A handful of you know that my journey with AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia) started with a visit to the Urgent Care/ER with a nagging sore throat and fever in early October. That visit led to a months-long stay at Toledo Hospital with a final diagnosis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia with a FLT3 positive mutation. Inital treatment is agressive chemotherapy with an endgame plan of a Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation (HCT) transplant to ensure remission. The road will be long and rough, but I've got this with support from all of you!
The month of October was physically and emotionally the hardest the boys and I have experienced EVER! My dad, of course, came to my rescue by flying from sunny Florida to Ohio in order to stay with the boys and manage the house while we navigated our new life. The boys grew up too fast and gained a lot of driving experience to/from the hospital at all hours for visits and help with homework. As a mom, I never wished this on my babies; no matter how old they are. I was cheered by so many well wishes, birthday videos, texts, visits (when able), meals, donations, and just damn good vibes from so many countless good humans. I am truly blessed and cannot begin to thank you all.
November brought about a hospital discharge, wig fittings, and a plethora of outpatient medications, along with a referral to the hospital up north for a Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation (HCT) transplant. That process is very thorough, and as such, it is a long one (and expensive!). The team there has been wonderful and the communication and compassion is impressive, especially from a Buckeye fan! There was also a monthly inpatient stay at Toledo Hospital for chemo. The Hematology/Oncology team (inpatient and outpatient) are some of the best souls I have met in my life.
December came about with some hiccups with low blood counts that resulted in not-so-fun side effects and A LOT of transfusions. Dad came back from Florida to make sure his warm clothes still fit and for another visit up north which resulted in an acceptance to their Transplant program! The admission for the transplant is dependent on finding a donor match. Crossing fingers this is soon as only 3-4 cycles of Consolidation chemo are recommended to keep my type of AML in check. The holidays were rescheduled so I could spend quality time with loved ones in order to keep on my monthly inpatient chemo schedule. Christmas Day brings me back to Toledo Hospital watching a Die Hard marathon and more inpatient chemotherapy (Consolidation Cycle 2). We are praying for little to no side effects this time around so I can be home in time to usher in the New Year with the boys and dogs at home.
I appreciate all of your well-wishes and prayers while I try to balance my new health journey with being a mom of two teenage boys and three furbabies; my dad being my dad; maintaining my employment/benefits; as well as recent and upcoming financial trials. Your smiles, hugs, and positive energy are getting me through!
I will continue to keep this profile updated on my journey. Feel free to check back for any updated as I am terrible at sending texts these days.
