tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80760744152335289892024-03-05T19:55:18.095-06:00Rebooting KathyThis is a blog to update all of my freinds and family during my stay in the hospital. I will be having high dose chemotherapy for multiple sclerosis very soon. As time has gone on I have relized more MSers need to know about this treatment. If there is anyone who is interested or has questions please feel free to e-mail me. ktrgarland@sbcglobal.netRebooting Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16543456057769898291noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076074415233528989.post-28882290408889587892010-06-30T20:45:00.005-05:002010-06-30T21:19:57.569-05:002 years and going strong!!!<span style="font-family:verdana;">Hello!</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I am sitting here at my computer reading what I went through 2 years ago and I still am happy to say that it was all worth it! MS really can be horrible and to say that I have had 2 great years! 2 years of NOT having any symptoms of MS is really just unbelievable to me! I look at everyday as a gift! </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">On my birthday I celebrated by going to Rush for my 2 year check up! What a great birthday present to hear that my MRI has not changed since 6 months ago and that I do not have to start any medication! The doctor actually said to me that the longer i have no symptoms, decreases my chances of having any symptoms in the future! I just can"t believe it. </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I still think everyday that I had such great support from family and friends! I promise that I will not forget that EVER! Thank You , Thank You, Thank You!</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I have been contacted by many men and women that are suffering from this horrible disease. I am aware that maybe that this treatment is not for everyone but I promise that I will continue to help as much as I can. I will NEVER forget the pain and agony that MS causes. </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">OK before I start getting to emotional, Thank You again and here's to more MS Free wonderful years! Keep your fingers crossed!</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Kathy XOXO</span>Rebooting Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16543456057769898291noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076074415233528989.post-59564773283847607562009-12-07T20:27:00.002-06:002009-12-07T20:49:47.644-06:00Long awaited update!Hello Everyone!<br />Let me start by <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">apologizing</span> for the long time since my last update!<br /><br />I am so happy to say that I am doing great! My most recent MRI was compared to my MRI 1 year ago and actually said that the there is no active lesions( Which i could of told them that) and the "white matter" or scaring on my brain has lessened in size! I didn't even know that could happen. That means that the damage that MS has done to my brain is getting better! I also am done with my first round of immunizations! I swear that was worse than the chemo. I now have the immune system of a teenager! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">HAHA</span>!<br /><br />Physically I am a different person! From all of my hormone changes I have gained some weight, but I am working out with my father almost every other day! It really feels great! I am doing <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">exercises</span> that I was never able to do! The best part is that I can push myself and not pay for it for days!<br /><br />One of the worst things from the chemo was worrying that the MS would come back! I would feel a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">twing</span> or stubble my words and worry that a big <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">lesion</span> was growing on my brain. Come to find out that if you sit on your foot it falls asleep and if you have a few drinks you stubble your words! Who knew?I am happy to say that I do not worry about that as much anymore, if at all!<br /><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ok</span>! The popular <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">question</span> is how is you hair! I am getting use4 to it! I don't look like orphan Annie as much any more! I have become use to the curls. It is still pretty short compared to my old hair but it is growing everyday!<br /><br />I think everyday about the support that I had while I was in the hospital and when I came home! I will never forget that!<br /><br />Love KathyRebooting Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16543456057769898291noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076074415233528989.post-14376903458917316322008-12-12T19:53:00.002-06:002008-12-12T20:07:58.016-06:00Hello!Well it has been almost 6 months since the chemo and I am still feeling great. I went to see my wonderful doctors yesterday with my mom. I met with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">dr</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">stewart</span> and he tested my cognitive thinking and he said that I got 50 of the questions right when most people get 40. It is just about time I passed that test. I also saw Dr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Tawalli</span> and Dr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Stefoski</span> as well as Melinda. They all were happy to see how well I was doing and it was great to see them. I did have a MRI last week and Dr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Tawalli</span> gave me the great news that none of my lesions are active and there is still the same amount. I had to ask her(even know I knew the answer) if she was sure that I have MS and she said the 25 lesions on my brain pretty much confirmed it. I just still am amazed that I felt like crap and now I feel great.<br /><br />Merry Christmas!<br />KathyRebooting Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16543456057769898291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076074415233528989.post-36212414216731930932008-12-06T22:55:00.003-06:002008-12-12T19:53:43.584-06:00Hello everyone!I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving! I had my first MRI today since the chemo. They were nice enough to give me a cd of all the MRI's and so of course Tim and I had to look at them. As far as we can tell(you know since we are both doctors) everything looks good. I have a appointment on Thursday with Dr. Tawalli and she will tell us for sure if my brain looks as good as my body feels. I will post my MRI scans so everyone can play doctor.Keep your fingers crossed!Rebooting Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16543456057769898291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076074415233528989.post-7837786682130330262008-11-09T19:20:00.002-06:002008-11-09T20:27:55.319-06:00I got a A+!!!!!Hello everyone!<br />I went to the doctor on Thursday and I passed all of my tests with flying colors. I thought I was good last time but this time I am happy to say I Rocked!! I still can't <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">believe</span> how lucky I am to be doing so good. I will have my MRI in December and that hopefully will show medical evidence that the chemo did work. I can not wait. It's the first time ever that I am excited to have a 2 day MRI. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">HAHA</span>! Dr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Tawalli</span> suggested a few more vitamins and warned me about the flu and then said see you in January. I can not <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">believe</span> it, that will be the longest that I have not had to call the doctor. In my mind , my 3 month mark was my beautiful cousin Amanda's wedding and it was this weekend. We had so much fun and I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">lasted </span>all night. It's the first time I danced all night in a long time. We really enjoyed the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">congo</span> line with my Aunt Mary and getting <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">jiggy</span> with all the cousins. Great wedding!!!<br /><br />I have been in contact with many other people that have been interested in this treatment and some of them are starting treatment soon. I wish them all the best. I know they will do great!Rebooting Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16543456057769898291noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076074415233528989.post-73726527729524751782008-09-26T22:44:00.003-05:002008-09-26T22:59:21.146-05:00Life is good!Just another update. I do not want to jinks it but I am feeling good, Dam good. I am working a normal 4 days and doing physical therapy. It actually feels good to be normal. I just pray that it continues. I have a good feeling that it will. I get tired but normal tired. I get numbness in my feet but it is because I was sitting on my feet. Strange but that has never happen to me, atleast that I could feel. My hair is growing back slowly. I have peach fuzz , just like a baby. I actually was able to do the treadmill at physical therapy with weights. More important I did not have to sleep for 2 days after it. My cousins wedding is coming up and I plan to dance my booty off. Well again I do not want to jinks it but......Life is good!<br />KathyRebooting Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16543456057769898291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076074415233528989.post-44990401298196543182008-09-12T22:28:00.003-05:002008-09-12T22:40:49.144-05:00Holly Hot Flashes!Well I am officially in menopause! Sorry if that was TMI! Hot Flashes are really not that fun. On the bright side they always keep my checks <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">rosy</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Seriously</span> they are not that bad thanks to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Mr</span>. Hormone. I have to take more calcium and vitamin d to control bone loss. I have a long time to use these bones. Physical therapy is going great and I am happy to say that I have some peach fuzz growing on my head! YEAH! I still am looking forward to my new wig. After these few cold nights I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">realized</span> that winter will <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">be </span>pretty cold with out one. Do not worry I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">still</span> plan on wearing my scarfs. I really like not having to do my hair. I still think that feeling this good is just a dream. I did get my first cold and it is nothing!Well I hope you all are doing fine!<br />KathyRebooting Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16543456057769898291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076074415233528989.post-85177883879467766252008-09-04T22:16:00.003-05:002008-09-04T22:42:16.211-05:00GOOD NEWS!Today I went for my first follow up since the chemo and passed all the test with flying colors. They always do the same tests on me. These test are physical and cognitive. My wonderful doctor first checks me by <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">sticking</span> a sharp pin in my leg and It really hurt. I never really felt it before. I almost busted out in tears but I wanted her to test me more. I just continued to kick a**! It has been a very long time since I was able to do that well.As far as the cognitive test I even was able to pass the math part and I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">defiantly</span> was not good at that. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Whether</span> that was MS or not I am not sure. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">HAHA</span>! My doctor said she was impressed and shocked that I have not needed to take all of my medication. I also showed all of my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">blood work</span> and she said that they were all good, just a little anemic, that will get better in the future to. My only complaints to her were that I wish I could have done this long time ago. I did mention that I have been having hot flashes and she wants me to get my hormones checked to see if I am going threw menopause. Do not worry I knew this may happen. Tim and I have our love Ryan and we feel very blessed to have him. Because of the Chemo he has a better mom. After my visit with Dr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Tawalli</span> my mom and I went to visit my old nurses at the hospital. It was great to see them all and I told them that they made a big <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">difference</span> in my treatment. The really are wonderful people! Since I left they have done 5 more MS patients and are expecting <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">alot</span> more. the next step for me is to continue Physical therapy and try to get my energy back more. I can not explain how lucky I feel. Even if this treatment does not last forever I am so thankful for the way I feel now. I enjoy every ache and pain I have from physical therapy. These pains are not that bad when you don't have MS symptoms along with them. I like having normal aches and pains. My physical therapist and staff rock and that helps <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">alot</span>. Work is getting easier everyday and the fatigue is getting better to. I know for sure that all the support I have received from everyone has really gotten me <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">threw</span> all of this and for that I am very thankful.<br /><br />KathyRebooting Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16543456057769898291noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076074415233528989.post-43372594857164115202008-08-25T20:51:00.005-05:002008-08-25T21:55:37.624-05:00WOW I feel Loved!!!!!!On Sunday, My sister in laws, niece and sister held a dog wash benefit for me and it was a hit! I am at a loss for words for <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">everyone's</span> warm wishes and donations. It was amazing how many people were there. People I have never even met had opened their hearts and had their dog washed all to help me recover. Not to mention family and friends washing all those dogs. It was truly unbelievable and to all that helped and donated you are amazing! There are no words to describe how thankful we are! Because of all of you, my recovery will be that less stressful. Tim, Ryan and I love you all!<br /><br /><br /><br />Today I started Physical Therapy to get some strength back. I am starting my goal small. First I would like to play with Ryan without needing a nap afterwards. After that my goal is to run a marathon (Nothing like setting your hopes high).<br /><br /><br /><br />Thanks again to all that helped and donated on Sunday. Kiss those cute dogs for me!<br /><br />KathyRebooting Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16543456057769898291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076074415233528989.post-22797793308239398972008-08-23T19:12:00.004-05:002008-08-23T19:30:42.954-05:00Just some updates!Well this week I have worked more than I have since the chemo and I am tired but not MS tired . I know that sounds strange but there is a difference . with ms you hit a wall and have no choice but to sleep for hours and now I am just tired and a nap is a added bonus. But don't worry for now I am taking the naps I need. As far as a wig goes I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">believe</span> it will be covered <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">mostly</span> by my insurance. I will find out what the allowed amount will be when they mail me a letter( I hope <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">alot</span> wigs are not cheap). I found this out after a hour on the phone with my insurance. I also found out that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">physical</span> therapy is also covered. This is a good thing since my strength is not so good. I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">tried</span> to have a night with friends last night and I can not party like a rock star yet but soon! I still am thinking positive and truly <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">believe</span> this chemo stuff is well worth it! A good <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Friend</span> gave me a beautiful plaque saying NEVER, NEVER, NEVER GIVE UP. Good saying don't you think!Rebooting Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16543456057769898291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076074415233528989.post-70112139485040672722008-08-20T20:35:00.003-05:002008-08-20T20:47:02.763-05:00every day a little better!Yesterday 7 1/2 hours but only 4 today. I had to go home because I was to pooped to pop. But still I think that is not to bad. I will try again tomorrow. I checked out some wigs today and I am thinking some of them were good. I just need to check with my insurance. If my insurance asked I am getting a cranial prosthesis. Isn't that funny. I have been told that they may pay. I will let you know. I had some labs drawn and everything is looking good. No infection so that is good. Knock on wood!Rebooting Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16543456057769898291noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076074415233528989.post-39052087370356765292008-08-18T19:01:00.002-05:002008-08-18T19:05:16.753-05:005 1/2 hrs.5 1/2 Hrs. today at work. I have to say it was tiring but still not like MS tired. It did feel good to get back to work. It is nice to be back to norm. I will try again <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">tomorrow</span>, but still take it slow.Rebooting Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16543456057769898291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076074415233528989.post-71185594553690114772008-08-17T20:39:00.003-05:002008-08-17T20:42:26.595-05:00Keep your fingers crossed!After a wonderful weekend I am trying to go back to work again tomorrow. Wish me luck! I feel very positive! I promise not to over do it!<br />Love to you all!<br />KathyRebooting Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16543456057769898291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076074415233528989.post-50969724127971348622008-08-14T19:39:00.002-05:002008-08-14T20:05:19.243-05:00Great to be home!Hello All! sorry for the long time since I have checked in! I am just getting adjusted at home. Everything is good. I had a couple days of sore legs. The pain was from not using my legs as much. I guess walking around the hospital unit was not enough. I do not care about the pain as long as it is not MS pain and I am happy to report it is not! Yeah! I had some pretty vivid dreams from coming down off the morphine. My favorite dream was traveling to Germany with the girls from sex in the city and also the cutest old lady. Boy we had a time! I over did on Monday and went to work for 4 hours. What was I thinking! It is just like me to think I can do anything. I have had alot of fatigue since, but my doctors had me do some blood work and the results so far are fine. As far as MS goes I am feeling fine and really have not had any MS symptoms and as far as the cognitive thinking it may be getting better. I mean I have not forgotten how I have gotten somewhere or what I was doing there. I am not kidding it has happened. So all is looking positive!<br /><br />Here is a little fun fact about the chemo I had. My immune system was wiped out so much that I have the immunity of a new born baby. I will have to get re vaccinated in 1 year for chicken pox, measles, hepatitis and all those good things. I am also more susceptible to get a cold or really anything I have had In the past. So needless to say I have to play it safe.<br /><br />I have been contacted by many MSer's that are interested in this treatment and I think that is wonderful. I like helping. If anyone is reading this blog and has any questions please contact me by e-mail.ktrgarland@sbcglobal.net<br /><br />My next appointment with my doctor is in 3 weeks. I will keep you updated and constantly check the blog!<br /><br />Thank you all again for everything, I could not have done it without you. <br /><br />Love, <br />KathyRebooting Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16543456057769898291noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076074415233528989.post-74819908594369577842008-08-05T13:30:00.003-05:002008-08-05T21:36:34.698-05:00Here is to catch you all up!Sorry I have not written in a few days. Things have gone so fast. I was pretty sick with the bone pain and they kept me well doped up on morphine. Come to find out all the bone pain was for a good reason. My bone marrow was producing so fast and that is what was causing all the pain and in return my neutrophil #s were bouncing back high and because it was working so well they stopped my neupogen shots. My #s continued to get higher Monday and then my wonderful doctors said i could go home. I can't tell you how stinkin shocked I was. I couldn't believe it. My sister came to the hospital Monday morning to confirm I was not losing my mind and sure enough she heard it to. The doctors and nurses told me all the precautions I needed to take at home and the surgeon came and took out my triple leumen line. By then Tim was there to take me home. We made a quick stop to see my friend Tracy who was donating platelets and then we were on our way! My sister had left before Tim got there to pick up Collin and Becca and then Ryan from school. They had decorated the house and by the way it was super clean( thank you Mom, Jody, Beth and Tim). My sister dropped off Ryan and It was so great to see him. I couldn't stop hugging him! I hugged Collin and Becca and then Ryan, Tim and I went down stairs and snuggled on the couch. This is something we have been talking about for 3 weeks. Our house has changed as far as washing hands more and no lip kisses. I finally have gotten my own bathroom and Tim is disinfecting everything. This blog is not over I plan on updating it as my progress continues. I can say I think I can tell the difference. That might be just wishful thinking but who cares. My future MRI's won't lie. Thank you all for your warm thoughts and prayers. I know in my heart that it definitely helped my experience. I am very blessed with thoughtful , loving people in my life. I love you all!<br /><br />Kathy<br /><br />The very important #s<br /> Neutrophils/ White blood count/ Platelets<br />8/03 0.30(3000)/3.78/25<br />8/04 0.80(8000)/11.68/48Rebooting Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16543456057769898291noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076074415233528989.post-41105437633514289092008-08-05T13:17:00.002-05:002008-08-05T13:21:32.027-05:00Info For SarahPlease E-mail me <a href="mailto:ktrgarland@sbcglobal.net">ktrgarland@sbcglobal.net</a> and I can give you all the info you may need for your mother. I did this blog to help my family and friends but also if I can help anyone with MS it would make me so happy. I can't say enough wonderful things about all my doctors and the staff at Rush. They are really the best. Please e-mail me. I would love to give any info.<br /><br />KathyRebooting Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16543456057769898291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076074415233528989.post-3789415733624926642008-08-02T21:04:00.003-05:002008-08-02T21:31:50.781-05:00My numbers are finally going up!!!!!!The last couple days have been pretty hard as far as feeling <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">alot</span> of bone pain and the doctors thinking I might have a infection. But again I am in the hospital were they have all different drugs and wonderful people to take care of me. I have MS, pain is not a new thing to me. I can definitely handle this pain too! My bones have been hurting so that means to me that my new bone marrow is being produced. My <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">bloodwork</span> confirmed it and my doctors and I are very happy. They said I am doing great! Here is a weird thing. My mouth has been hurting, almost like it was raw inside so they gave me this special cocktail with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">lidocaine</span>. I compared it to a strawberry <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">mohito</span>. Who said you can't party in the hospital! Tim and my Dad shaved their heads today to support me, those guys even look <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">handsome</span> with bald heads.They are so <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">stinkin</span> sweet! Well here are my #s enjoy. Have a great rest of the weekend!<br />Love to you all,<br />Kathy<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Neutrophils</span>/ White blood count/ Platelets<br />7/30 to low to count/.03/45<br />7/31 to low to count/.06/25<br />8/1 to low to count/.08/16<br />8/2 ***.11/.34/14Rebooting Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16543456057769898291noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076074415233528989.post-46534511683004245182008-07-31T14:30:00.005-05:002008-07-31T18:32:36.588-05:00TRESemme Stock Plummets as major shareholder stops using its haircare products!!!My wonderful mother and sister were lovely enough to visit me yesterday and give me my long awaited buzz cut. At least I don't have to wait all day for my hair to dry, right? It's a little more <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">manageable</span> now. One of my new hats came in handy at bedtime Brrrrrrrr. I weighed myself and lost 1.5 lbs. after my run in with the mower. I needed a blood transfusion today because my hemoglobin levels were a bit low. My bones and joints are aching from the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">neupogen</span> working my marrow into a cell producing frenzy. That is why I needed a little help from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">morphy</span> last night. I am also noticing that my teeth and gums are becoming more sensitive which is a result of this treatment. Other than that my levels are pretty much bottomed out still with the exception of my white blood count which could be a sign that things may start to turn in my favor. Knock on wood everyone. I am much more tired and sore today than I have been since I started this. I am not sure but I think this is finally catching up with me a bit. So I am ready for a good nap. Tomorrow is another day, another day closer to being home. I can't wait to see everyone soon, especially my little Ryan.<br /><br />Love,<br />KathyRebooting Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16543456057769898291noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076074415233528989.post-14191747523775872472008-07-30T09:16:00.005-05:002008-07-30T14:50:01.579-05:00Bald is beautiful RIGHT!My hair started falling out last night so my wonderful mom and sister are shaving it all off today. I cried to Tim for a few minutes and then <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">realized</span> I knew this was part of the deal so whatever. Besides I have beautiful and fun scarfs that you all have given me to wear. Hey I might even start a new trend, you never know. I will put some pictures on the blog for all of your viewing <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">pleasure</span>. My counts are still low but they <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">expect</span> them to rise soon. This is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">definitely</span> teaching me to be patient. Have a great day!<br /><br />Soon to be bald,<br />Kathy<br /><br />P.S. Keep your fingers crossed my hair does not come back thicker and curler. I have had a afro long enough!Rebooting Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16543456057769898291noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076074415233528989.post-19167147640050918422008-07-29T22:14:00.001-05:002008-07-29T22:14:48.115-05:00Meet the great Doctors and Nurses<div style="width:480px; text-align: center;"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://w107.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http://w107.photobucket.com/albums/m294/ktrgarland/Kathys/d97a216e.pbw" height="360" width="480"><a href="http://i107.photobucket.com/redirect/album?action=slideshow&landing=/slideshows&type=3" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn.gif" style="float:left;border-width: 0;" ></a><a href="http://s107.photobucket.com/albums/m294/ktrgarland/Kathys/?action=view¤t=d97a216e.pbw" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn_viewallimages.gif" style="float:left;border-width: 0;" ></a></div>Rebooting Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16543456057769898291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076074415233528989.post-57842420656375134462008-07-29T18:31:00.002-05:002008-07-29T18:45:33.546-05:00A Message From Kathy<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy8lWuVzfbfvMRiYC4ewQCDQXm1oW7P7qPLPKzoUrBQs4Rb-jYmyyOyZxxlQpESWvIOueyshvJXUY2FDLkyzw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Rebooting Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16543456057769898291noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076074415233528989.post-82913652033516692862008-07-29T13:38:00.003-05:002008-07-29T14:16:57.552-05:00Busy night last night!Yesterday was fun!Mom, Krista , Ellen and Kristen came to my place just to hang out. We had <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">alot</span> of fun. Those girls are great! Last night my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">platelets</span> hit low so I did have a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">platelet</span> infusion. Not bad, no big deal. My blood pressure was 80/50 so they freaked out a little. I told them not to be concerned, but they got all <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">doctorie</span> on me and watched me close for awhile. I guess they know more than I do!<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">HAHA</span>! Tim will post some pictures tonight. Take care!<br /><br /> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Neutrophil</span>/ White blood count/ platelet<br />7/29 /too low to count/.03/ 9Rebooting Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16543456057769898291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076074415233528989.post-59376145733412656842008-07-28T10:29:00.007-05:002008-07-31T22:01:30.630-05:00Monday, Monday la la la laWhat a good weekend. I hope you all enjoyed the great weather. It was wonderful from my window. I had a movie marathon this weekend and Karen kept me busy on Sunday. We always have a good time. There is not much to report except my legs are hairy and because my platelets are low, I can't shave them. Sorry,was that TMI? I will be getting my usual neupagen shot and possibly some of my family and friends' platelets. Thank you to all that have donated. Talking to the blood Bank rep Malissa made me realize how important it is for people to donate blood and more importantly, platelets. Platelets only have a shelf life of 5 days and are constantly needed. I am learning alot from being here in the hospital. One thing I have learned is that I have alot of loving friends and family. I know I have said that before but you all are the best and make me feel so loved. Without you all,<em> I don't know if I would have done so well.</em><br /><br /><br /><em>Here are my newest #s ( don't be alarmed they are suppose to go that low)</em><br /><br />neutrophil /white blood count/ platelet<br /><br />7/26 .03 /.11 /57<br /><br />7/27 so low can't count/.06 /37<br /><br />7/28 so low can't count/.04 /18<br /><br />If you guys are interested in donating platlets. please e-mail Malissa Litchtenwalter@ <a href="mailto:blooddonor@rush.edu">mailto:blooddonor@rush.edu</a> or <a href="mailto:platelet_donor@rush.edu">platelet_donor@rush.edu</a> or 312-942-7824Rebooting Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16543456057769898291noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076074415233528989.post-47927147171965183242008-07-26T14:18:00.003-05:002008-07-26T14:41:10.891-05:00Friday was busy!Friday was a good day although I became dehydrated and hooked back up to IV fluids. I also broke out with a cold sore( which I new was going to happen) and also a rash that sthey can not explain. The important part is no fever and everything can be handled. I still feel good and my #s are still dropping as planned. The started me on a shot called neupogen to help increase my # s now. The Dr. says it will take a few days but they eventually will go up. Which is really good because I miss snuggling with Ryan and Tim on the coach. Maybe next time we do get to snuggle my legs wont twitch and I won't have to fake being comfortable! HA HA! Have a Great Day!<br />Love, Kathy<br /><br />Newsest #s<br /><br />neutrophil/white blood count/ platelet<br />7/25 /0.12 / 0.30 / 92<br />7/26/ 0.03 / 0.11/ 57Rebooting Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16543456057769898291noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076074415233528989.post-69735701815156155202008-07-24T20:00:00.003-05:002008-07-24T20:11:37.348-05:00Danny Donates His Platelets For Aunt Kathy<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dybkAXCiKRSjQlpeABS1X4CihGoX-DjtG9SlI3No_xrBbBYsGPEnEOzGU-KEl_9uTaJ44tloVD_r3cZmsI6xA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Rebooting Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16543456057769898291noreply@blogger.com8