Notes From Supergirl

My Diary from the Trenches

Day 516

October27

I got word yesterday that I can’t go in until December 1st or 2nd now because that is when the donor will be available. My nurse coordinator did say, in a very positive tone, that this could still work as far as getting me home for Christmas because the average time in the hospital is 25-35 days. I went back and checked how long I was in for the first transplant and it turns out that I came home on day 24! Clearly, being the competitive person I am, I see this as yet another challenge from the universe and I’ll take it. I’ve had a problem for most of my life that when someone tells me I can’t do something, it fuels my fire to do it more and do it better. I’m starting to feel pretty fired up about this. For further incentive, I put the first Iron Girl race of the year on my calendar – April 29th, a 5K. I never miss a deadline, no matter what it takes.

The good news about the delay is that there are more field trips I can go on now, more events to hang out with my friends and I’ll be around for Thanksgiving. Turkey is my least favorite food, but I’ll make a point of filling up on apple pie so that I have a few extra pounds on before the long hospital stay. Kim, one of my great friends from Ulman Fund, texted me a picture of the new treadmill that they added to the BMT unit. There is also talk of bringing my bike in on a trainer. I am determined to come home with some of the strength I went in with. I just don’t want to have to start all over again.

I finished most of my preliminary testing on Tuesday. There was lots of analysis of my heart, lungs and other organs. I think I did better on those tests than I did previously, but it seemed apparent to me that I wasn’t “normal” yet … or may ever be. They wouldn’t give me any results (my doctor will do that next week) but when I prodded about my heart function, the woman kindly said that her mother’s heart is only at 20% (55% is normal) and she lives a very active, healthy life. Ha! I’m not sure that was comforting!!! My goal was to be at 55% and I don’t think I made it, but hopefully there hasn’t been any decline since last time, as a result of the chemo. Somehow I skipped my meeting with the psychologist, but I’m pretty sure I’ll at least pass that test!

The last thing I want to mention is the Light the Night Walk on Saturday. We are 75% of the way to our goal of raising $1,000! Thank you so much to those who have donated and who are coming out to walk with us. The forecast says there is a possibility of snowflakes! If you’re around and can come down, please do. Ty is making a Team Supergirl banner for us to carry. I’ll be sure to post pictures.

posted under The Daily Record
2 Comments to

“Day 516”

  1. Avatar October 28th, 2011 at 10:56 am amy Says:

    Field trip to NYC in November?!?!?


  2. Avatar October 28th, 2011 at 2:49 pm Heather Says:

    I don’t know about you guys but I am looking forward to more stories on the Gory Details section myself.