Wednesday, October 29, 2014

9 months/marathon visit to the City of Hope

It has been 9 months to the day since the transplant so it seems like an appropriate day for an update.

Jim and I spent the day yesterday at the City of Hope. It was grueling I have to say mainly because I had to roll out of bed at 4:30 am. The ridiculously early start was because I had 4 appointments at the City of Hope. 

 You see a month ago I bumped into a curtain rod and because the " integrity of my skin" ( medical talk) is lousy, I ended up with 4 fairly significant gashes on my legs. Any normal person might have got a bruise. And the curtain rod? Well I was sewing curtains and had taken the rod down to do some measuring. One of the wounds is big enough that there was talk of doing a skin graft. So not only was I seeing the by now famous Dr Nakamura but also had to add in the skin graft specialist, the dermatologist, and the gastro guy. But.....the good news is. All my counts are " excellent". And all of the aforementioned specialists agreed that for " for now" a skin graft is not necessary. In the meantime, I dress the wounds every day ( takes about 45 minutes) and see Wanda, a wound specialist, once a week. This in addition to my usual round of blood tests and Cecchi visits. Now you know why I am so busy.

The bad news: I was told because of my leg bandages --- which start on my feet--- I should wear crocs. Crocs! 

In other news. Úna turns one on November 4 th. Gershwin is a big hit with her and is very patient when she clambers all over him. In fact he enjoys her attention unlike other dogs we could mention ( Are you listening Lola?) And I launched my tutoring service last week, English Over Easy.  Pop over and look at the site. I did it myself with lots of help from our resident expert, Jim! And of course if you have friends who could use a little English Over Easy help, send them my way.

As always, a huge thank you to all of you who continue to help me in ways big and small. To call this process a journey is an understatement. A huge understatement. And I appreciate the fact that you all continue to " heave to" to support me. Xxo

Úna and Gershwin
Jutta and Greg at their City Hall wedding
Wedding and hair fun! 

Nóra and Úna wish me luck at City of Hope