On 7th September I had my second bone marrow biopsy since transplant. I have to have a biopsy on the marrow every three months for two years. I have a general anaesthetic, and they insert a fine needle into my pelvic bone from behind about 2.5 cm from my spine. The extract a little of my bone marrow to test. My first one (three months ago) was clear and that's what we expect them all to be. My blood results are still good, and improving slowly all the time. I'm feeling more and more energetic, and I only have to take three tablets morning and night, Bactrim and Acyclovir. My only problem is my appetite. I just can't eat enough quantity to get enough calories, and so putting weight on is a real challenge for me. I may have to have the NG tube back in for a while if I can't fatten up a bit soon. Mum puts them in for me, so I don't have to go to Westmead for that.
I've been doing some fun stuff since my birthday though. I went in a "So You Think You Can Dance" competition my old school was putting on to raise funds, with my sisters Kristen and Aimee. We came third, but I didn't care if we came last, I was just so happy to be able to do something I love again. I hadn't ever done that dance before, so the girls had to teach me in a few days. I had so much fun. Mum and Dad have said I can go back to dance lessons again now, just avoid sick people still.
A few weeks ago I went Ten Pin Bowling in Orange with everyone, except Rhys. He is usually working somewhere on weekends. It was the best fun. I was a bit tired afterwards, but it was worth it.
(Check out the style below. Another strike coming up!!!!)
The last two days have been fun too because I've been to the Forbes Show. Mum and Dad said it was a bit of a risk going to the show, but the fun factor won out in the end and the show wasn't too crowded. The acyclovir tablets still give me protection against viruses, and there's not too many coughs and colds around at the
moment. I had a great time at the rides. The Music Trip and the Cha Cha are probably my favourites. We got our show bags, watched the demolition derby, and went home for a pizza and video night.
(Here's me with Georgia waiting to go on the Cha Cha, and on the Music Trip!)
Today was a lovely warm day, and Dad has been getting the pool ready for summer, so Georgia and I went for a dip. Dad wouldn't come in because he said he only swims when the water is over 28 degrees. Wimp. It was a bit cold I must admit, but we stayed in for a few minutes.
(Me with Georgia in the pool. My first swim in nearly a year!)
We should get some biopsy results this week. It's always a bit of a nervous wait, but fingers crossed, all will be well.
school was something I really was looking forward to, but the big, BIG, news this week was the much awaited arrival of Archie Quirk. Our friends David & Taryn had their first baby on 19th September, a beautiful little baby boy they named Archie Robert. Taryn & David promised me a nurse, and I couldn't wait. We finally got to visit them on Monday, and I had my nurse. He is so cute. (This is me on our front step, with my trusty hat ready to go for my first day at high school, finally. Me arriving at the Gates of School, with my year advisor for Year 7 Miss Danielle Forbes, and me with Archie.)
