Remission Test Results

The PCR test came back clean, so I'm still in remission!

The roses my sister-in-law Jen, my brother Jeff, and my brother Matt sent,
along with a very sweet note congratulating me on finishing chemo.
They've been so supportive throughout this ordeal. (Thank you!!!!!!)

FINISHED with Chemo!

Last night I took my final dose of ATRA, almost two-and-a-half years after my AML diagnosis.

It's hard to believe the end of treatment has finally come. We haven't received my quarterly PCR remission test result yet, but once that does come in, knock on wood, we'll be able to celebrate the end. Until I hit the five-year mark, I'll still be seeing my oncologist quarterly, and having my blood tested at each of those appointments, but NO MORE PAIN, NAUSEA, AND INSOMNIA!!!

Today, my family starts a new phase in our lives. For as far back as my daughter's memories go, she's been aware of me taking medicine and feeling sick, and having lots of doctor appointments because of the "Tiny Bad Guys." As long as I stay in remission, these memories of hers will slip away.

Happy Birthday, Lily

Happy birthday, my little angel.

Hopefully your great grandparents and cousin, Timothy, are showering you with love and kisses.

Next year, when I won't be doing chemo on your birthday, your daddy and I will do something fitting to commemorate your day. And some day, when your sister is old enough to understand, she will too.

Love you,

Mommy

Day Five

Last night and today haven't been great. Woke at 1:30am from the head pain and shortly thereafter was dealing with nausea. Managed to sleep through some of the pain this afternoon. Mom/husband/daughter at the zoo. Beautiful summer day. Trying not to feel depressed about being inside, feeling crummy.  Ten days, this will be over, and I have to keep reminding myself that these wretched pills have been killing any lingering, hiding cancer cells.

Last Round of Chemo!

This morning I started my last round of ATRA, and the last step in my 2.5 year chemotherapy regimen for APL (as long as I don't relapse, that is. Knock on wood!)

I'm already beginning to feel crummy, so am keeping this short.

My mom is here to help, which is great.

Now to get a nap in before the head pain intensifies...

Book Review: The Promise of Stardust

"The Promise of Stardust," written by Priscille Sibley, is a poignant debut novel about the tough choices a husband must make for his family. The novel begins with Matt losing his wife, Elle. Except she's not entirely gone; her fall from a ladder caused severe brain damage, but it didn't harm the baby inside her. After watching her mother subsist in a coma for a prolonged period while Elle was a teenager, she became vehemently opposed to being kept on life support if the circumstances ever required it for her. However, she'd never contemplated that the issue might arise while she was pregnant with the baby that she and Matt had been desperately wanting. Matt wishes to keep her on life support to give the baby a chance, but he's opposed by those family members who have a different opinion about what Elle would want done.