Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Hitting the big time

Well, finally! My platelets beat 150,000 on Monday coming in at 152,000! As of today - 192,000! Whoo hooo! So, as of right now, no more plasma exchange. I think the weekend home did me some good.

That's right...I went home last weekend to be with my boys. It was exhaustingly wonderful. I got more cuddles than I could have hoped for -- I couldn't get enough of them. Oh, those cute boys just kill me! I did need to take rests throughout the day -- they are so active!

My kidneys still haven't kicked in, but the doctors are hopeful that since my blood is doing well, they will recover fully. Until then, dialysis continues.

Hope all is well there. Hugs to all!
Lannette

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Footloose and Fancy Free

I guess freedom has been a bit too good for me since I have neglected my blog due to it. I have obviously had no problem keeping myself busy in the outside world. It has been LOVELY!!! I am feeling strong, however right now every muscle in my body is yelling at me from all of the walking I have been doing. Getting my strength back is exhausting!

So much to do with my freedom. I have attended an art viewing at the Seattle Museum of Art (across the street from the condo). I walk and shopped Pike Place (a block from the condo) regularly. I love buying fresh ingredients for my dinners! I love the smells of the waterfront. I love the food! I am being extremely careful with my diet, I have big plans for these kidneys, but man there is real food out here! The days I am in the hospital for treatment I dread lunch, but then I realize I get to have my own yummy dinner and get excited over what to make.

Between Jamie and Doug I have been taught a ton of Seattle secrets. I have never lived here, or known the city well, so the info has been great. Doug visited this last weekend and we had a blast exploring together. I love Ballard, by the way!

I am happy and healthy. Still fighting for my life every day. My schedule includes M/W/F dialysis - my Renal docs visit me during each treatment and M/Th Plasma then Thursday after treatment I see my Hemetology/Oncology doctor at her office. I still have a pretty full schedule, as you can see. I love my Tuesdays and weekends!

Speaking of weekends, I am trying to get over to Chelan this weekend. Melissa (my sister) is checking her schedule to see if she can drive with me. I don't trust myself to make the drive alone without stopping quite a bit along the way. Maybe in a couple more weeks. So, if it works out, I look forward to seeing all of your smiling faces. I am dying to get over there and see everyone!!! I have missed you so much.

If you have any Seattle tips or secrets for me, please let me know! If you are in Chelan, hope to see you this weekend. Please keep up the good thoughts and prayers for me. I am doing well, but still very much in need of them.

Love and miss you all,
Hugs,
Lannette

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

It's Independence Day!

WHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Really and truly - I am OUT today!!! FREEDOM, baby!!!!! After literally 7 weeks in the hospital, I can hardly believe it.

Crappy Hospital Food - free
Laundry Services - free
People at your Beck and Call 24 hours a day - free
Getting out of the hospital - priceless!

Right now I am receiving my final dialysis as an in-patient which will be followed my plasma. Then done. I will return three times a week for treatments. My sister, Alicia, is coming up to spring me. Chris Raines has been generous enough to allow me to borrow their condo in Seattle so that I can continue treatment from here. A HUGE thank you to his family. I am constantly amazed by the willingness of our CVIS Family to sacrifice and help each other.

I still have my plan in place to get back over there ASAP. If it's up to me, I will return with my boys this next week. So send out those same thoughts so that we can make it happen!

I hope you all have a wonderful day! Can't wait to come over and see all of you. I will do so soon.

All my love and lots of hugs!
Lannette