In case anybody cares I'm still alive but going through a difficult time. I haven't been doing any sewing or posting about it.
Friday afternoon update-- Thank you for all your concerns and caring comments. It's so nice to hear from those who have met me and those who only know me from my sewing. I just got off the phone with my sister who gave me a pep talk. Earlier my doctor from Johns Hopkins called and we discussed everything that's going on and how I feel. He's very optimistic and wants me to feel better about it.
Gail D, you said it best, that the aggressive treatment is knocking the stuff out of me. Basically the plasmapheresis is removing my blood plasma with all my antibodies. I'm tired and lackadaisical. The doctor is encouraged that I am making small progress, able to stand up straight without aid or wobbling for several minutes, able to move/bend my toes and even bend at the knee and come back up without wobbling or falling over. He said that anything that is forward is good progress, and he wanted me to be excited about that. As for the numbness in my lower legs and feet - like wearing a very tight sock, he said that would take longer to heal. They intended the treatment to be aggressive. Since the treatment I get tomorrow will be the end of the third week, and he has all my labs, the team will meet early next week to decide how long I keep the catheter in and how many more treatments before I go back to see them on the 30th. They will probably have the doctors here remove the catheter before I go back.
He said my recovery is going to take a long time. I told him I really need to be able to get back to cooking since my husband is such a bad cook, and I don't know how long I can endure the frozen entrees (he just got back from the grocery store with more LOL, but he brought me some chocolate). So like everything else I've been though since this began, I'll endure the treatments, feel good about these baby steps and be hopeful for what tomorrow brings. It could be worse so I need to pick myself up and look forward.
Thanks again for your encouragement that makes me feel better. I really need to get on with some sewing to feel productive again.
Take care of yourself. Hope you are all better soon.
ReplyDeleteI see your infrequenst posts at SG as well. You do seem to be at least improving a little. Although I'm sure the therapy will initially make you feel worse. It's just good to hear from you.
ReplyDeleteWishing you well and looking forward to your sewn creations
Terri,I have been worried about you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteDotty
I see a lot of your photos popping up on Flickr. I think I have even sent you a note through that system. I am sorry you are still not well. I had hoped that you were doing better. Prayers and thoughts are with you.
ReplyDeleteI DO care, and I'm glad to see this short post. I do hope things improve very soon!
ReplyDeleteTerri, many of us care how you're doing. I take it the treatment at JH is knocking the stuffing out of you. I will keep my thoughts positive that the treatment will work for you.
ReplyDeleteTry to stay positive. You seem to have a very supportive husband and adequate finances, so you don't have to worry like I would have to. You're very fortunate to have the access you do, so make the most of it and do everything you can to heal.
Regards, Gail D.
Thanks for updating us, Terri...so sorry you're down in the dumps! But hang in there...the JH dr sounds encouraging. Miss your sewing and comments...
ReplyDeleteTake care...
Margy
I do wish you fast recovery. Need your sewing project pictures. You have such a talent, you have to get well. :))
ReplyDeleteHang in there! I wish you well.
ReplyDeleteI've been checking your blog from time to time, wondering how you are doing. I'm glad you are doing better, even if it is slower than you would like. I'm so sorry you can't sew right now. I hope that your improvement continues-but at an accelerated pace.
ReplyDeletePS We had a saying around here when we were remodeling the house: "No one ever died from an overdose of pizza."
Wondered how you were doing Terri. Hang in there and hoping that you turn the corner to improvement soon,
ReplyDeleteTerry
hope your small progresses gain momentum so you can get back to what you love doing .
ReplyDeleteGlad to see that things are looking brighter with you since your sis's pep talk and your conversation with your doctor. It's no doubt that something like this can get you down--this has been going on so long. But your improvements sound so promising. Take care and hopefully you'll be cooking "good" food again soon. In the meantime, thankgoodness for frozen! lol
ReplyDeleteDear Terri,
ReplyDeleteEven in your current place of treatment, you still encourage others by your attitude and strength.
You have been in my daily prayers and thoughts since I read about your ailment.
I love your sewing , your garments are stylish and suit you well.
I hope each day you will find yourself getting stronger,and be able to do all the things you love to do!
It's so good to see this post from you, Terri. You are still an inspiration to me, yet very real. What a lot you are going through. And yet you DO manage to keep looking forward. Sending positive karma and prayers your way, Martha
ReplyDeleteHi Terri,
ReplyDeleteI've also been concerned about you. Glad to hear you are doing significantly better even though in the short term you are more uncomfortable. Maybe you could hire a food service, such as one that brings delicious, healthy organic meals or whatever your taste, to your door. If you have a Fresh Market or Whole Foods, you can get quality food already prepared. Good food is important to your recovery as well. I will keep you in my prayers and look forward to when you can return to sewing and update this blog! I miss your inspiring posts.
Warm wishes,
Violet
Terri:
ReplyDeleteI agree with the comments of the other ladies. You are an inspiration. Hang in there and keep the faith.
Best wishes,
Adrian
Thanks for the update -- I've been thinking of you. All best wishes -- keep the faith.
ReplyDeleteTerri - Glad you're making improvements, however, small. I'm at a comp for a week and it's been good to see you posting. You've been thru a lot. I admire your courage and determination. Sorry about the frozen dinners (LOL)!
ReplyDeleteMarcia
Terri I wish you all the best and am sorry to hear that the slow progress is getting to you. I have followed your sewing and other adventures over the years and even though I live 1/2 a world away feel a kinship with you as a fellow sewist. I am confident that your amazing attitude and the way you have always tackled any project with 150% enthusiasm will prevail and get you through this chapter in your life. My thoughts and prayers are with you. All the best and my love.
ReplyDeleteJacqui
Thanks for sharing the ASG post on SG! Keep your chin up and think positive thoughts!
ReplyDeleteLynsa
Terri, it was so good to see your encouraging post on SG today. I do pray that your good progress continues. Nothing like fondling and buying some quality fabric to give one a boost as well.
ReplyDelete