Spinals and cheez-its

Good evening everyone,

I've had a busy couple of days. Lots of wonderful visits. It is so incredible to feel so loved and supported. A cancer unit isn't the easiest place to visit. It brings up some of our worst fears. I am so lucky to have people that would do anything to help me and my family through this time.

I had a nice visit from Dr. Azar yesterday to let me know about my lumbar puncture. I despise those. I had way to many last time. Dr. Azar did a triple take when he found out how many I've had. This one will determine whether the leukemia is in my spinal fluid. If so then I get 5 more spinals with methotrexate and if not then no more taps. Anyway, the procedure was uncomfortable but Dr. Azar was fast so just a little pain and a migraine. So far they found a few suspicious cells but I won't know until the flow cytometry gets back tomorrow.

I had a wonderful visit with my cousins Sam and Emily this afternoon. Emily made a wonderful garland to decorate the room. Sam brought a few games to help with the time. One of his favorites is Rush Hour, Traffic Attack. It brings out the OCD and I can't put it down. We also had a wonderful couple games of UNO attack. I love the original but this one spit cards out at you. I am looking forward to making my family sick of playing it with me like I did the game sorry.

I had a nice visit last night from my uncles John and Ralph last night. The staff loves how supportive and fun my family is. Thanks Aunt GiYun for the chicken teriaki and egg rolls. We had that for dinner tonight along with the peanut butter pie Aunt Lisa and the twins brought. Sam accidentally sat on the pie in its bag but it didn't stop us from devouring it.

I'm not sure if you can tell but food is on my mind. Nothing like steroids pumping through your body. I was doing my lap walking when a nurse walked by with a box of cheez-its. I finished the last 20 minutes of my walk thinking about all the good toppings that go on cheez-its. pathetic. really pathetic.

I had a wonderful visit from our puppy Penny yesterday. I was able to see her all covered up. I wasn't sure she would even recognize me with mask, gloves, and gown. I didn't need to worry. Such a sweetie.

Well, it's getting late and I feel like I am rambling. Think positive thoughts for no more spinals.

Love Andrea

PS...I meant to post yesterday about the bone marrow registration but forgot. The transplant team that is working with me suggested people visit the website marrow.org to find out more information about becoming a donor or being tested. It is an incredible gift. The kindness of strangers could save my life. Even if you're not my match someone just like me is out there waiting for that gift. They have a great website.