9.10.2012

Infusion Style Fun


Pictured above:
*Far left - The hallways at the Infusion Therapy Center provided the perfect spot to practice my runway walk in preparation for Thursday's fashion show in downtown Rochester.  However, I look angry in the picture but I was trying to look cool and hip.  I guess I need more practice. *Middle - These bracelets are from some kids at church.  They remind me to be joyful always (or as often as I can muster). *Far right - Peace. 

I wouldn't say the Infusion Therapy Center is my favorite place on earth.  It's not even in my top 100 list.  But, for the last couple years, it has played an important part in my health journey.  I found myself there again Monday for a 5-hour adventure on my day off for the week (not my favorite day off activity, but it works).  The IVIG infusions only work for a little while lately, and the time between infusions is getting to be less and less.  So my hematologist is recommending I change treatment plans.

This was a hard decision for me because I've always just wanted my platelet problem to disappear forever.  But it's time to accept that for now, it's not going away and I need to make a more sustainable plan for my long-term future.  So starting soon I'll change to a daily medicine I take in pill form.  It was approved in 2008 for the treatment of ITP - my platelet problem.  It helps the bone marrow to make extra platelets, so even though they will continue to be eaten up by my body, I'll have a surplus.  It has a variety of possible side effects, but I'm going to hope that none of them will apply to me.   It will hopefully be a good treatment option.

As a wise friend told me on Sunday, "Sometimes we just have to do what we have to do.  Sometimes we don't like any of the options, but we just have to pick one."

That's exactly it.  And that's what I'll do.  So perhaps no more infusions for awhile.  I'm fine with that.  They cost an arm and a leg. And they don't work that well anymore.  And they take forever. And the side effects stink.  So maybe it will be good to experiment with a different option.  If the new medicine doesn't work or does have bad side effects, I can always go back to the infusions.

All in all - I still get to live a normal life.
I feel really healthy.
And if I didn't share about it here on the blog,
I'm not sure anyone would even know I'm sick and covered in bruises.

I feel positive about the road ahead.  Thank you for your support and encouragement.  Thank you to my dear friends and family who have visited me at the Infusion Therapy Center - and sent emails and texts.  I love you all very, very much!

As my mom says: Onward and upward.  Forward.  Never backward.

Untitled
Tuesday morning: a new day.

6 comments:

  1. You are an inspiration to me, Emily. Keeping you in prayer, always.

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    1. Thank you, Amy! I soooo appreciate your encouragement and prayers. YOU are an ongoing inspiration to me, my sister in Christ! So thankful for your friendship.

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  2. I appreciate your sharing this stuff on your blog, Em. It totally sucks. It goes without saying, but I will say anyway that I hope the pills do their job with no nasty side effects.

    Have fun on the runway!

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    1. Thanks amiga! It's good to have a place to share about this weird aspect of an otherwise normal life. Thank you for the encouragement! Hope your week is going well. Remember when Zoey and I shared pancakes? FUN!

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