My first yearly follow-up check up for my bone marrow transplant finally happened. I was supposed to go in December, but had to have the biopsy of my lung. Now, you must understand, getting to this appointment is no easy feat. I live on Long Island and had the transplant 8 hours away in Buffalo, NY. I once again flew to Buffalo with Angel Flights American. If anyone ever needs their services, please let me know. This is a GREAT organization. Private plane owners donate their own planes, gas and time to fly patients to appointments/treatments for free. The planes are small (4 passenger), but it is a lot of fun. I even got to fly one of the planes for a bit!!
Once I got to Buffalo, I stayed at the American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge (also for free).
I saw the hospital's dentist and had to have another tooth pulled (they pulled 3 for the transplant) - ouch!! To save the tooth, I would have to have surgery on the bone. It would be a huge procedure and my counts and pocketbook just aren't up to it right now. After that fun morning, I saw almost everyone that took care of me including my physical therapist. The therapist said she wasn't billing me because there wasn't anything for her to do. All the doctors were happy with my progress. My counts are a little low, but I am on chemo for the bc. It took everyone a little while to recognize me. Last time they saw me, I was bald and about 40 lb heavier.
I filled out an application to contact/meet my donor. I just have to wait for her to answer...I did learn that she is from Germany. I was told that a lot of donors are from there. I would have never guessed...
After a full day of appointments, I met my dearest friend Ursula for dinner. Ursula and I met on the AOL bc support site. When she heard I was going to be in Buffalo for the transplant, she adopted me. She came to visit and called all the time. It was very nice to have a local friend.
On Saturday, I crossed the border and visited Niagara. I love America, but must admit the Falls are much nicer on the Canadian side. I flew home on Sunday. It was snowing and I was a little worried I would get snowed in. We flew through the snow and rain, but all in all it was a great flight. I slept through Monday....glad to be home!!!
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