July 21 marks exactly two years since I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. If you’ve been keeping up you know it’s been quite the journey - broken ribs, punctured lungs, bone marrow biopsies, chemotherapy, steroids, brain radiation, hip replacements...the list goes on. The countdown is on, though, as my last IV chemo treatment will (hopefully) be at the end of August! I am currently in cycle V and this fourth and final phase goes from cycle A to cycle W. Each cycle is three weeks. This phase alone lasts 483 days. Pretty crazy.
Since my last post the world has been challenged with covid-19. It was less of a transition for me as an immunocompromised individual since I am already accustomed to staying away from others (especially anyone who is sick) and being off work. The more challenging part has been less independence and not being able to have visitors or company in the hospital.
Last time you checked in I had recently gotten my right hip replaced. On July 7th I got my left hip replaced and have been recovering over the past couple of weeks. Everything went well and yesterday I graduated from walker to cane! Things were smoother and a bit easier this time around. I knew what to expect, I knew it would get better and how to manage the pain, and I was in better shape going into it. I am already walking better than I have been for the past six months! One difference this time is that I have dissolvable stitches so I won’t need to get them removed. This has seemingly impacted wait times for swimming and other activities which is great. Additionally, because it is my left leg and I drive an automatic car, I will be able to drive sooner than last time. Overall, things went well and I made a new friend while in recovery 😂 Plus I had two visitors! I am very lucky to have a wonderful family and great friends to look after me during this recovery period (thank you). ICYMI on Instagram, here’s a recap:
I guess the drugs were working...
I usually cry with anesthetics...
I had planned to do a couple more courses at NSCAD this summer but had to drop out because the hip surgery was a little last minute. I will hopefully be able to take some in the fall instead while I’m still off work.
Here is me on this two year anniversary with a reminder to myself (and to all of you!)
I hope you are all enjoying your summer so far. There is so much going on in the world and a lot to think about but I hope you all find time to slow down, reflect upon how we may change life for the better (for all) as we move forward into the future, care about, love, and respect yourself, and spend time with friends and loved ones ❤️
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