I’m still here!!

Hi friends!

I’m sorry I’ve been M.I.A. as of late.  My poor Mommy has been sick and as much as I like to think I can do a quick post here, it’s often time consuming.  With everything going on, it’s also the last thing on my to-do list for the day so it never seems to get done.

My Mommy started training with my Daddy for a 65 mile bike ride in Chico the end of April.  Around that time, she had a bruised/broken rib and from then, never really felt better.  Her doctors performed every test and the poor dear was submitting blood tests every few days while getting no firm results.  About a month ago, they noticed that her white and red blood cell count was low – so low that if she got a bruise or cut, she was to immediately go to the emergency room.  We were able to go out a few times, and luckily I was able to keep her safe.  But a week later, she somehow hit her hand and it began to swell right away, so off to the emergency room she went.  The doctors were still unsure what was causing her blood counts to drop, and they kept her in isolation in the hospital while trying to treat the symptoms.  This was the toughest part for me.  Not being able to see my Mommy.  It’s very selfish, but once I heard she was in the emergency room, I got the kids dressed, and started driving over.  I hadn’t thought about the possibility of not seeing her.  I understand why I and others weren’t allowed in, but it made my heart so blue to not be able to hug her, talk to her in person, or squeeze her hand.

After about a week in the hospital closest to her home, she was transferred to Stanford to undergo more testing, and blood and platelet transfusions.  She was in her own room, but able to see visitors, and wouldn’t you know it, I believe I was there every night to bug her!!  She was only able to see close family, and no grandkids yet.  Finally, the doctors were able to diagnose her with aplastic anemia.  Right now she’s back at home undergoing treatment that could take 3 months to show any effect of working.  My Mommy also has to deal with drugs, steroids, and more blood/platelet transfusions.  She is in isolation for 3-6 months or the soonest her body can make blood and platelets again – only close family may visit and I’m at home with a cold.  She still can’t see her grandbabies, so I’m hopeful that soon her numbers will go up and she can venture out again.  I was hopeful that she’d be able to receive a bone marrow transplant since my brother and I were ready to donate, but it doesn’t look like that’s the treatment option for someone her age.  She’s also been a trooper with the lack of sleep from one of the medications, pain, weird bruising, etc.  And is always there to listen to me blab on about my day.  <3

What can you do?  My Mom still would love to hear from you if she hasn’t already.  You can send her a message on her Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/bestmomwol), and donate blood, platelets, and sign up to be a bone marrow donor if you haven’t already.  I am so hopeful that this treatment will work for her.  We’re not allowed to get together for Thanksgiving this year, but we’re already making some grand plans for Christmas.  Thank you for all your wonderful notes/calls/texts/emails.  They have meant the world to me, and I appreciate the time you’ve taken out of your day to help out.  XOXOXO!!