Just got home from the clinic and I've got a little pep in my step! I think by tomorrow or Sunday I'll be able to re-enter the world and break out of the bubble! No more daily visits to the clinic! No more isolating myself in this apartment! No more having to worry about sanitizing my hands every 10 minutes! No more paranoia about the foods I eat and making sure they're properly cooked! Take out food and eating out are now ok (even sushi!)! Most importantly, I can feel like a regular person again (somewhat). I still look like a freak with a completely bald head, no eyelashes and very thin eyebrows but that will come ;)
I'm also proud to say that I'm the only person (according to my P.A.) that's stayed out of the hospital for both transplants! I thought for sure I'd have to go in for this one but somehow I stayed out (knock on wood).
Another great piece of good news I received today is they're going to take my Hickman line out! Looks like around Jan 22 or so they'll be yanking this pain in the ass out of me (see pic). You can't imagine how much a relief it's going to be to be able to take a normal shower again! With the line in, I have to cover it up then wrap each clave with this stretchy plastic. Not to mention, the daily task of flushing each side and keeping it clot free with Heparin. Also, no more changes to the dressing which kept bacteria from creeping into my chest (the pic is dressing free). I have to figure out what I'm going to do with it once they remove it. Maybe I'll turn it into a piece of art. Maybe I can burn it... Maybe I'll just throw it away... It's just going to be nice to not have it in my body (although I'll have the scars forever...).
With all this said, I still know the most important milestone will be the 100 day mark when they scan me to see if the cancer is all gone. I'm not going to get too caught up in these little victories as I know the war isn't quite over. For today though, I'm going to enjoy the good news and cross the other bridge once I get to it.
2 comments:
I don't know, Chris - I'd celebrate every victory, no matter how small! Not that these victories are small - being let out of isolation, removal of Hickmann and knowing that you are indeed the new Superman ;0) - these are HUGE and should all be shouted from the rooftops and you should be grinning from ear to ear!!
Well done, you!!!
Vx
Chris,
I don't know how you've done TWO transplants as an out patient, but it is nothing short of amazing and a testament to your strength and courage.
Way to go and congrats on the soon-to-be removal of the Hickman. That's worth a celebration in itself!
Cheers!
:)Kirsten
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