in February and how they had about a gazillion doctors check them out and an infectious disease specialist check me out. She took a look at them and said, "Hmm, they look like erythema nodosum. Why didn't they call in a dermatologist?" Well, DUH. They did call in a dermatologist who looked and biopsied and still had no idea.

So now, from what I've been reading, I think she's right on the money. I called Dr. Schuster and brought him up to date and he said that I ought to do whatever Suzanne suggests and to let him know how it is in a couple of days. I am wearing a compression stocking and keeping it rested and elevated (when I'm not out running errands) and taking Advil. Though these measures do provide some relief, I'm still in a lot of pain, and not only in the one spot on my ankle, but in a few others too. She said that the Prednisone may have been suppressing this inflammation and now that I'm off it it's flaring up. That makes sense. But I've also recently discontinued a few other meds. So, for now, who knows?

I'm going to continue trying to rest it but I think I'm going to try to find something stronger for the pain because I'm really uncomfortable. David was doing some research and thinks that perhaps I ought to see a rheumatologist. I'm going to give it a couple of days and see how it is after the weekend.

Thanks for checking in and for all your good wishes and thoughts and prayers. Have a wonderful weekend, a good shabbos. Believe in Miracles!

Stuff I left out

Hi. I was reading over my last post and I can't believe that I forgot to include some really interesting information.

First of all, at last week's visit with Dr. Schuster, he took me OFF ALL MEDS except for one. Incredibly, I now take one pill a day. That's right, ONE PILL A DAY!!! It's unbelievable to me. I mean, I was taking so many meds, so many times a day...I could barely keep track and now...well, now, it's one a day! The one we're continuing is Valtrex, which is anti-viral. The reason we're not disconinuing it yet is because Valtrex prevents the virus that causes Shingles. So, we're still trying NOT to get that.

OK, now the second bit of news. I want to tell you about "my project". When I was in the hospital for the 5 weeks for my transplant in November, 2008, the ordeal began with a week of chemotherapy. After that, as expected, I lost my hair. Unless you've been down that road, you really don't realize how cold your newly bald head gets. I was so chilled.

Luckily, one of the nurses brought in a basket of handmade hats that someone had donated. From that, I picked one out and it was a lifesaver!

Now for my project. I decided that, since one of my most favorite things to do is needlework, I would start to knit and crochet hats and donate them to patients getting chemotherapy. I've begun crocheting a bunch of them from yarns that I already have.

I happened to mention this to a friend of mine who works at a crafts store and she was kind enough to donate a large bag of yarn for my project. Another friend decided that she, too would like to crochet for this project and ... then there were two.

I'd like to invite you to join me in my project. Either by donating yarn or your talents.


So far, I've been working exclusively in cotton and creating seamless designs for women, men and children. This is something I can do to give back a kindness.

Now you're pretty much up to date. Have a beautiful weekend and a good shabbos. Thank you again for checking in and for your continued thoughts, prayers and wishes. Believe in miracles!!

Long Time No See

Well, it's been quite I while since I posted last. I figure that's a good thing, that things are pretty good.

I saw Dr. Schuster on Friday after 6 weeks. Thank God I got a good report. My counts were amazing! WBC 4.5, HGB 12.1!! PLT 127. Wow! Almost like a normal person.

I've been feeling pretty well. My bronchitis cleared up. I went down to Florida on March 15 and was there until April 14. I had a pretty nice time. Passover was a lot of shopping, schlepping and preparing. Once it was over though, I was able to do some relaxing. I took a drive down to Key West and watched a beautiful sunset from Mallory Square.

Then I spent a couple of days at my Mom's in Deerfield Beach. Then Mom and I took a drive up to Orlando to meet Marsha. We met at Downtown Disney and spent a few wonderful hours together. It was great seeing her and now I am looking forward to the next time..

Though Florida was a nice time, I was really looking forward to getting home. When I left New York it was really winter. Returning to the beauty of spring was wonderful. Going away is always nice, but there's nothing quite like coming home.

Thank God everyone is doing well. We're looking forward to a double college graduation on May 27. I can't believe that both of my babies are graduating from college. Where has the time gone?? I'm so proud of both of them and am really excited about attending the ceremony.

Aside from that, we're taking it all one day at a time. Thank you for checking in and for your good thoughts, prayers and good wishes. Believe in miracles!