Day 20

I've now been in the hospital 20 days, I must say it seems longer. I'm sorry I haven't sent out more information, but Thursday I hit the proverbial wall. I was completely, totally, exhausted. To go from my bed to the bathroom was about all I could muster. As it turned out, my oxygen carrying red blood cells were low. As the chemo is destroying the cancer cells in my bone marrow it also destroys all the good blood cells too. I received two bags (pints?) of just red blood cells Thursday night and I could literally feel the difference within hours! My cousin said she could see my cheeks gain color. By Friday I was a new woman!

The chemo has hit the hair. I didn't realize I had so much hair until it was literally everywhere. I'd wake up in the morning with hair stuck to my face and coughing like a cat with a hairball trying to get the hair out of my mouth. I felt like a giant shedding dog with long hair. So, I called my Sis and we had the Room 707 Hair Recovery Party on Saturday. I am very pleased. I like the way it feels; like petting a puppy.

As it turns out, I am not alone with my buzz cut. My niece Kimberly, who has the biggest heart in the world, surprised me at my party by walking in with a "solidarity buzz cut" of her own. She has such a sweet, tender heart. I love her to pieces! And she was not the only one, Ron got buzzed and my brother-in-law Craig got the new do too. I am so grateful for the love and support I have received. I will spend the rest of my life trying to pay back a mere fraction.

Today is a big day for me. I am having my second bone marrow biopsy. This is when we want ZERO leukemia cells. I won't say I'm not nervous because I am, but knowing I have your prayers and well wishes on my side gives me tremendous comfort.

Thank you again for all your well wishes and prayers. You are my greatest blessing.

With Love and Gratitude
Connie