April 16, 2004

Main Page • John's Journal (2000-2003) • CLL Information • Contact John • Seattle Cancer Care Alliance • MD Anderson

"Consider it pure joy,  my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."
James 1:2-3

Heard a very simple analogy in a bible study a couple months ago.  It said, "The longer tea bags are in hot water the stronger the tea gets." I have been battling this leukemia for a long time now, therefore my faith should be getting pretty strong.  Unfortunately, there are days, like today, where I just don't feel too strong.  I could add my own twist to the analogy and say if a tea bag is in hot water too long it doesn't taste very good.  I feel like my mindset and attitude weren't very good today. Perhaps it was the long week of testing.  They have poked, prodded, x-rayed, scanned, swabbed, injected, and scanned just about every part of my body.   I'm tested out.  Another mistake was going up to Seattle by myself today. I always have someone with me for support and today I decided I could handle it alone.  Not a good idea.  Too much time alone dwelling on my fears.
Well, despite my rough day mentally and emotionally, I will cling to God's promise: "the testing of your faith produces perseverance so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:3-4.  God's ultimate purpose for me in all these trials is to build my faith and develop a Christ-like character.  I pray I can do that.


I started my day at SCCA with an 8:30 appointment with my nutritionist.  She gave me a general overview of her role in helping me meet my nutritional needs during transplant.   She also informed me that the protein levels in my blood were excellent and my cholesterol is great·118.   I liked this visit because we talked about food.  If you know me, you know I love to eat.






Afterwards it was off to have my lungs tested.   Doctors want to be sure my pulmonary function hasn't been negatively affected by scarring as a result of all the treatment I have received in the last ten years.  Good news!  The tests showed my lungs are in excellent shape.  I am thankful I have always tried to stay fit through cycling.  I know it helps.   I am no Lance Armstrong, but at least my lungs are healthy.   It was pretty fun to blow into the machine and then see the results appear on the tech's computer
screen.  Very interesting stuff.  The worst part of this test was the blood gases test.  They had to draw arterial blood from my wrist.  I've had this done once before and it really stings. Fortunately she hit the artery on the first try.  Arteries are very deep and are surrounded by nerves, making blood draws pretty painful.


I followed up the Pulmonary Function Test with an appointment with a social worker. She seemed genuine and kind. Her role will be to support my family and me in anyway she can.  I think she will be an important resource in the next few months. 




Final test of the day was a CAT Scan of my internal organs.   The toughest part of the CAT Scan was drinking the contrast solution.  You have to drink two 16 oz bottles of contrast at 30-minute intervals, starting the first bottle one hour before the scan.  They make the claim that the solution is (berry smoothie-flavor).  Don't be fooled.  It is downright disgusting and it tastes like flavored chalk.  (Not that I have ever eaten colored chalk.) Another weird experience during my CAT Scan was the injection of an iodine solution through an IV.   Once the iodine starts moving throughout your system you feel hot all over.  I guess the iodine makes the vessels in your body expand, causing a feeling of heat to come over the entire body. Fortunately, this strange sensation only lasts for couple of minutes.




I did have a great surprise today.  I ran into Amy. Amy was my main nurse for my autogolous transplant back in 2000 over at the University of Washington.  Amy is a very special person.  Michelle and I referred to her as an angel. She took such excellent care of me and always brightened our day.  I had heard that she moved away and I didn't think I would ever see her again. However, she has since returned to Seattle and is now working at the SCCA.  It would have been nice to see her again under different circumstances, but it was great to see her anyway.

On Monday I will have more appointments as I move ever closer to transplant day.  I will try and distance myself from the SCCA for the weekend and enjoy my home and family...my refuge.  This weekend is the Puyallup Daffodil Festival, which includes the Spring Fair and a Daffodil Parade. CJ will be marching in the parade.  It should be a great weekend.

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