hi from madubois63
 

Thank youeveryone. I posted this on the AOL Amazon board last night, but then had to go because of tests and other stuff...

well, today (Monday) did not goes as planned - sort of. I got to the hospital at 10 and waited and waited. Finally, they told me that my counts were low (Duh) and that they would only do the thorocentesis (remove fluid from my lungs) today (4:00 - ugh), I would need platelets and blood (still waiting - it's 8pm) tonight and then get the Hickman port placed in the morning. I start chemo right after that. I may have a pathology report on the fluid by Wednesday. Praying hard for no active BC!!!! The room is small, but private. I am in the transplant ward, which means there is a washroom just before my door. Everyone has to wash up before they come in (pain in the neck for the girls delivery food - they have to do that at every room). I've got my own bathroom and shower (yeah) and a nice big window. I'm on the 19th floor over looking lots of green trees. I still haven't figured out which direction I am looking at. I think I'm facing east?? I've got my own fridge and there is a microwave available...the little things! Of course, I have Internet access (YEAH). And they have a new food service. You can order as much as you want as many times as you want (not that I will be eating much once the chemo starts). It's cool though, they have deli sandwiches and wraps, pasta, steaks, chicken, fish, and all sorts of dessert. I can't eat fresh fruit or salads (bacteria), but all in all, it's not so bad. Ask me again in three weeks.... got to go now...vitals...love you all!!!

Thank you EVERYONE for the prayers. I was feeling a little dread, but yesterdays proceedure was easy and nearly painfree. Talking to everyone on line makes me feel better - not so distant!! Love you all....

Maryann

Hang in there - you'll be fine. You've been very strong through all of this so just continue to have your positive attitude. My son had leukemia and his room was the same -- minus the microwave and fridge. Just remember you will beat this beast!!!

Take care...
 

and our prayers will continue w/ you.

Rhonda

Maryanne, you never cease to amaze me. Here you are with so much facing you and you are talking about the great food choices. You are my hero. I hope I can be half as positive and half as brave as you. Continue that strong faith and attitude and know my prayers are with you. If anyone can beat this it is you for sure.

Maryann;

Cool room. When I was in the hospital I got a double room and the woman I shared with snored!! Plus.....no frig, no microwave, no private bath, absolutely no internet and the food sucked.....lol. Thank goodness for some perks at least. There is a web program which you might have fun with. It goes with Mozilla Firefox (a free upgrade off Google). Go to www.stumbleupon.com . It becomes a link on your mozilla homepage and when you're bored just hit the link and it takes you to cool new sites at random. I put it on my mothers computer (85 years old) as she wakes up in the middle of the night and is bored so goes out to her computer and reads papers from around the world....she enjoys it. It allows you to select topics you're interested in.....select as many as possible...I selected things my kids would like, my parents, you name it and it's fun....sometimes games, etc. Just might help you pass time.

Best regards, thinking of you

Cathy

Maryanne:

You are an amazing woman with many out in cyberspace supporting and praying for you. Looking forward to hearing your success story!

Peace and blessings,
Monique

Maryanne,

Sending love, hugs and prayers your way.

Love,
Karen

Hi Maryann. Glad you are living sharing the "now" of life, even with its frustrations and disappointments. I'm very thankful your room has some helpful things about it and delighted that there is some computer access for whenever you want to use it. Hope the onc is coming around... Although I suspect it won't be long before you charm him totally!

AlaskaAngel

keep fighting. you have lots of friends to talk to who care about you.
sarah

Maryann,

Know that my prayers and thoughts are with you. Your strength has brought you this far, continue the fight.

Hi Maryann..Sure glad you let us know how you're doing!! Sounds like things are as comfortable as they can be in your room. Praying with you and for you that the fluid they drained holds no surprises!!!
All the best to you..
Tammy

Good luck and best wishes!

Hi Maryann,
It was so good to hear from you and learn that you will have a room will be semicomfortable for this ordeal. I'm also glad that you have internet access. Thank you for letting us know how you are doing. You are an inspiration for your courage and, of course, you are in my thoughts each day. I hope that the transplant will go well and that you will get through the more difficult parts without much trouble. I also think of your children and hope that they get a lot of support at home. I know that they are probably your greatest concern right now.
Best wishes and please know that many people will be sending healing thoughts your way.
Barbara Holz

Thanks for keeping us posted. As always, my prayers and best wishes to you ....

Helen

Good luck. Just keep looking at the outside trees and know that we are all with you


XOXO

MCS ( maria)

Thinking of you Maryann and appreciate your positive outlook. Sending lots of positive thoughts and prayers your way. I admire your strength and wish you the best as you face this next treatment in your journey with breast cancer.

Jill

Dear Maryann,

I don't come here much, but I have been following your posts, for awhile now. I just wanted to tell you how much I admire your spunk, and unwillingness to let your illness get you down.

I also want you to know that you truly are an inspiration to all with BC. Your battle should be one heck of an inspiration to those newly-diagnosed, in how to move on with your life, no matter what, and how to manage a smile, and a sense of humor in the face of adversity.

God bless you as you continue your fight, you are in my prayers, and I wish you all the best, which is what you deserve.

Sincerely,

Sue

Maryann - There are so many people who are praying for you and sending you positive thoughts. You have such a great attitude and I always love reading your posts. Keep fighting and keep your wonderful attitude!


Lisa

Maryann: I am glad you posted as I was thinking about you this weekend and wondering what was going on. I am glad you have a comfortable room and lots of food to choose from. Keeping you in my prayers. hugs, Sandy

Dear Mary Ann,
Good grief...I am away from the boards for a few weeks and you are in a crisis! I was horrified to hear from Becky, Joe and Christine at ASCO this week that you are struggling with AML. I got home from Atlanta tonight and have done nothing but read through your posts and updates. And now, here you are away from hearth and home;; away from your kids...overwhelmed and isolated in that hospital.
I am grateful to hear your ask for prayers and felt comforted by the outpouring you are getting every day from your angel sisters on this site. It is times like this, I think, when we stop walking with our Lord, but instead let his arms carry us; supported by prayers from the multitudes who love and care for you.
How are you staying in touch with your children, Mary ann? How are they doing with all of this?
I am going to bed tonight with you on my mind; I will ask God to hold you so close so that you can get some much needed rest from worry. I will ask God to help you focus on your inner Amazon and help you heal beyond your wildest dreams.
You go girl, we are with you every step of the way...
Love Kim from CT

In our prayers...
 

Maryann,

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. "Be strong...Be of good courage"

Sassy
________
VAPOR INFO

what some amazons won't do
 

to get into the RITZ! Everyone will want to get in there...
Maryann, I don't post often but have been lurking for a couple of years and am always uplifted by your spirit, and your fight. I think you are just amazing! Thank you for sharing.
I couldn't believe whan I read your post - you really did not need AML on top of everything else! Add my prayers to the chorus.

Chris

Maryanne,


So glad to see your update. Good luck tomorrow and focus on those green trees outside. Soon you will be there too and they will feel so special, so green and so alive. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you get a good night's rest.

Patricia

MaryAnne

You never cease to amaze me with the grace and bravery you have for an obstacle that comes...and this is just another that you are enduring....I wish it was just a bad dream and everything was OK, but it will be....you give strength to all who read your posts, and we all admire you for all you have gone through and always with a smile...you are one of the people who see the beauty around you no matter what....I am so glad you have a computer...you wont feel so isolated...we are all just a keyboard away.
Sending you warm hugs and many prayers.

Dear MaryAnne, What an incredible lady you are! You deserve whatever luxery that expensive "resort hotel" can offer! You don't know how much it means to all of us to have you post inspite of all you are going through. We are all sending loads of love, positive imagry and prayers your way! I will be gone a few days but will be watching for news from you when I get back. God bless! Hugs, Tricia

MaryAnne, great to hear from you. Love your spunky attitude! Hope everything goes as smooth as possible for you. Keep posting, it's great to hear how things are going for you.