I’m amazed that every few days there’s a lot to share. First of all, I finally received my results from my cardiac work-up. Everything is normal! My regular echocardiogram, my stress echocardiogram (a very strange feeling to have your heart rate increased to 152 while lying still) and many blood tests were all healthy and normal. I also had a lung function test yesterday in prep for the stem cell transplant. It was normal too! The therapist even rechecked my age, height, weight, & asked if I lived at altitude (does approx. 800 feet elevation count?) because my lungs were so strong. Thank you God for my strong, healthy body – now, let’s kick out these rogue replicating cells for good!
My radiation oncologist shared with me that there is still a healthy debate going on in team meetings whether I should have the autologous or allogeneic stem cell transplant (my stem cells vs. donor cells). I thought that was a done deal. She said the doctors “love” me, and there are strong opinions on the next best step. I’m very thankful that these physicians genuinely care. Some say we have one shot to get this right with donor stem cells (even with heavy risk) and others say the studies don’t back up that the riskier is better and we can do the riskier type later if needed. One of my doctors is so emphatic that when he had to leave the meeting, he called someone else to come in and continue his argument. wow! I’ve texted my Vanderbilt lymphoma expert to get her insight, and I’m trying to get in with the stem cell doctor next week to talk about my options more thoroughly. This disease has forced me to learn assertiveness! I know I have to defer to the experts, but I ultimately have to consent to the process.
My lymphoma radiation oncologist delivered a blow to me yesterday. I have been holding my breath for months on getting back to looking like my normal self. The chemotherapy took out my hair. After many weeks, I finally have a good amount of stubble on my head, but with radiation, I’ve noticed a lack of regrowth of the majority of my eyebrows and my right eyelashes – I also have an area at my hairline that looks like it’s receding. I’ve been very hopeful that after it all falls out again (with the chemotherapy that’s associated with the stem cell transplant) that it will grow back.
Well, I hadn’t cried in weeks – I have been feeling really strong and optimistic. But, when my doctor answered my question regarding when my hair will grow back, the tears flowed. She said the area exposed to radiation probably won’t grow back – ever. She apologized, but explained that in order to treat my disease, they had to use a higher dose of radiation and cover a large area, which unfortunately includes my hairline and greater than 50% of my eyebrows & eyelashes. She was extremely sympathetic, and even offered some cosmetic advice and gave me a nice warm hug. I told her this is going to take me a period of mourning – I imagine most women can understand the gravity of this news.
Well, to end on a light note, the kids are on the way! My parents are making the 2-day trip with the kids and we will all be reunited tomorrow! We are planning some fun activities and all of us are looking forward to being together.
Despite the good, bad and ugly news, I’m thankful for the top-notch healthcare (with a surprising amount of genuine caring and love), my friends, family & neighbors who have supported me (and my entire family) and the ever-present, indescribable God who envelops me in love, strength and compassion at all times.
i Just want to Say April when I think about you. I think of this Beautiful Lady on the inside and Out. Wow you always look so Pretty. Hair, No Hair, Eyebrows, None, You are so Beautiful. I just want to share that with you. After all this is past you. We will begin a Prayer Journey on your Hair, and Eyelashes, and Eyebrows.
I sure Miss you all a bunch. Looking forward to your Return to home. I know you are too.
I Miss your Children also. I am now at TSC working in the Special Needs Ministry so I have not seen your family at FCC. Girlfriend. I am so looking forward to the Healing that Jesus is doing in your body everyday. You are so Loved!!!! Your Whole Family!!
Hello April! I just read your blog and want you to know we love you very much with or without the eyelashes! Your writing is so great I am wondering if you might have found a new vocation. As they say, every cloud has a silver lining. If it is so difficult for the experts to make the decision on the stem cells both choices must be good. So which ever one they choose will be good 🙂
With extreme quantities of love,
Uncle William
Your faith is an inspiration to all of us April! Stay strong. Blessings from the Scotts.
Glad you get to see your beautiful kids!
-Alex and Jenn
Sorry so late with this note. We’re glad and thankful for all of your progress and we’re optimistic with you. You are in all of our prayers as you have been from the start. Our girls rattle off your name as automatically as “Dear Lord” and “Jesus name, Amen”. This is probably by design. God must have known we grow closer in love when we pray for others, and I feel like our family knows you and your family better because of all this even though our paths don’t cross much. You and your family mean so much to so many people and that’s only grown.
I’ll bet this trouble feels like a lifestyle instead of just a valley, but it is just a really long chapter and you will look back with a smile on your face. Keep going at a steady pace. For yourself, your family, your faith, for us. We need your example of faithfulness. There are so few examples these days.
Thank you for sharing your life with us. We look forward to witnessing all of the blessings God is preparing for you in the next chapter!
We got your sweet note and continue to stand in amazement at how God strengthens and uses you and Jonathan in so many lives. You are beautiful inside and out “with the unfading charm of a gentle and peaceful spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God”. 1Peter 3:3-4. Love, Len
So excited that your family is coming!!!! Hope you have a wonderful visit!
Love you, April.
Lifting up your prayer requests with you. You are always in out thoughts and prayers.
Jim and Gina
I’d miss my hair but I would still choose life over hair any day of the week and so have you. I hope you know how beautiful you are with or without hair. Prayers daily.
Oh how your writings inspire us. I’m so sorry to hear about your hair! Thankfully your gorgeous without it. You and your family are in our daily prayers. Sending our love.
Oh, April – I’m so sorry. I pray that there’s a chance that not all of the hair loss will be permanent. I am glad for your good news and will be praying for a great visit, for continued results from the radiation, and for clarification on the stem cell transplant. Hang in there!