Dear Friends,
This is my September update for you as you continue to be in touch and support me prayerfully in what I’m facing with this Acute Leukaemia.
Following my week in hospital where the first cycle of injections and medication began, I found myself stronger and very grateful for all the help that the medical profession is able to give. I began to see this targeted treatment as a game of ping-pong with my white cells. They let them build up and then knock them down again as the treatment kills not only the leukaemia cells but also some healthy ones. That first cycle of treatment was finally shown, through a second bone marrow biopsy, and blood test, to have given me what is called a remission. This happens in 50% of cases. But I see it as a miracle of both Spirit and Science. The recovery was the best my haematologist here on the South Coast had seen. The journey of my spirit and the Spirit continues and I walk intentionally and prayerfully with my life in the balance. A new phase begins where there are lots of adjustments to make.
But the immediate follow up is that I will require ongoing cycles of maintenance medication (again injections for 7 days and tablets for 21) until either that treatment stops working or until I can no longer tolerate it. I began that second cycle the day after receiving the news of the remission (which I have re-labelled as re-mission-ed). Yes, there are side effects which can be managed but they are not at all pleasant. So far in the second cycle I have been quite weary and have the same sunburnt tummy from the injections as well as living with the agony of being managed by a medical calendar for medications and appointments. I am on a knife edge as well from being likely to pick up an infection – which also happens in 50% of cases of this disease.
In myself I do not regret trialling the treatment, and found in discerning whether to go on with it, an indifference in me that was not there in the beginning. Now I wonder just how I’ll know when/whether to cease treatment. With monthly blood tests and appointments with my haematologist, there will be the science of the disease to consider. I’m focussed rather on the learning I’m doing in the process – healing, patience, courage, wisdom, all stretching me far more than anything in my life before. And it is not for nothing, I’m sure.
I live a quiet life in my cosy, coastal cottage in Port Elliot, engage with friends through text and emails, still drive here and there, and allow occasional visits or outings when energy allows. I’ll always be glad to hear from you as/when you are able. I’ve added a postal address if that is your preference for keeping in touch.
St Mary of the Cross has been a cherished companion in these days and my faith and spirituality are standing me in good stead for whatever I face in the days/weeks/months/perhaps years to come.
Thank you for your friendship which I value more than ever in these times,
Di