January 28, 2009
Yesterday we had the reading of the Bone Marrow report, and it was grim. The Acute Myeloid Leukemia diagnosis was very definite with 25% blasts and many other abnormalities in the marrow. I have already embarked on the only option for me (other than doing nothing), which is at least three cycles of Vidaza, with weeklong infusions separated by three weeks of “rest”. This may slow the progression of the disease; the hit on the existing blood cells will hopefully be diluted with drugs that force the stem cells to make more white and red. Yesterday, the blood reading indicated a small jump in the white cells, but the hemoglobin continues to go down, and later today I will get my first red blood transfusion which will make life nicer because there will be more energy.
Getting a blood transfusion for the first time is not quite as simple as I imagined that it would be. First, the blood must be “typed”, and then, I was told, “a runner will bring the blood for the transfusion from Lincoln”. Naturally, the mind conjured up a swiftly running person leaping over the snow with a jug of blood in hand, but I presume it will arrive by the usual modern means. After this arrives, the lab people will mix a bit of my blood with what has come to make sure that there are no incompatibilities. When they are satisfied that the formula is all right, they will call me and I will receive two bags which will take eight hours to seep into my system through my wonderful new port. I will have been dosed with Benadryl and Tylenol in case of allergic reactions to the new blood. Who knew? I honestly thought one would go in, sit down, get the blood and come home happily refreshed and ready to read vampire fictions.
Sanctuary is covered with white fluffy snow and in the grip of uncommon cold. The birds are putting away many pounds of seeds – the cardinals sit in the plum bushes with the bright red males providing a constant visual delight against the grey and white background. Inside, I spend my days in rooms filled with spring and summer because Charles comes from his greenhouse bearing cyclamen and blooming orchids in purples, whites, yellows and various shades in between. He has them in beautiful jardinaires from his collection and it is quite splendid to live in such luxury and comfort.
“Live by faith, my righteous ones” is the phrase that comes forward as so many thoughts about here and now, life and death, and changes for the family move through the mind. And so in faith we go, for that is the gift that has been given to us, this living within God’s providence; when we have had great blessings in the past, we always have hope in the future.