This is my first post on a new blog. For a little over two years I have been hosting a website www.IHaveMDS.com where I tried to share my experiences. A year, a month, a week and five days after having a stem cell transplant I am trying to get on with my life.
Yesterday I did a load of laundry and was reminded of how long it has been since I had total independence. Of 14 pairs of underwear, I had not purchased a single one. Living weeks and months confined to a hospital room and pajamas I had liitle need for clothes. My mother visited and cared for me during this time. She always brought me things. Magazines, socks and underwear. That's alot of hospital stays. Thats a strange feeling, not being able to purchase your own underwear. Never thought of it til now. With limited resources buying my own boxers falls pretty low on my priority list.
Today I edged the yard, not a major task but I was in the sun and getting some cardio in. Feels good to sweat. The obstacle called sleep continues to emerge. My body is doing it but at the wrong times. I have begun replenishing my tool box. In the opening months of my illness I tried to keep up with my medical bills which quickly dried up what savings I had managed to build. So pawn shops became a major source of income as I saw one tool after the other go into hock until I could go back to work and get it out. I would have never guessed it would have been 25 months and counting until I am gainfully employed again.
Cancer can take many things from you besides your health. Dignity is soon lost as you find that you are now dependent on others for shelter, food, and living expenses. For an independent prideful person that may hurt worse than some chemotherapy treatments. It did & does for me. I work with my hands and find it embarassing when I meet someone new and shake hands. I am complimented on the softness of my palms. These are not mine, the hands I know are calloused, blistered, or cut. They should show signs of labor. The medications I am on state that I should avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. I tried to play a round of golf only to find the sun gave me headaches and nausea. One of the drawback of taking so many pills.
Summer is here and I hope my immune system is soon strong enough that I will no longer need so many medications and that my doctor feels it is safe for me to go back into workforce. I feel so strong at times and act like I did before, only to find that the next few days I will be cramping, sleeping, and fighting nausea.
There is a second chapter to my life that is beginning, consider this the prelogue. My life has been a journey with the most turbulent times being the last few years. I have survived in part by prayers and warm wishes from family, friends and new acquaintenaces. Hopefully that support continues and I can share some good chapters of my life.
I think you can subscribe to this blog and it will be emailed to you when it is updated. I hope you do, because I could not have made it this far without you.
If you knew what I know about the power of giving, you would not let a single meal pass without sharing it in some way - Buddha (563 BC - 483 BC)
BLOG.IHAVEMDS.COM
Moving to a new site
I am moving this blog to another site that is easier to navigate. Please take a look at it and become a subscriber. http://mylifepostcancer.blogspot.com/2010/05/underwear.html Here is the new link. What follows is the first entry on the new site.
Underwear
Are you supposed to have a toe nail on your pinky toe?
I have been awake since 6 this morning and am being productive. I am searching the classifieds in hopes of landing a position here in Houston. Looks more like Dallas or Austin has the bulk of the work. I do not think I could live in Dallas during football season, the thought alone is nauseating.
There is a little box on the right that says "subscribe" if you have not entered your email address would you please. I do not know who my subcribers are but I like to see the count grow. I go back for a morning infusion on Monday, last about 3 hours if you are not busy and want to see the goings on in the best hospital in the world you are welcome to be by my bedside. You just have to promise to close your eyes and ears when they insert the IV into me. My veins are so weak and small that they collapse when the nurses first try. I am secure enough with my manhood to say that I scream and cry like a little kid. I even ask them to put a happy face sticker on it when they are done.
I have yet to watch a complete baseball game this year, I hope to, tonight. Two days in a row I have went to sleep by myself and woke myself up at 7. Trying to condition my body to get back into a routine.
I do not publicize on here but if you go to CVS photo section you can upload your pictures from the phone and share them. The good thing is that they give first timers 50 free prints that you can pick up at any location you choose. It is a excellent idea and is allowing me to fill my photo albums. I have not counted but I know that I have more pictures of my daughter and my sister than everyone combined. That smile of theirs gravitates toward the flash.
I went to a country and western saloon and dance hall with my daughter and our cousin Moni. It was past my bedtime but I stuck it out. Did not get to dance though, I tried I asked the girl and was rejected quicker than quick. I think I have passed the bar scene. The attractive ones were too young and the olders ones made me feel even older.
Thats what I have been thinking about lately, getting old. I am not sure if I want to grow old by myself. The last couple of years have taken a toll on my social life. It is still at ground zero. Someone, somewhere is out there for me. I am not 100% yet but you might want to sign up early because as soon as I get down to taking only 10 pills a day, well that will be when I hit the street (think of John Travolta as he walks in the opening of Saturday Night Fever) I may not have found a date on this venture but I have had the opportunity to meet some of the most compassionate people.
In the early stages I had a little savings. That dried up by week 2, thats when I went to the pawn shop. I ended up losing most of my tools to pay for medicines. So now I start all over. I bought a small 6 piece wrench set this weekend. It felt so good that I slept with it under my pillow.
When I last saw my doctor he just smiles and can not believe how well things have gone. Antibiotics will be taken for awhile but life should resume shortly.
There is this guy I know that did some pretty dumb stuff and his cousin was mad. Furious. He was ashamed of his actions too much to apologize. So they did not talk. That friend had a fundraiser and sure enough the cousin must still be mad. Turns out she had a family reunion to go to on her husbands side. By the time I opened my laptop that night the cousin had wired transferred $40 to the guys account. That is a relationship the friend should mend. He misses her.
I have some great Houston Astros memorabilia, perfect for the game room. Signed baseballs. Bobble heads, different caps (new) mini bat, so if there is someone out there looking this is a collection that will liven up the place. Most are one of a kind items. It's a matter of getting my priorities in order. I am setting up payment plans with various hospitals and doctors. Before I went to MD Anderson, I was being admitted into the hospital at least once a week. I logged more hours one week than my nurse. I was fortunate enough to receive so much help from MD Anderson. It is the others that are hurting me. Some doctors have already posted to my credit report, those are the ones of utmost importance. One doctor billed me $450.00 to look at my chart and say "whoa, this could be serious" never saw him again until I opened his bill. I was trying to add up all my bills but the screen exploded. A new hospital on the Northwest side of town admitted me to their facility for blood transfusion. My room had a urinal. The plastic kind. There were two. They must have gave them to me on sale because the billing statement read 2 for $75. I could have had 2 half gallons of crown royal instead. I should have just held my pee but I broke down on the third day and had to use them. I washed 'em brought them back and they make great lemonade pitchers.--- Note to Mom, that was supposed to be a joke.
I feel real good right now no cramps, just me and the whirring of the fan above. I am in the process of cleaning this room. The last few months I have stayed with my cousins, parents, and sister. I try not to be a burden. Sometimes we can go a few day and never see each other up here on the homestead.
I am picking up a niece from school today. Look forward to it, its good to be needed. I might take her to Hooters if she has enough money. Other wise we go get us some grapes.
Tapping out my thoughts feels good. Thank you for reading, don't be afraid to share me.
There is a little box on the right that says "subscribe" if you have not entered your email address would you please. I do not know who my subcribers are but I like to see the count grow. I go back for a morning infusion on Monday, last about 3 hours if you are not busy and want to see the goings on in the best hospital in the world you are welcome to be by my bedside. You just have to promise to close your eyes and ears when they insert the IV into me. My veins are so weak and small that they collapse when the nurses first try. I am secure enough with my manhood to say that I scream and cry like a little kid. I even ask them to put a happy face sticker on it when they are done.
I have yet to watch a complete baseball game this year, I hope to, tonight. Two days in a row I have went to sleep by myself and woke myself up at 7. Trying to condition my body to get back into a routine.
I do not publicize on here but if you go to CVS photo section you can upload your pictures from the phone and share them. The good thing is that they give first timers 50 free prints that you can pick up at any location you choose. It is a excellent idea and is allowing me to fill my photo albums. I have not counted but I know that I have more pictures of my daughter and my sister than everyone combined. That smile of theirs gravitates toward the flash.
I went to a country and western saloon and dance hall with my daughter and our cousin Moni. It was past my bedtime but I stuck it out. Did not get to dance though, I tried I asked the girl and was rejected quicker than quick. I think I have passed the bar scene. The attractive ones were too young and the olders ones made me feel even older.
Thats what I have been thinking about lately, getting old. I am not sure if I want to grow old by myself. The last couple of years have taken a toll on my social life. It is still at ground zero. Someone, somewhere is out there for me. I am not 100% yet but you might want to sign up early because as soon as I get down to taking only 10 pills a day, well that will be when I hit the street (think of John Travolta as he walks in the opening of Saturday Night Fever) I may not have found a date on this venture but I have had the opportunity to meet some of the most compassionate people.
In the early stages I had a little savings. That dried up by week 2, thats when I went to the pawn shop. I ended up losing most of my tools to pay for medicines. So now I start all over. I bought a small 6 piece wrench set this weekend. It felt so good that I slept with it under my pillow.
When I last saw my doctor he just smiles and can not believe how well things have gone. Antibiotics will be taken for awhile but life should resume shortly.
There is this guy I know that did some pretty dumb stuff and his cousin was mad. Furious. He was ashamed of his actions too much to apologize. So they did not talk. That friend had a fundraiser and sure enough the cousin must still be mad. Turns out she had a family reunion to go to on her husbands side. By the time I opened my laptop that night the cousin had wired transferred $40 to the guys account. That is a relationship the friend should mend. He misses her.
I have some great Houston Astros memorabilia, perfect for the game room. Signed baseballs. Bobble heads, different caps (new) mini bat, so if there is someone out there looking this is a collection that will liven up the place. Most are one of a kind items. It's a matter of getting my priorities in order. I am setting up payment plans with various hospitals and doctors. Before I went to MD Anderson, I was being admitted into the hospital at least once a week. I logged more hours one week than my nurse. I was fortunate enough to receive so much help from MD Anderson. It is the others that are hurting me. Some doctors have already posted to my credit report, those are the ones of utmost importance. One doctor billed me $450.00 to look at my chart and say "whoa, this could be serious" never saw him again until I opened his bill. I was trying to add up all my bills but the screen exploded. A new hospital on the Northwest side of town admitted me to their facility for blood transfusion. My room had a urinal. The plastic kind. There were two. They must have gave them to me on sale because the billing statement read 2 for $75. I could have had 2 half gallons of crown royal instead. I should have just held my pee but I broke down on the third day and had to use them. I washed 'em brought them back and they make great lemonade pitchers.--- Note to Mom, that was supposed to be a joke.
I feel real good right now no cramps, just me and the whirring of the fan above. I am in the process of cleaning this room. The last few months I have stayed with my cousins, parents, and sister. I try not to be a burden. Sometimes we can go a few day and never see each other up here on the homestead.
I am picking up a niece from school today. Look forward to it, its good to be needed. I might take her to Hooters if she has enough money. Other wise we go get us some grapes.
Tapping out my thoughts feels good. Thank you for reading, don't be afraid to share me.
you can learn a lot sober
It has been over two years since my ( and family) life has been turned upside down. I started this website to gather information, hoping to help myself while sharing the information with others that are afflicted with the rare disease of MDS. I hope to be an advocate for the need for blood donation as well as bone marrow transplantation. I was fortunate enough to have my sister be a perfect match in her DNA to share her bone marrow with me. Thirty years ago I was pulling her hair, and shooting boogers at her. I picked on her so much because she was the girl in our family, and a beauty queen she was. She actually won that award from Jefferson Davis High School.
I lived a life of my own and found little time for my family. To say I was a black sheep is mild. I dissapointed my parents during high school. There is saying that the world is your oyster. I could have found the pearl. My father and mother were remarkable, my father is a man that someday will have a book written about him. His heart, soul, and love is beyond reproach. It now extends to my sisters kids. She has a son that is my fathers lifeline. It feels good to see him interact with "Day", because I know he spent that type of quality time with me when he could. But he worked. Crazy hours, he had a doberman pinscher that was there for us when he wasn't. I did not see much of him with his job, but I knew I was special because he was gone for hours on end tweaking out a living, while my friends did not know who their father was. But (never start a sentence with but) his family treated me to this day, three decades later as their own; I was a loner, I made family appearances. I was the epitomy of dissappointment. I could have done anything with my life.
I think it was 1986 when my mother flew solo to San Diego, Calornia to see me graduatedand lead my squad in the ceromony that was the completion of my boot camp in the United States Navy. I went on to to take more training that lead to pharmaceutical. I was too young to comprehend the power I had. At 18 years of age I was dispensing pharmacuitals. My arrogance was my downfall, I had youth and exuberance, I could do no wrong. Wrong. I made mistakes, to this day it hurts to think what my mother had to go through to see me march at my ceremonial graduation. I took it for granted. Two decades later I wish I could go back. Linda, (Ma) lives for me and her kids. I could imagine the strain it cost to fly to Cali in the 80's.
I wanted to be an attorney, a cop, all the bothood fantasies. I am a plumber in the new construction field and take great pride in craft. I was disciplined enoughed to complete the training needed to obtain a license from the sate of Texas. Being semi-bilingual and the ability to move make me in demand. I was in Florida when this nightmare started.
I have just received my first round of vaccinations and am being weaned off my medicines. Monday I have to endure a 3 hour infusion of pentaminine. If all goes well I could be cleared within a month. I miss the structure and design of being a part of something amazing. I build hotels, hospitals, schools, gyms.. The last job I was on was a million dollar plumbing project, and I had the reigns. Invincible is too light a word. Than to have a nurse help me go to the bathroom. Cancer is not a young vato loco disease. Stab me, shoot me, let my liver explode, but I am too young for cancer. The support of my family is remarkable and i would be remiss if i did not mention the husband of my cousin. He is a bulked up a Honduran that loves my cousin and his daughter. He allows me to stay in this room that I am in right now. He asks nothing in return. Thank you's are redundant.
I exchanged emails with a young lady when this all started. She paid attention to me. I smiled. As time passed, I looked forward to an email. There is no way in h*ll that this relationship would ever be something from my imagination.
Tonight I saw the light, I had my cousin (Moni) with me and woke up. I am not stupid, but hell, I eat cancer, why can't I get a date with this girl. We came to the conclusion it was over. The relationship that helped me endure the pain and agony of chemotherapy was no longer. The mind is a terrible thing to waste, but it can take you to nirvana when needles are being injected into your arms.
There will soon be a picture somewhere online of my daughter, me, and her mother. I have to have the best ex-wife imaginable. Our relationship blossomed of love. We were married two years before getting pregnant. There was no shot gun wedding. I receiced encouragement to propose from my father in law Leonard. That is a mans man. If you were to cross him, hell may come to earth. He loved his family and did everything to protect them. Years after divorcing his daughter, we saw each other and I would try to get him in my employ. He became a friend a very close one. I was married to my second wife and the father of my first wife would come to my home to talk and drink a cold one. I was on a pier in Calooshathie river when I recieved the call that he passed. I wanted to run back. See him one more time. Tell him that I would take care of his grand daughter and even his daughter if need be (husband or not)
My life has been turmoil. I will make the change for the better. In all my babbling I am not sure if you know who I am. I am supposed to be dead. My sister, your prayers, and the grace of god have seen me to this date.
I was an absentee father, too busy being a piece of shit to take care of my daughter. Her mother grabbed the bull by the horns and kept Elle on the right track. Now I am trying to make up for lost time. I am proud of her, she is seeing a good man that I have respect for and loves my daughter.
I can not reclaim the past, I will never be able to repay all the prayers and sentiments sent my way
Family has seemed to come out of the wood work. A beautiful cousin in Austin is remarkable, her father protects us through the Fire Department, his wife and son bake pastries for my benefit. I had not seen any of them in years.
I am still single and hitting on any female within a 3 foot distance, some things do not change. I hate closing my eyes and pulling a pillow close to me, to comfort the need for companionship. A new date a new goal. Time to celebrate independence. Cinco de Mayo. I will be working or pretty close to it.
Cinda, Teresa you are sisters you both are beacons of salvations. I love you both, Your kind words help when I am alone and do not know what to do with my life. Your two cents count. Our family is not growing by leaps and bounds, We must cherish who is here, don't fret the petty stuff. It would be nice to hear from your mom, I know I wasn't a favorite.
This is a chapter in my life that I will reflect upon. Always to give thanks to all those that have prayed and sent warm wishes. I am not a cancer patient, I wear boots, wranglers, and a hard hat. I like the dirt, thats my job. I am on it, money does make the world go round. My immediate hopes are for my daughters happiness.
Wow, I have been rambling. In previous post I shared info on this disease and it has reached global proportions. I am in the process of submitting a maunscript for publication. I am lucky to be alive. I should not be here. If it were not for my sister you would not be reading this, I owe her my life. But I still can not go shopping at Michaels or those other sissy stores.
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it has been awhile since we last spoke
It has been quite some time since I have been here. With the advent of Facebook and Twitter, this page was set on the back burner. I came to it today to aprrove some comments that were made. Alot has happened, with family and friends we held a benefit March 6 to help cover some of my finances, it was a huge success.
I am staying with my parents because I have an apoointment on the 6th and another on the 23rd. I hope to be released by months end. I am anxiously awaiting going back to work. I am training, trying to be in bed by 10pm with out sleep aids and waking by myself by 7am, than surviving the day without any naps. It seems so basic but after two year of medical dependency it makes it alot harder than you would think.
My brother took me to pick out a muontain bike (no. he did not pay for it). We rode one weekend and it was a good workout. I am already getting into the sport by purchasing accesories. First item needed was a cushyer seat, the original left me schafed. So I have this big nice gel cover over the seat, it makes a world of difference.
I have pretty much given up hope of finding my soulmate online. It has been nearly 2 years and I have not so much as had a nibble. My daughter is working two jobs and staying busy, I do not see her as much as I want to. She turns 22 on the 16th of the month. I will update more frequently since our friend base has grown. You can always find me on Facebook, I am Roger Contreras.
I am staying with my parents because I have an apoointment on the 6th and another on the 23rd. I hope to be released by months end. I am anxiously awaiting going back to work. I am training, trying to be in bed by 10pm with out sleep aids and waking by myself by 7am, than surviving the day without any naps. It seems so basic but after two year of medical dependency it makes it alot harder than you would think.
My brother took me to pick out a muontain bike (no. he did not pay for it). We rode one weekend and it was a good workout. I am already getting into the sport by purchasing accesories. First item needed was a cushyer seat, the original left me schafed. So I have this big nice gel cover over the seat, it makes a world of difference.
I have pretty much given up hope of finding my soulmate online. It has been nearly 2 years and I have not so much as had a nibble. My daughter is working two jobs and staying busy, I do not see her as much as I want to. She turns 22 on the 16th of the month. I will update more frequently since our friend base has grown. You can always find me on Facebook, I am Roger Contreras.
A special offering from Stacie
Bid on a Custom Cartoon Illustration of You
Bidding Begins at $50.00
All proceeds will be donated in their entirety to help my friend and recovering Marrow Transplant Patient Roger Contreras.
If you've been wanting to commission a custom, flirty, "Cartoon You" illustration, here is a great opportunity to order one and help someone in need at the same time. Pricing for custom illustrations normally begin at $250. This week I will be offering a single illustration* in an auction to help my friend Roger. Bidding will begin at $50 and last until noon (PST) Friday, Feb. 26th, 2010.
I will update the most current bid as quickly as possible here in this blog post.
CLICK HERE to PLACE YOUR BID and to view the Terms and Conditions
*The llustration includes a $250, head to toe, empty handed version (like the first one in the image above) of a custom cartoon similar to those seen on the GIRLgoesGEEK.com website that can be used for many purposes including on a business card/letterhead design or as an online web/blog/social media site avatar of yourself.
If you would like the cartoon to be holding any item(s) additional fees will apply. Those fees will also be donated to Roger Contreras.
Even after receiving chemo and losing his hair Roger was always smiling. With his sister/marrow donor after his transplant Roger was still smiling. As the year progressed and the complications set in and his recovery was set back further and further the pictures he posted contained fewer and fewer smiles. I'm just hoping this fundraising effort will help to put a little smile back on his face.
Roger, a plumber by trade, has been unable to work ever since receiving his marrow transplant in March of 2009. This means he has been unable to earn any income for over a year as his illness (Myelodysplasia, the same blood cancer my cousin Tami also suffered from) had incapacitated him for much of 2008. Most patients who receive transplants cannot work for at least one year. Roger has had numerous post transplant complications that look as if they will keep him out of the work force even longer. You can just imagine how difficult it must be to be stressed over finances while trying to recover from a major medical procedure. This auction was the only idea I could come up with to help Roger. Please know your bid will be going to help a very deserving individual.
*The llustration includes a $250, head to toe, empty handed version (like the first one in the image above) of a custom cartoon similar to those seen on the GIRLgoesGEEK.com website that can be used for many purposes including on a business card/letterhead design or as an online web/blog/social media site avatar of yourself.
If you would like the cartoon to be holding any item(s) additional fees will apply. Those fees will also be donated to Roger Contreras.
Even after receiving chemo and losing his hair Roger was always smiling. With his sister/marrow donor after his transplant Roger was still smiling. As the year progressed and the complications set in and his recovery was set back further and further the pictures he posted contained fewer and fewer smiles. I'm just hoping this fundraising effort will help to put a little smile back on his face.Roger, a plumber by trade, has been unable to work ever since receiving his marrow transplant in March of 2009. This means he has been unable to earn any income for over a year as his illness (Myelodysplasia, the same blood cancer my cousin Tami also suffered from) had incapacitated him for much of 2008. Most patients who receive transplants cannot work for at least one year. Roger has had numerous post transplant complications that look as if they will keep him out of the work force even longer. You can just imagine how difficult it must be to be stressed over finances while trying to recover from a major medical procedure. This auction was the only idea I could come up with to help Roger. Please know your bid will be going to help a very deserving individual.
A BBQ Benefit is being held in Houston, TX to help pay for Roger's final round of cancer treatmentDate & Time: Saturday, March 6th at 1:00pm - 6:00pm
Where: Vara's Sport's Bar
2727 North Freeway
Houston, TX 77009-3808
(North between Calvalcade & Patton)
To see more details and RSVP on Facebook just click on the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=321461981031&mid=1eccd70G2ca7cf47G9dbb3efG7
March 6th BBQ Benefit
Good afternoon,
My name is Roger Contreras, I have been battling cancer and its effects for almost two years. Thanks to the kindness of my sister I received her bone marrow via transplant on March 24th of last year. I am in the final stages of my treatment which include another bone marrow biopsy, exams and vaccinations.
I am hosting a BBQ Benefit on the 6th of March starting at 1pm and going til dusk. It will be held at
Vara's Sports Bar
2727 North Freeway
Houston, TX 77009-3808
(713) 863-1220
Please email with questions. Some have asked about Paypal. I do have an account and donations can be made by going to their website www.Paypal.com and follows the send money link. My email is txplumber@gmail.com
Thank you for taking the time to read this and I hope you share it. You can follow my story on my website at www.IHaveMDS.com click on the journal link read more about the effects of MDS.
Tomorrow
I should be at the hospital all day tomorrow. Happy, happy, joy, joy. Am hoping for good news.
Thanks for the comments and suggestions for my daughters birthday. I am not particularly fond of the idea of Chippendales or others places that have men in thongs. So the planning continues.
Thanks for the comments and suggestions for my daughters birthday. I am not particularly fond of the idea of Chippendales or others places that have men in thongs. So the planning continues.
I robbed my daughter
As the first month of this new year draws to a close, I can't help but wonder how my life had been if 2009 were different. The last two springs I have been hospitalized or under a doctors care. Last year my baby girl turned into a woman right before my eyes. She turned 21, we did not celebrate in Las Vegas like she had planned. Instead she stayed by my bedside while I lost my hair due to the effects of chemotherapy. I could not leave the floor of my hospital room to buy a gift or share a special meal. Cancer may have affected me physically but it took an emotional toll on all members of my family. Who wants to spend their 21st birthday in a hospital. I robbed my daughter of this special celebration.
This April I hope to be released from medical care. I can than begin to move forward and repay all those that have done so much for me. I can not turn back time but I hope to have a birthday party for my daughter. Something along the lines of 21+1 she has been through so much that it hurts. I have caused her such pain that no child should have to endure. Her birthday is in mid April. I do not have a clue as to what I am going to do, I just know it has to be special. I again am asking for help, if you have ideas on how we can celebrate this special event please leave me a comment or text me at (786) 281-8316. I need all the help I can get.
As for my health, I go to see my doctor this Tuesday for a check-up. I still have good days and bad. The cold bothers me now than it did prior to the transplant but I can bear it. I think my hair is receding and the acne from the steroids is still present. My weight has not changed much. The love I have for my daughter has not wavered, but grown stronger. Realizing how important each day we have together is. I hope to see you at her birthday party this spring.
This April I hope to be released from medical care. I can than begin to move forward and repay all those that have done so much for me. I can not turn back time but I hope to have a birthday party for my daughter. Something along the lines of 21+1 she has been through so much that it hurts. I have caused her such pain that no child should have to endure. Her birthday is in mid April. I do not have a clue as to what I am going to do, I just know it has to be special. I again am asking for help, if you have ideas on how we can celebrate this special event please leave me a comment or text me at (786) 281-8316. I need all the help I can get.
As for my health, I go to see my doctor this Tuesday for a check-up. I still have good days and bad. The cold bothers me now than it did prior to the transplant but I can bear it. I think my hair is receding and the acne from the steroids is still present. My weight has not changed much. The love I have for my daughter has not wavered, but grown stronger. Realizing how important each day we have together is. I hope to see you at her birthday party this spring.
Blood & Bone Marrow Drive Today @ Gabby's on 610 and Telphone
Just a reminder. Today is the blood & marrow drive @ Gabbys on Telephone & 610. Call with questions. Hope to see you there. (786) 281-8316. 11-3:30 pm.
What a year this has brought
About this time last year doctors were not sure what to do with me. I was a medical mystery. I had a disease that is rare and the the only chance of survival was a bone marow transplant. As you know by reading my ramblings over the months that it has been a long and bumpy road. A doctor did not expect me to make it to my last birthday. I received over 200 units of blood in a ten month period. Sunday I should have another birthday. I have not had a blood transfusion in over 6 months. My sister saved my life with her stem cells.
Seven months after transplant I am running into a few complications. I am staying at my parents home because I am at the hospital so much. My father takes me to and from my appointments without complaint. My mother is seeing to it that I have a nourishing and complete meal so that my diabetes can be controlled. They are handling the burden of caring for a 40 year old son back at home pretty well. The diabetes is a direct result of the steroids I am taking. These are needed to combat an infection in my liver. I just had a upper GI biopsy performed Wednesday. The doctor just called and I am negative for Graft Versus Host Disease. This is a very good sign. I am consuming about fourty pills and taking 5 insulin injections daily until my liver is taken care of. At times my ankles are the size of my knees and still suffer from cramps. All in all it is not a bad deal, I am being treating at perhaps one of the best cancer hospitals in the world.
I am grateful to so many for so much. This has not only been a venue for me to seek solace but it has been followed by others that have similar problems, hopefully they were able to use some information or find comfort in knowing that they are not alone. As I grow older I want to be younger, but this year is different. It took a lot of work to turn 42 and I am proud to be here..
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It has been almost 18 months since I was diagnosed with MDS. I received over 200 units of blood in a ten month period. Without blood donors I would not be here today. My birthday is October 25, 2009. I am holding the blood drive the day before I am to turn 42. My goal is to raise 42 units of blood. I need volunteers to come out and donate, the process takes about 15 minutes and at the same time you can have your cheek swabbed for a possible bone marrow match. I have since developed Diabetes and am not in the best of health. This event is important to me to keep the blood and marrow donations coming in.I hope to have a table with some literature set up inside where I can meet the many people I have come into contact with over this time.
I have found new email, Facebook, and Twitter friends that have followed on my journey at www.IHaveMDS.com . The website is growing and I need to expand it to put more information out there. We will be selling bracelets to help raise funds to offset some of these costs.Please help me, help others. October 24, 2009 at 11 a.m. We will be hosting our first Blood & Bone Marrow Drive. It will be held at Gabby's 4659 Telephone Road, Houston, Texas. The Gulf Coast Blood Center will be taking donations until 3:30 we would like donors to sign up as soon as possible.
You can sign up by contacting Roger at (786) 281-8316 or
Seven months after transplant I am running into a few complications. I am staying at my parents home because I am at the hospital so much. My father takes me to and from my appointments without complaint. My mother is seeing to it that I have a nourishing and complete meal so that my diabetes can be controlled. They are handling the burden of caring for a 40 year old son back at home pretty well. The diabetes is a direct result of the steroids I am taking. These are needed to combat an infection in my liver. I just had a upper GI biopsy performed Wednesday. The doctor just called and I am negative for Graft Versus Host Disease. This is a very good sign. I am consuming about fourty pills and taking 5 insulin injections daily until my liver is taken care of. At times my ankles are the size of my knees and still suffer from cramps. All in all it is not a bad deal, I am being treating at perhaps one of the best cancer hospitals in the world.
I am grateful to so many for so much. This has not only been a venue for me to seek solace but it has been followed by others that have similar problems, hopefully they were able to use some information or find comfort in knowing that they are not alone. As I grow older I want to be younger, but this year is different. It took a lot of work to turn 42 and I am proud to be here..
**********************************************
It has been almost 18 months since I was diagnosed with MDS. I received over 200 units of blood in a ten month period. Without blood donors I would not be here today. My birthday is October 25, 2009. I am holding the blood drive the day before I am to turn 42. My goal is to raise 42 units of blood. I need volunteers to come out and donate, the process takes about 15 minutes and at the same time you can have your cheek swabbed for a possible bone marrow match. I have since developed Diabetes and am not in the best of health. This event is important to me to keep the blood and marrow donations coming in.I hope to have a table with some literature set up inside where I can meet the many people I have come into contact with over this time.
I have found new email, Facebook, and Twitter friends that have followed on my journey at www.IHaveMDS.com . The website is growing and I need to expand it to put more information out there. We will be selling bracelets to help raise funds to offset some of these costs.Please help me, help others. October 24, 2009 at 11 a.m. We will be hosting our first Blood & Bone Marrow Drive. It will be held at Gabby's 4659 Telephone Road, Houston, Texas. The Gulf Coast Blood Center will be taking donations until 3:30 we would like donors to sign up as soon as possible.
You can sign up by contacting Roger at (786) 281-8316 or