Hello all!
Monday I had my scheduled checkup with my oncologist in Ann Arbor where the sun is shining and it is 50 degrees! My doctor was very pleased with my health, and he told me that I could stop taking prednisone now! WOW!! This is a major milestone that I am so excited to reach. My next checkup will be in 6 months again on September 10th, but if that goes as well, then I won’t have to have another checkup for a year. It is just about 4 years since I was diagnosed with Leukemia. I have survived and certainly plan to continue to do so. At this point there is now only a 20% chance of relapse. Next year that will be down to 5%! I still may end up with side effects from the chemo and other drugs, but as Jesus told us, we cannot add one minute to our life by worrying. Great advice!
One comment my doctor made was “Don’t wait to enjoy life.” I had no problem telling him that sure wasn’t the case with me. Just last weekend, 4 of my sisters and 4 nieces plus 11 other relatives and friends, all met up in Appleton, Wisconsin to have our toes done, hang out in the Jacuzzi, go out to eat, and see “Mamma Mia”. My sister and niece even helped me get a new wig that I wore for my checkup; that’s probably why my doctor thought I was doing so well - because I looked so good with hair J. Louie is always there supporting me and trying to get me not to go out in crowds too much. Since my immune system is still compromised, he is worried about my getting sick. Now that I will be off prednisone, my immune systems should start improving.
Today, I had my eye exam, and again it was good news. There has been no increase in the GVHD dryness of my eyes, or in the drug induced cataracts, which are still pretty minimal.
With this pleasant weather, Louie and I have been enjoying our trip, but we are anxious to get home and go cross country skiing again, now that it is not below zero anymore. I bet we have a month left of skiing; it will take that long for all the snow to melt.
So blue skies and sunshine are in my heart, and so much thanksgiving to God who is so good. May you all have a joyful spring!
Love,
Mary
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Mary M. Zanoni
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