Cara's BMT Weblog

Cara was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia on February 14th 2001; she received a bone marrow transplant from her sister on November 2nd 2001. This diary charts her progress to date.

Journal

Tuesday, November 05, 2002 at 04:32 AM (CST)

BMT + ONE YEAR ON!!!

Cara had a small collection of Age 1 birthday cards (- a US custom I think, it's hard to know quite how to mark the occasion). We have been talking and remembering quite a bit over the last few weeks - it's hard to believe how far away it all seems, and how well she is, and also easy to forget that the experience is still affecting us all. Sometimes I have to remind myself that it's no wonder my own energy levels may not be all they were when the memory of where we were at this time last year suddenly resurfaces.

I've been trying to post a new photo of Cara and Asta on the site but she is still not 100% happy with the photos we have taken; her hair is a good length now - at least 6 inches but causes fashion problems as it is not long enough to be curly and needs straightening every time she washes it. I think it represents a kind of metaphor for her psychological recovery; she looks brilliant on the surface but vulnerability is only one layer down.

Social Services have come up trumps for her with the new ruling that she can 'ease' back into work slowly without losing all her benefit straight off; she has got herself a job at the Odeon two days a week - which seems ideal, mixing with young people, 11 am start, chaotic/easy going management style ...!

Health wise, she copes with feeling tired and is a little low on energy, but, touch wood, the penicillin and anti-bacterial medication, and Asta's brilliant new cells are keeping her healthy; (also her brilliant positive attitude, trips to the gym and determination!). She has seen the consultant re HRT and will try that soon - another rather tricky decision given all the worrying press but we are persuaded that the benefits outweigh the risks; I wonder if it may also help with the energy reserves.

Next visit to Hospital Nov 14th - Cara changed the day, and felt OK about knowing we wouldn't see Professor Apperly that day as it didn't fit with her (Cara's) work days; another important psychological step away from dependency on the health professionals and coping with change, (Oh, shut up MUM!)

Look at past journal entries

Hospital Information:

Hammersmith Hospital
Du Cane Road
London W12 OHS

Email address  : jennypepper_uk@yahoo.co.uk

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