I'll post this as an introduction....As most of you know, I am a veteran leukemia fighter...my first fight was in 1997 when I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). After months of chemo and a bone marrow transplant from my brother Brandon in November 1997, I continued on living life fully until December 2002 when the leukemia returned. More chemo and another transplant from an unrelated donor in July 2003 allowed me again to once again go on with my life. In October 2005 I moved to New York, my favourite city, to work on an internal project and continue my passion - acting. Unfortunately in July 2006, the leukemia returned once again. I flew back to Calgary to be treated.
The doctors told me a third bone marrow transplant was not an option, so I started chemo again immediately. About 10 days into chemo, with no white blood cells (infection fighting cells), I developed a flesh-eating disease in my neck and chest area. I had emergency surgery to try to remove the infected tissue and prevent further damage, which sent me into Intensive Care for several weeks. With no white blood cells to fight the various infections I had, it was nothing short of a miracle that allowed me to leave ICU finally.
My dad kept a journal of the numerous procedures, tests and surgeries that I had during my hospitalization - you can read it if you like (see separate post). I started to really recover in September, being able to breathe without oxygen, and finally was able to stand and take a few steps with a walker in early October. I had my feeding tube removed shortly after, allowing me a pass out of the hospital for Thanksgiving, and finally passed a swallowing test in mid-October so I could eat solid foods and drink liquids again! Chicken fingers, fries and a diet coke was my first meal (you can't imagine how good it tasted), and a day later I had steak and Lobster with my good friend Tasha (who is fighting breast cancer right now) at the Keg.
Since the end of October, I have been at home doing my chemo, which is mostly pill-form of various drugs, with an intravenous push every 28 days. The weeks have been flying by, as I go into the hospital or a lab nearly every day for blood work, tests, wound care, etc. and need a lot of rest. I am now walking, doing steps, driving, breathing and eating...although my stamina and strength are still coming slowly. All in all, I am so far ahead of where I was just a couple of months ago. It's truly amazing and I have no doubt that the speed at which I've recovered is due to the "balloon" of positive energy from everyone supporting me.
That's kind of the story up to now....I don't really know what's in store for the future, so I continue to try to focus on a very short-term improvement and enjoy the holidays. I'll try to keep a few updates going and look forward to hearing what everyone has planned for the holidays.
Thanks again to all for your support and remember to Toast Life everyday!
Cheers,
Tricia
