So I had my one dose chemo on Wednesday and am just beginning to come out of the fog. That's the good news. My Mom and my sister came and stayed with me as my husband was out of town and I can't handle the girls by myself post-chemo. The cleaned and generally took care of everything which was really nice. And just the past 1/2 hour or so, I'm feeling more normal. Hopefully this feeling with hold.
The bad news is that they called from the Cancer Center and none of the six "matches" from the national blood bank are true matches. They all have a problem in two of the eight sectors. Really depressing and just about sent me over the edge today. So I'm not sure of the next step -- maybe a cord transplant or sometime. I cannot give in to this stupid disease but all of these setbacks are making it difficult. I can't believe God would take me from my three daughters, husband, and family, but it's hard to understand this latest news.
So, please pray for strength for me and my family. I really need it right now.
It must be so hard to receive bad news time after time. You are due for good. I wish I were nearer to you so I could help.
In the meantime, I will pray. And send good thoughts. And anything else I can think of
xoxoxoxo
Posted by: sandy | April 08, 2006 at 08:32 PM
You are on the prayer book at church as of this afternoon. Strength and grace to you and yours for this good fight.
Posted by: Ann | April 10, 2006 at 04:48 PM
I will keep you in my prayers. I hope you have good news soon, and that you keep fighting strong.
*hug*
Posted by: Jackie | April 10, 2006 at 05:37 PM
I so sorry to hear about your battle with cancer. Take your strength from your family, friends and your faith. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Paula | April 10, 2006 at 05:48 PM
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Donna | April 10, 2006 at 05:54 PM
I'm sending good wishes and prayers, as well. Good luck! I hope you feel better soon, and more importantly, find a donor so you can GET better permanently!
Posted by: --Deb | April 10, 2006 at 05:56 PM
Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. And, finish that sleeve! Just the idea of something finished should give a little boost and send you off into a new project.
Posted by: Teresa C | April 10, 2006 at 07:20 PM
Julia, I've got my arms around you - even though we've never met. Thinking about you and keeping you in my prayers (what there are of them!). My only advice (from when a family member was down with cancer) is KEEP EATING! If you find your appetite has gone, try to find a protein drink that you can sip thru a straw. Metabolol II is good - chocolate or plain. You can mix it with water for a thinner, sippable shake, or you can put in milk - regular or soy - to thicken it. You can find it at any vitamin store. Keep that strength up and your cancer will give up in disgust!
Posted by: Julie | April 10, 2006 at 07:23 PM
Found your blog through Sandy - know that more people than you are aware of are sending you pink light, hugs and prayers. :)
Posted by: wenders | April 10, 2006 at 08:00 PM
Also found your blog through Sandy. So sorry you are having to deal with non-Hodgkins. My good friend has been dealing with it since 2001, and while he is currently in remission, it is likely that he will be looking for a bone marrow donor at some point.
On the bright side--my supervisor at work had a bone marrow transplant (b/c of non-Hodgkins)almost 10 years ago, and she is doing great. So I am going to keep you in my thoughts and prayers, hoping that the perfect donor match will come along!
Posted by: Katy | April 10, 2006 at 09:39 PM
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Helen | April 11, 2006 at 07:36 AM
Sending you healing light and hugs. I'm praying for you and hope you find a match soon.
Posted by: Rhonda from Baddeck | April 11, 2006 at 03:16 PM
sending all good thoughts and prayers your way :-)
Posted by: vanessa | April 11, 2006 at 04:35 PM
sandy told me to stop by and send you some good thoughts. so that's what i'm doing.
i wish you strength and courage to get through this difficult time.
Posted by: maryse | April 11, 2006 at 05:34 PM
Also coming over from Sandy's blog to say that I'm sorry you're having such a difficult time of it. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers, that a perfect donor match will be found very soon.
Posted by: Ruth | April 11, 2006 at 07:20 PM
I'm also here courtesy of Sandy's note - I can't help but think all of our good thoughts and prayers will make a difference for you! Be patient with yourself, and enjoy the progress that you're making - that second sleeve will be finished in plenty of time for you to enjoy a new spring sweater.
Posted by: Donna | April 12, 2006 at 09:25 AM
Another "me too" post because of Sandy's Blog. But I have to add, Julia, that my DH has non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and has had a stem cell transplant. If you want to talk to us about treatment and experiences, just email me at jmg202@gmail.com. It's been almost 2 years since his transplant and he's doing well...not cancer free, but stable.
Posted by: Joyce | April 12, 2006 at 03:25 PM