Saturday, July 13, 2013

Days 25 & 26

I am finally home and it feels great! The first leg of my journey is complete. I will be home for a quiet two weeks and then off to Dana Farber on Monday, July 29th.  I will continue to use the blog to communicate.

I thank you all for your love, support and prayers - please keep them coming!

Special thanks and love to my 'ghost writers' for all their hard work.  To Dick for always being by my side every step of the way.  I couldn't have done it without you.  xo

Love to all,
Magali

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Day 24

Well, I'm still at UConn and frankly I'm okay with it. It gives me another day to mentally prepare for the transition to home. It also gives Dick another day to pack my clothes and all the wonderful cards of inspiration I received (look tomorrow for a picture of my wall of your cards - simply amazing!!) I had a low-grade fever last night that my doctors want to see come back down before I am discharged. My blood counts held strong another day so that's good sign my body is healing. We will see what tomorrow brings! I couldn't have done all this without your unwavering support and love. xo

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Day 23

Well, the excitement continues...today I learned that I am scheduled to report to Dana Farber on July 29th to begin a two week prep for my stem cell transplant! This means that my days at UCONN are numbered and there have even been discussions about me going home TOMORROW. In the morning, I will have the usual checks of my temperature and platelets, which will help determine my discharge date. As you can imagine, my head is spinning at this news. I am excited to have successfully completed this round of treatment and to be able to move on to the transplant procedure quickly (I am also excited to see my new bathroom). Once I get to Boston, I will be there for almost six weeks. Truth be told, though, I am also a little nervous about leaving the hospital. I have been surrounded by great care 24 hours a day, which provides a definite level of comfort. However, I know that I have such a great support system of family and friends that once I get home, I won't be alone. Good night everyone- keep your fingers crossed!

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Day 22

What a day!  My platelet count is up and that is wonderful. However, best news yet - Dana Farber called today and said there is a donor match!!!  It's early in the donor process and I remain positive that it will all work out.  My team of doctors will discuss the specifics and come up with a good plan to get me ready for the stem cell transplant. Until then, I am focusing on getting my body strength back and keep the bad cells out.  Today I also started P/T and did laps around the block - another milestone!

All this excitement makes me tired. :-D  I need my rest, doctor's orders!

Best wishes to all.

Love,
Magali

Monday, July 8, 2013

Days 20-21

Today marks the end of three weeks here at UCONN.  I have said this before, but my days really do pass quickly even though it seems I am not doing much.  I have had nice visits with my family over the past two days, which always makes my day better.  I have been feeling much better than I did at the end of last week and am set to start physical therapy soon.  It won't be as much fun as pool school, but I am excited about it! 
As always, thank you for your kind words, encouragement, support, cards and notes on the blog.  I received an especially touching message from my family in Eastham, MA- take a look under "pictures" to see how amazing they are!

Saturday, July 6, 2013

Day 19

Today I caught up on some much needed rest.  Every time Dick came for a visit he found me sleeping!  But we are up now, waiting to see some more fireworks from our view up on the hill.  While awake, I had more of my routine procedures- platelets, blood and even a nebulizer.  All good things, helping me to get back to better health so I can go home.
For some reason, the e-mail on both my phone and iPad were not working today.  A major roadblock to my social life.  Hopefully this problem will be fixed soon and I can be back in touch.  In the meantime, know that I think of all of you daily and feel blessed for all of the love and prayers that are sent my way!

Friday, July 5, 2013

Day 18

Last night was another difficult night, but today I received the best news I have had in a long time- following my bone marrow biopsy on Tuesday, my doctor reported that the chemo worked and I do not have to do another round!!  Needless to say, Dick and I are on Cloud 9!  I will likely remain at UCONN for another 2-3 weeks until my immune system is strong enough for me to return home and prepare for a stem cell transplant.  Thanks for all the prayers and positive thoughts- they worked, but keep them coming. :-)



Thursday, July 4, 2013

Day 17

Happy 4th of July to all my dear family and friends!  I hope your day was a good one.

I was able to get some transfusions as my temperature was within an acceptable range. My day also included a couple walks around 'the block' with Dick by my side. Since he didn't have work, we were able to spend a fair amount of time together.  He even brought me in a special treat for breakfast. :-D

I am hopeful for another good day tomorrow.



Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Day 16

Not much new to report.  Today has been another day of high fevers and rounds of platelets and blood transfusions.  It's hard to believe more than two weeks have passed.  Despite not doing much, my days seem busy.  Not quite as busy as my life on the outside though and certainly not as fun!

Enjoy your 4th of July!

Magali

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Day 15

Another tough day with HIGH temperature.   Hotter than it apparently was outside today in CT!  The chills linger and I'm quite cold.  I have a couple lovely prayer shawls to help keep me warm.  I'm not sure they want me to use one now but I snuck it on!  ;-O  My kids have said sometimes its 'easier to ask for forgiveness than it is for permission' (they live on the edge!!!)!

A rash has surfaced on my upper body and the hair is VERY short. I've been poked and prodded today as they work to figure out the fever, rash and begin to look for any progress. I was told again today that I'm at where I should be for day 14/15.  I'm going with that idea and working to push forward.

Take care and I wish everyone a fun and safe 4th!

Monday, July 1, 2013

Days 12-14

The last few days have been a roller coaster ride with many dips in it.  I have a fever that the doctors can't seem to identify its source.  Therefore, my visitors are very limited.  The nausea has been consistent for the past 36 hours.  Sunday was one of the most exhausting days I've had so far.  The irony was, I couldn't fall asleep!  My hair has started to come out and I'll soon have a new summer 'do.  The  doctors assure me this is all part of the game.  I can't say enough how responsive the staff is here.  Anytime something comes up or changes, they are right on it - morning, noon or night!

I know I've said it before but your messages keep me going.  I love looking at new posts daily.  Please know I can't respond but I do read them often. :-)

I hope to see the fireworks this week from my hospital floor with Dick by my side, as always.

Take care.  Love to all.