Sue Charen

Petting the Ponies

It was a good weekend and Friday doctor's appointment. On Friday Sue got what will be the last scheduled bone marrow biopsy and will now only need to see the doctor once every other month. Sue's recovery from the transplant is going well. Also the doctor mentioned that all of his ALL Philly + patients for the last few years that have gone through what Sue has gone through are doing well, and that other doctors seem to be seeing similar results. This is very hopeful news. Also, at the next doctor's appointment, Sue will start getting her vaccinations (just like a baby would). And although the doctor visits may slow down, Sue will have to go in at least monthly to donate blood (though it will just be thrown away) to help reduce the too high iron content.

On Sunday while visiting with friends in the country, Sue got to go to a stable and pet some horses. Sue used to ride for many years and it meant a lot to get out to see some close up. And we got to spend some quality time with very friendly Malamute dogs.

I want to personally thank Sarah Singer of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for her great help over the past two years. I received notice that she is leaving after many years to work elsewhere. I will personally miss her very much, for reaching out on several occasions to help Sue, my friend J, me and so many others. From the very beginning of this long journey when I called the Society to learn as much as I could when Sue was just being diagnosed to checking in to see how things were going with Sue, Sarah has been a rock, a resource and a friend. I wish her well in her new job and I know she will be very successful and a great help to others. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Back From the Beach

Sue and I are back from Rehoboth Beach. We had a great time sitting on the beach, walking the boardwalk and taking a week long break from the norm. Some of our family who stayed at the house with us saw a big improvement in Sue's strength and condition in the last few months. And the tent we got for the beach was great for everybody to stay out of the direct sunlight and kept Sue from getting a sunburn.

The water was a bit cool and Sue only took a dunk or two and did some wading. Sue had been not allowed by her doctors to go swimming up until recently (both because of the permanent port she had as well as avoiding infections). Bit by bit things are getting much better.

Friday in Baltimore

Getting closer to normal every visit now. The doctor says the petty torments should be receding now and that things would get closer to normal. Sue now has a reaction to wine and beer (probably anything with alcohol) which started only fairly recently, but may stick around. And it is time for the one year post BMT (bone marrow transplant) for a bone marrow biopsy next month. Also, next month begins a year long monthly phlebotomy (sounds better than blood letting) to get rid of the excessive iron build up from all of the transfusions. But other than this, things seem very good and the recovery is right on schedule.

Tomorrow we will be going to the beach for a week (the closest thing to a real vacation in over two years). And besides avoiding getting a sun burn, Sue is allowed to swim in the ocean and generally do what she can. And all this will help get her strength back from the very high dose steroid treatment for GVHD (the kind that hurts muscles). On to Rehoboth...