Long time....

Greetings all. It has been a long time since I have written, but I have a good excuse...I have been really sick and quite frankly haven't had the energy or the spirit to write. But I am now on the mend!

In short here is whats been going on since I last wrote. My rash did finally test positive for GVHD. Which isn't a bad thing because now it is clear. However, I am still on steroids which really does wreck your body. The steroids are different from the ones athletes take, don't as me how...I just know they are different...the worse thing I have experienced is the deterioration of muscle mass. The doctors did tell me this would happen, but I didn't really realize what it was...until now that I can't walk up stairs, unable to really get up from chairs etc...my calf and legs muscles are shot! Good news...it does come back with time and work. I have to walk, do stairs etc to get it back, but it is coming. It is just so weird to think you are going to stand up or walk up a 5 inch step and your body can't do it.

So after GVHD rash, about 4 weeks ago, I got a stomach/intestinal virus of some sort. It just came upon me and because I have nothing to fight with it just took over. I haven't gone back into the hospital but I have been coming to the clinic daily for fluids and meds. I also contracted an additional virus, para influenza #3 (can turn into phenomena), which just put me under. All you can do for a virus is ride it out. So that is what I have been doing for the last 3 1/2 weeks...riding all of this out, many days using a wheel chair to get to the clinic because I just had no strength, plus I have lost a total of 16 pounds since the transplant in March. I am hoping to get at least 10 of those back! I never thought I would ever say that. But TODAY, I am stronger...walking in to the clinic on my own and maybe next week I can start driving again. I am so thankful that GVHD did not land in my colon. it certainly was a concern during all of this intestinal stuff but the test proved otherwise! Thank you God.

I love my clinic, The Bone Marrow Transplant Center! ~Best decision ever. Dr. LesMaistre is amazing, but his staff is more so. It is like a small community. There is no rushing, no shuttling...they focus on you and your needs. They really do "treat" the patient not just the cancer.

I decided that I will probably write monthly because there really isn't much going on now. So don't be alarmed...also feel free to email me or you can always call AJ if you feel to much out of the loop. I want you all to know that I have read your emails, texts, cards, and listen to you phone messages. I haven't responded because I just have been so tired and I appreciate that you all understand "if Terry doesn't feel good...she doesn't talk!"

I am so fortunate to have such a strong support base, I really thank you all for you prayers and healing thoughts, they are working! As you all know, I love bible scripture. My friend and prayer warrior, Lola, sent this to me. It says much!

I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength. Philippians 4:11-13