BLOG 35
28 August 2011
Hi All,
Well, after my last blog and the conclusion that I did not have a third incidence of disease life felt quite surreal & still does. In the last 5 years, Ive either had active disease, been in treatment or been recovering from treatment, non-stop. However, with my leg starting to show the same symptoms as disease incidence 02, in January 2010 - my expectations and those of my doctors were possibly disease again.
2 Hospitals later, how surprised and thankful we all were to find or conclude that I have only scarring.After a final review recently, both my neurologist and haematologist believe that I am definitely in remission. If disease really had been involved this time, I would be in a lot more trouble by now.
In the beginning of figuring out the puzzle, I really wanted to fix my R leg, no matter what. But over time and with increased understanding. I have become more thankful that I have my precious life regardless and if scarring & leg disability is all I have then I wear my war wounds and honour God for pulling me through. I have no option really, as this scarring is usually permanent & progressive. A leg is a leg is a leg. I will wear my brace & use my cane & smile every day. My R calf muscle is gradually wasting away & my R foot is dropping more, but who cares, its just a series muscles & I have plenty more, plus a life: in remission.
This winter in terms of infection has been pretty rough and I'm currently on my 7th box of anti-biotics this season. Last year I was in hospital with Pneumonia. My blood's look OK, but the last chemo drug I had called 'Fludarabine' is notorius for rendering one's immune system permanently supressed. I am hoping this is not the case for me, I am trying to be as careful as possible. The problem we have is that the family brings many virus' into the home and it turns into a bacterial infection almost immediately in me. This is one of the reasons we are building, to create a separate bedroom away from the rest of the family to protect me. We are selling to build for this and other disability reasons, anyone interested in a 4bed home on north Brisbane, let us know.
I have recently turned 40. I felt so happy to reach that number, what a great place to be, alive and in remission. Thank you everyone, for helping to pull me through the mud, during the last 5 years. I know all my friends, new & old, family and acquaintances all had a part to play.
My medical doctors and my medications have also saved my skin (I now wear a permanent pain patch & will keep my port-a-cath in). Ultimately, I owe my life to my creator, who walked beside me, when the rain was pouring down and some fantastic doctors. My parents and my sister & husband & children have all been awesome and so brave through this all. This Jodies Journey blog is by no means finished however, if there is nothing significant to medically blog about, you will hear about my media & advocacy work & receive some inspiring life blogs, instead.
Lets pray that a cure is found for every blood disease, not just mine. Blood cancers can happen to anyone, thought to be caused by viruses and poisons in the environment that all of us are exposed to. Let's also pray that my advocacy work will continue with favour. So many opportunities have come my way in the last 4 months, it's all stations go. Here are my latest awareness & media ventures:
My NEW Book with my short story is now released, order here!! Every book ordered through my website, I will personally sign. It is currently on sale in Australia & New Zealand and will be released in the USA & UK, in January, 2012. The book (published by Ark House Press) with myJourney in 'Inspiring Stories of Hope' is a chapter story of over 4,200 words - plus real stories from the following women: Diane Cordaire, Ruth Corlett, Kerrie Bindi, Dr. Jennifer Dawson, Elissa Macpherson, Jeannie Mok, Michelle Noerianto, Dr. Reina Michaelson, Dr. Lily A. Arasaratnam, Yoka van den Brink.
In May - I appeared on SBS Australia 'Insight' programme (about the Australian Carbon Tax, to support families) watch here (Part 2)!!
I was also in an article in the Melbourne Age, read here.
I appeared both Brisbane Channel 9 & 10 (Brisbane) on Tuesday, 14th June with comment about the Queensland state budget & the new home builders grant (as previously mentioned, we are trying to sell & will eventually build a safer home with lots of ramps, railings & many more features). I also appeared with a large photo in the Brisbane Courier-mail, page 9 on Wednesday 15th June with a write up about the same subject.
As I am probably the eBay queen, the Australian eBay magazine recently published a write-up on some of my EBay items!! I am currently in talks with 2 prominent women's websites (in Australia & the USA) about writing articles for women or featuring my book. I am also speaking to one of Australia's largest disability magazine about a possible write-up and a small write-up & photo about my experiences pre-diagnosis will be in the next Australian Women's Health & Fitness magazine.
I am taking time to write the rest of my story ready to publish should the opportunity arrive (as an auto-biography). I need approx. 40,000 words and are up to about 14,000 words. Lots of refining needed, but I'm working hard on it.
Whether my name or website is written about or featured, people Google & read about my story, as a result (my hope is) they become motivated/educated & inspired to understand the disease & its symptoms. They come to feel empathy for patients dealing with illness & disability and learn to value their own life & the blessings they may not appreciate. There is so much more, to learn, to see, to feel & to understand - from the journey.
I am always happy to hear from any of my friends or supporters. Also remember that the website: consumerconsultation.com is set up for you we have 4 consultants ready to talk to anyone who wants consumer advice in relation to managing health issues, with your doctor, team and/or family & friends.
I am also available for speaking engagements, go to my speaking page. Until next time....
Blessings Always, Jodie Guerrero.