The Better than Death Approach
This post is going to sound like a huge rant and it kind of is, but I'm going to add my saving disclaimer to it, the better than death approach, and then all will be right in the world. Trees will explode with leaves again, it'll stop snowing, and I'll pretend I'm on a lake somewhere on a Summer day with a fishing pole in my hand. Or, a camera. Either one.
So far, in the last year, my feet still burn and hurt from day to day. It has gotten slightly better, but not much. My eyes are completely tweaked. At 36, I've now had cataract surgery on both eyes. At a distance, I can see okay. Up close, not so much. So I've become one of those people who constantly says, 'Wait, let me grab my glasses.' I also developed Osteoporosis. My hair is drastically thinning. And now, I'm at HIGH risk for developing Diabetes. I start a new drug to combat that tonight. More drugs. Ugh. Here it comes. Wait for it. It's better than death.
Who do I have to thank for all this? Steroids, and all the other drugs. Which, I thought I'd go into while I'm here, to give you all some idea of the craziness involved with these medications. Below is an actual photo I took of all the drugs I'm now on. Once a day...every day. It's a shame these aren't colored more like Skittles.
The list is as follows:
-Prednisone. Evil. Helpful, yet sinister.
-Acyclovir. Anti-viral.
-Bactrim. Antibiotic.
-Prograf. Immune suppressant.
-Sacrolimus. Immune suppressant.
-Fosamax. Osteoporosis.
-Fenofibrate. Cholesterol/Triglycerides.
-Crestor. Cholesterol.
-Amlodipine. Blood pressure.
-Diflucan. Anti-fungal.
-Penicillin. Antibiotic.
-Metformin. Diabetes treatment.
-Ambien. Can't sleep without it because of the steroids.
Believe it or not, this list used to be longer! Since starting the Prograf again, I'm incredibly thirsty too. My drink is never far from my reach and I will mow you down if you come between me and it. Things could get ugly. But hey, it's better than death.
The Better than Death Approach
This post is going to sound like a huge rant and it kind of is, but I'm going to add my saving disclaimer to it, the better than death approach, and then all will be right in the world. Trees will explode with leaves again, it'll stop snowing, and I'll pretend I'm on a lake somewhere on a Summer day with a fishing pole in my hand. Or, a camera. Either one.
So far, in the last year, my feet still burn and hurt from day to day. It has gotten slightly better, but not much. My eyes are completely tweaked. At 36, I've now had cataract surgery on both eyes. At a distance, I can see okay. Up close, not so much. So I've become one of those people who constantly says, 'Wait, let me grab my glasses.' I also developed Osteoporosis. My hair is drastically thinning. And now, I'm at HIGH risk for developing Diabetes. I start a new drug to combat that tonight. More drugs. Ugh. Here it comes. Wait for it. It's better than death.
Who do I have to thank for all this? Steroids, and all the other drugs. Which, I thought I'd go into while I'm here, to give you all some idea of the craziness involved with these medications. Below is an actual photo I took of all the drugs I'm now on. Once a day...every day. It's a shame these aren't colored more like Skittles.
The list is as follows:
-Prednisone. Evil. Helpful, yet sinister.
-Acyclovir. Anti-viral.
-Bactrim. Antibiotic.
-Prograf. Immune suppressant.
-Sacrolimus. Immune suppressant.
-Fosamax. Osteoporosis.
-Fenofibrate. Cholesterol/Triglycerides.
-Crestor. Cholesterol.
-Amlodipine. Blood pressure.
-Diflucan. Anti-fungal.
-Penicillin. Antibiotic.
-Metformin. Diabetes treatment.
-Ambien. Can't sleep without it because of the steroids.
Believe it or not, this list used to be longer! Since starting the Prograf again, I'm incredibly thirsty too. My drink is never far from my reach and I will mow you down if you come between me and it. Things could get ugly. But hey, it's better than death.
I just found your blog while searching for another blog (of another person who HAD leukemia!) but wanted you to know that my Dad also HAD (i love screaming that) ALL. He was diagnosed in October of 2009 @ 58 y/o. He had a BMT from an unrelated donor in June of 2010. GVHD is a constant concern, but as you said - 'it's better than death'. He is doing pretty well and we are thrilled that his 2 year 'anniversary' is coming up. Lots to celebrate! Be well, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the comment and kind words! I'll be celebrating the 3 anniversary of my BMT in May. We're throwing a party. Best wishes to you and your Dad!
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