Malibu

For the first time this Summer, I went to the beach! Yay! The reason why I don't like going to the beach is because of the sun. Yes, the sun. The sun is my frenemy. If you don't know what that word means, it means friend/enemy. I'm prone to skin cancer and my doctor advised me to avoid the sun as much as possible. And when I do go out, to make sure I have sunblock and wear a floppy hat to cover my face. Sometimes, I use an umbrella. I look kinda silly with an umbrella, but who cares. As long as I have protection. I did notice a couple of brown spots, one on my finger and the other on my leg. Next week, I have an appointment with my Dermatologist, so I'll ask about those. My body will never be like how it used to. Before I got diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia and PNH, I was very healthy. I never had to miss work because I was sick. I was never sick. Never say never, I guess. Now, I get sick easily and really have to take care of myself.

So anyway, we went to Malibu beach yesterday. We went around 7:30 pm (there was so much traffic on the 101 fwy)... but it ended up being perfect because the sun started to set and I didn't have to wear a hat or use an umbrella. This was Danica's second trip to the beach. She was so scared of the water and just wanted to be carried around. We did dip her feet so she can have a feel of the cold water. She enjoyed it for a while, then asked to be picked up again. Here are some photos from our little beach trip:

Happy Birthday To Me

Well, it's not really my actual birthday, it's my bone marrow's 1st birthday. LOL. If you're new to my blog, I had a bone marrow transplant (I had Aplastic Anemia and Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria) on May 24, 2011 at City of Hope in Duarte, CA. I can't believe it has been a year. My blood counts have been normal and I haven't had a transfusion since June 4, 2011. I'm glad those days are over with. I can't imagine getting transfusions every week, like I used to. That is why I'm so grateful to my donor, he really did save my life. Because of God and because of my donor, I'm alive and enjoying life with family and friends. I love my life. I appreciate everything and I don't take anything for granted, because I know how it feels to not be able to walk, I know how it feels to not be able to breathe, I know how it feels to be poked with a needle at least six times a week, I know how it feels to be disabled. I've learned so much from my experience and I'm glad that I'm here and able to share my story with family and friends. God is good, all the time. He always has a reason for everything that happens in our lives. God is much bigger than we are, if we just give everything to the Lord, He will take care of everything for us. When we surrender to God, joy and peace can be ours. 

Jeremiah 29:11-14 says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity. 

Here I am, one year after chemo and transplant. My hair is getting longer. It's super curly, so I flat iron my bangs. My mom treated me out to dinner at Cheesecake Factory for my first birthday. Now, I have two birthdays. I feel so special =)

Happy 1st birthday to my bone marrow. May you live long and thrive!

Day 35

The result is in! I saw my doctor today and he told me the great news... I don't have the PNH clone in my blood anymore. How awesome God is. My blood tests came back normal too. WBC 10, Hgb 13.6 and platelets 168,000. The only thing that came back a little elevated was my cholesterol, so I'm adding fish oil to my list of medication. I'm feeling great. Thank you, Lord!

Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria

THERE IS HOPE! I was 13 weeks pregnant when I was diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia + PNH. The doctors gave me the option to terminate the pregnancy but my husband and I decided to go on with it. Platelet and blood transfusions were done as needed. Soliris was also started due to the presence of blood in my urine. My signs and symptoms were fatigue, dizziness, petechiae, bleeding of gums and blood in urine. It was a tough pregnancy. I found myself in the hospital twice a week. The doctors said the baby would most likely come out early... but she didn't. She is a full-term baby! We were all surprised. I gave birth via C-section to a very healthy baby on February 2nd, 2011. Her name is Danica Joy Palma. She is now almost two months old and doing very well. I wish I could say the same about me. It has been two months and I am still having post partum hemorrhage. My blood count is getting worse. I am in and out of the hospital for transfusions and observation. Next Monday, I will meet with the Bone Marrow Transplant Doctor at City of Hope in Duarte, CA. I will keep you guys updated... For now, I just PRAY and PRAY and PRAY!!!