Tunes on Tuesday: For the First Time by Kenny Loggins

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Catching Up

 I have been writing and making notes since I was diagnosed, I just wasn't ready to talk about it until now.  Here are the most current entries to get everyone caught up.    

I now have an official diagnoses: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) with the Philadelphia chromosome. 

It all started because I was doing some grocery shopping at Wal-Mart and I started to feel sick so I headed to the check out.  All of a sudden, I couldn't breathe, I couldn't see, and then I woke up looking up at the ceiling.  

This was the first time in my life that I have ever passed out.  It left me with a nice goose egg on the back of my head. 

 

My husband took me to the doctor to have it checked out.  My doctor was concerened I might have blood clots so I was sent to the ER who did a CT scan.  It was confirmed that I had two bloods in my lungs. 

They went on to try to find out why I have the clots, and to make an extremnily long day and stroy short, they found the leukemia. 

I was put on an ambulance and taken two hours from home to the nearest leukemia treatment center.  

Have you ever wanted to know your number? You know, how you stack up to the rest of society? I now know. There are 4,000 new cases of ALL every year (most of those being kids as ALL is usually a childhood cancer, only 1/3 of the 4,000 are adults) and of those 4,000 only 30% have the Philadelphia chromosome and of the 30% that have the Philadelphia chromosome, the number of people who have the cyst on their brain is unknown. I am told I am the first one that the doctors at the hospital has encounter. I know I'm special (ha), but this is taking it too far!

The term "Acute" means very fast growing and without treatment, it grows very fast and kills swiftly. Passing out and going to the doctor to get checked saved my life. I have been told that mine was caught super early. Leukemia has no "stages" as some other cancers do.

Will be getting my first spinal tap soon. This will determine if there are cancer cells in my central nervous system and the fluid surrounding my brain. We know there are no cells in my brain, but there may be some around my brain. Hoping it was caught so early, that the cells have not had time to get into my CNS and cerebral fluid.

Here are some links, but please don't freak out when you see the statics. They aren't good. You have to remember that ALL attacks with vengeance and a lot of this data is based on patients who were untreated for a significant about of time. The long term survival rate is about 50-60%.

Unfortunately, this means that of the 3,999 other cases that will be diagnosed this year, their survival rate dropped by one, as I WILL be one of the 50-60% that gets through this. Steven and Jared can't get rid of me this easily.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acute_lymphoblastic_leukemia

http://marrow.org/Patient/Disease_and_Treatment/About_Your_Disease/ALL/Acute_Lymphoblastic_Leukemia_%28ALL%29.aspx

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_chromosome

 

Got some more news. 30% of people have something called the Philadelphia chromosome. People with this chromosome have to have bone marrow transplants.

I have the chromosome. They have to get me into remission and then they will do the bone marrow transplant.

The issue right now is the cyst on my brain. They need to know if meds can go through the cyst. If it can't, I will have to have neurosurgery to have the cyst corrected. They are worried meds won't cross it and they don't want me to relapse at that one spot. Will go this afternoon and test that. The cyst that is on my brain is no big deal. I was probably born with it and, had this not happened, I would have never know it was there.

The best bet for a donor will be an unrelated donor. The best donor is usually a sibling and since I don't have one, an unrelated is the next best option, with a parent or child last.

A very special thank you to everyone who has sent me flowers. Unfortunately, I am not allowed to have live flowers in my room. I should have said something, but you guys know me, I don't think about people buying me stuff.

Now, as far as the blood marrow goes, there are donor centers all across the US that you can go into and have your bone marrow tested. You never know, you might be able to save someone's life. There is someone out there right now that went to one of the centers and got tested that just might save mine.

I will keep posting updates and I know them. It's kind of a hurry up and wait situation right now.

 

  

Today has been an exhausting today. Had three chemo treatments today, a spinal tap, and two CT scans.

I already mentioned the cyst that is on brain. The two CT scans today were to find out how much that cyst is going to play into my recovery. They are trying to determine if the Chemo is going to be able to get through the cyst and get treated.

The CT scan proved today that the chemo can NOT get through the cyst. So, what does this mean? Does this mean that it will be only one spot to not get treated? Could this mean I could relapse with this spot? Does it mean since Chemo can't get through it, can the Leukemia get through it? These are answers we just don't know yet. As soon as they know how this cyst could or could not affect my treatment and remission, then they will know how to proceed with that part of the puzzle.

We will have the test results from the spinal tomorrow. They did the spinal to see if there are Leukemia cells in my CSF (cerebral spinal fluid). http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003428.htm You know you wanted an education, LOL!!!

 

 

So far, the only update is that I made the decision to withdraw from school (for now). Its breaking my heart (since I am SO close) but its the right thing to do. I am leaving in good standing so I will be able to pick up where I left off and get my last 6 classes done and get my degree. The school was very understanding and made it painless.

 

Chemo round two. Blood sugar is too high, getting round of insulin. Blood platelets are low, getting round of platelets and two rounds of blood. Chemo round three is scheduled for this afternoon with a spinal tap. The chemo will be infused directly into my spine. Test to check brain cyst also scheduled for today.

It's going to be a long, tiresome day.  I will post updates as I know more.
 

 

 My biggest issue right now is modesty has been thrown out the window and I have to get used to people helping me. I'm used to being the caregiver and if I need/want something I get it myself.

Now, I need help showering and even walking (as I have a pick line and more tubes than Steven's aquarium and I'm still horrified at the chance of blacking out again) and I have to ask if I want or need anything.

More later as I have more.

 

 

 

  

  

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Tunes on Tuesday: True by Spandau Ballet

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I just wanted to write a little note.

On February 15th, I was diagnosed with leukemia. 

I plan to blog about it, but I need to come to terms with it myself first.

My giveaways are going to be on hold for a little bit. 

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Silly Saturday: The Very Best of "Walk on the Wild Side"

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Wacky and Weird Wednesday: Hair Diamond and a Poo Basket

taken from: http://www.heart-in-diamond.com

Aren't they pretty?  Wanna know what it is?

"A UK company specializing in memorial diamonds created for you from yours, your loved ones, or pets hair or cremation ashes. Our laboratory has been successfully operating over the past 8 years producing high quality colored diamonds with the chemical, optical and physical properties of a natural diamond. Memorial diamonds are certified diamonds identical to mined diamonds only instead of being created by nature’s carbon, your unique memorial diamond is created for you from yours or your loved ones personal carbon."


Learn more about them here.

Have a hankering for an usual sucker?  You are in luck! I have just the thing for you!

taken from: http://mcphee.com/shop/underpants-sucker.html

Because who wouldn't want to suck on some minty fresh underwear, right?  Order yours today here.

Tired of the expression, "When pigs fly?"  Well, guess what? They do! 

taken from: http://www.baronbob.com/flying-pig-toy.htm

 

You can get your own flying pig here. 

**Fair Warning: The Next Two Might be Offensive!!**

Looking for an unusual gift bag that will make you be remembered? I found just the thing for you! Ready for this?!? 

The website states:

"DooLightfully, DooLicious, this Guittard Milk Chocolate Doo Drop is nestled on green "grass" and conveniently packaged "for pickup" in a clear cellophane baggy. Simply heat in the microwave for a hot, steamy pile. Looks like real poo poo!

Poo Pile Dimensions (Inches): 3 x 3 x 3

Makes the perfect White Elephant Gift or the ultimate revenge for that "Ex" in your life.

One turd (1/3) of a pound of fun!

Shipping Weight ~ 1/2 lb."

At $10.00, it will certainly be an unforgettable gift. Order yours here.



I love this next one.  Pretty self explanatory.

Order your set here.

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Sharin' the Love: Yves Rocher

Yves Rocher is my favorite place to buy body wash, shampoo, makeup, anything girly. The products are all natural and never tested on animals. Best of all, they are totally affordable.

Here are some great coupon codes to try them out.

Enjoy 5% OFF with orders over $25 at Yves Rocher! EXCLUSIVE WEB OFFER! Use coupon code 5OFF25 at checkout. End date February 28th, 2013.

Over 150 Beauty Ideas at up to 45% OFF!

Yves Rocher USA Shop Online, Save Big! Receive a Free Gift with every order!

 

Gift Ideas: $5 Shop & Top gift ideas

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Tunes on Tuesday: Sailing by Christopher Cross

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Oh, Man! It's Monday!

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Silly Saturday: Spell Checker

I have no idea who wrote this (if you do tell me so I can give credit) cute little poem but I wanted to share it.

Eye halve a spelling chequer
It came with my pea sea
It plainly marques four my revue
Miss steaks eye kin knot sea.

Eye strike a key and type a word
And weight four it two say
Weather eye am wrong oar write
It shows me strait a weigh.

As soon as a mist ache is maid
It nose bee fore two long
And eye can put the error rite
Its rare lea ever wrong.

Eye have run this poem threw it
I am shore your pleased two no
Its letter perfect awl the weigh
My chequer tolled me sew. 

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FANtastic Friday: Long Winter Soap Company

These are my own opinions and I was not compensated in any way for this post.  I am simply a huge fan of these products and wanted to share it with everyone.

I have talked about Long Winter Soap company before, but I have tried a new product and I have to share it.

The first item I bought from them was this:

picture taken from Long Winter Soap Etsy page

And I LOVE it.  I have used it all winter long and my lips have never chapped once.  I would also like to mention that my son told me his friends think I am pretty cool for having something called "Unicorn Farts".  I am pretty ok with that.

My husband's lips got really badly chapped, so I tossed him my tube of Unicorn Farts and now he uses it all the time.

Worried I would run out, I went to their Etsy page to order more.  And guess what I found...

photo taken from Long Winter Soap Etsy page

Um, yeah, so this was me:

Unicorn Farts and Yeti Breath?  Yes, please.

And here they are.  It was a good mail day!

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**Sneak Peek** Upcoming "Ugly" Necklaces

hair clip

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Sharin' the Love: Cardstore Free Shipping

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Wordless Wednesday and GIVEAWAY!

For this Wordless Wednesday, I present you with this very cute change purse! 

Now, scroll down past the pictures for exciting news! 

In celebration of becoming a brand new I.G.P. consultant, I am giving away this change purse! 

I think it would also be cute for a little girl's very first handbag. 

If you would like to order: this change purse costs $5.00 and comes in different colors and patterns. I accept PayPal and all major credit cards.  I can ship to anywhere in the US for $6.00 (for standard shipping, if you want it sooner, I can ship priority for $8.00). For all available colors and patterns, click here.



a Rafflecopter giveaway Have a giveaway? Link it up here:

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Wacky and Weird Wednesday: Saddle, Baked Potato, and Jenga

I can't make up my mind how I feel about this one.  I can see where it could be a cute idea, but I can't help but feel creeped out as well.

This is an awesome idea and something I would totally buy to keep in my desk at work.  Now, if only I knew where my pen was.....

Who wouldn't want a 6 foot rose, right?

This is one way to prevent the wet doggy smell. 

This is great.  Yes, its a gag gift but I would so give it to someone and do my best to keep a straight face. 

Because... why not??

These require no words from me. 

 I might actually get some stuff done with this thing.

I'm down for a game, anyone want to join me??


All items and pictures taken from here.

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