I can't believe this much time has gone by since the last time I wrote. Nothing was happening too quickly, so there wasn't anything to report. Now that 11 months have passed, I have a lot to report. My Cytarabine infusions were stopped in November 2010 because my liver was showing signs of stress (it is back to normal now). They started me on a Chemo Pill December 1, 2010 and my skin broke out with little bumps. They were getting worse and nothing would get rid of them, so we stopped that medicine December 22ND. The rash I had was biopsied and determined to be an allergic reaction. (which took 6 months to go away)
Then somehow, 3 months passed by, I saw my doctor Monday, March 14Th to discuss future treatment options. From this appointment, we determined that the lesions were still active and we should pursue treatment as long as it seemed necessary. So, the next step was to start me on another Chemo Pill which apparently wasn't supported or approved by my insurance company - so that never happened. While I waited for the next plan of attack, my arms (especially the right) got weaker and developed intense pain. Both elbows were incredibly painful to the touch, my grip became weak and the ability to lift a glass of tea was getting harder and harder. One Sunday, I couldn't lift the Hymnal out of the pocket in the pew in front of me. Then at the grocery store I had trouble picking up a bag of marsh mellows from the bottom shelf. David comes to my defense and reminds me that it was JUMBO marsh mellows, so it would have been tough for anyone. (ha ha) But, when I can't lift a full glass of tea or soda at a restaurant, it gets a little depressing. By the evening, I would be so fatigued, I felt like I was 90 years old. I ached all over, I had trouble walking and I just felt icky all over. By the end of the summer, I was truly worried about going back to work and making it through the year.
So, to prepare, I started walking daily, bumped up my vitamin D, and joint pain vitamins and started drinking a little 'Willard's Water' with my vitamins. Surprisingly, come August, I felt 90 percent better...here we are in December 2012 and I would say I am still holding strong at 80 percent better. I am not sure if it was the walking, the vitamins, the Willard's Water or just TIME for the Chemo to really take effect but, people at work even said, "Misty is back!" I am at my best in the morning and fade quickly at night, but who doesn't anymore? Life is so busy with my sons going to High School and my daughter in Middle School. Time just goes faster and faster. To sum it up, I have been in good shape for 5 months and I am not going to ask any questions. I am just happy that I am doing so much better. LCH is known to go into spontaneous remission and what triggers it is not known -but, I think mine is in remission now.
On the family front: a lot has happened this year! We lost treasured pets of almost 17 years. Some of you know them - our dog, 'Demitri' and our cat 'Jasper'.
Tabby started Middle School and the twins started High School. David's office lost their office manager to breast cancer and have been through a major re-structuring. Over-all, it has been a long, tough year. We welcome 2012 with the adoption of 2, cute little kittens. A fresh new start in so many ways.
Happy New Beginnings to You and Yours in 2012!
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