Approaching My Second Lymphocyte Infusion

Hi Everyone,

These have been a very trying couple of weeks due to the waiting and balancing pain in my legs, medication, weekly transfusions of platelets, and red cells. I feel pretty good when the pain is gone and I can, even for a short time, forget what's really going on.

Good news... yesterday while at Moffitt, my doctor visited us while I was having yet another transfusion, and said that although she only had preliminary results from the biopsy, still showing about 15% leukemia blasts, given that my GVHD has been kept to a minimum and and I've been able to stay fairly fever free, just low grade at times, she has scheduled me for this Friday for my next donor lymphocyte infusion. I'm ready. It's getting old, this statis quo. Of course I'm looking forward to some, even just a little positive results. The first one was positive in that I tolerated it well.

In the meantime, my April fun has already begun! Last Sunday while Aunt Brenda & Uncle Jerry were visiting at Dad & Joyce's, Frankie & Sandy made the 3+ hour drive from Boca so there was a small family reunion. So sweet for all of us. As I write, I am waiting for Sherry, my sis-in-law to knock on the door and spend the next three days doing everything we can. Friday, when we have our appointment at Moffitt, we will be picking up my sis, Susan, for a short but sweet visit til Sunday, then Cousin David, from Seattle will come for a 24 hour visit. He was supposed to be coming to see the shuttle launch, but, so much for plans.

I have been walking almost every day with my dear ole Dad and he has come up to my speed and even gone an extra mile without too much complaint! He is also perfectly accomdating when I need to be slow. It has been very good for both of us in many many ways and I am grateful that they are close enough that we can just pop out our doors at a moment's notice.

This past Sunday evening we met Donna & Joe at Turtle Beach for a most beautiful Sunset and even a bite to eat at the Thai Restaurant since it was late and no crowds to worry about. So great to finally see Joe and Donna after all their weeks of business travel!

Thank you to all of you who have called and visited, it's so wonderful for me just to feel your hugs and know you're still there supporting me. It has been a long long road and is still in motion. I so hope to be able to share good news with everyone very soon.

And one more little upcomimg visit, Alexia, Trevor & Bella will be arriving on Thursday, April 21st for spring break, which I am so grateful to be present for. Can't Wait, but, one day at a time.

Love to All,
Carol