This is a real thing.  I've read several times that doctors are not convinced that it exists and that it is hard to test.  Nearly everyone I've talked to who has undergone chemo experiences various cognitive affects.  It is hard to quantify at times, but it is a real thing. A rather humorous example that … Continue reading Chemo Brain →

I have understood for some time that I have a compromised immune system.  It's hard to ignore when I go to the doctor's office at least monthly to have bloodwork done and the lab always calls my doctor's office right away to report the feeble amounts of white blood cells detected.  Learning the medical terms … Continue reading Compromised Immunity →

What now?!? Journal entry by Abigail Johnston — Sep 26, 2018 I started seeing a new neurologist and he’s working to get to the bottom of my recurring and debilitating migraines. He’s a specialist and I appreciate his thoroughness and attention to details. He reviewed all of my medical records with me and asked me questions no other … Continue reading From September 26, 2018 →

A rough and overwhelming week Journal entry by Abigail Johnston — Aug 22, 2018 Liam started kindergarten this week and it was amazing and nostalgic and fun and I had a hard time focusing. So many other things going on but I’m still doing my best to stay focused on the present and supporting him through this new … Continue reading From August 22, 2018 →

#fakenews?? Journal entry by Abigail Johnston — Aug 3, 2018 Can’t resist a bit of political humor in an effort to deflect the potential seriousness of this post. Tumor markers are still rising. While they are not 100% reliable in terms of signaling a progression, it’s creating some serious heartburn in our household. Just this week, my medical … Continue reading From August 3, 2018 →

Endurance and pain Journal entry by Abigail Johnston — Jun 22, 2018 The last few months have been full of lessons of endurance. My hips continue to hurt, especially the left hip, and the instructions to build muscle mass has meant that I must be aware of activities and plan accordingly. When I know how much activity to … Continue reading From June 22, 2018 →

Good News!! Journal entry by Abigail Johnston — May 22, 2018 The orthopedic oncologist called today (finally) and told me that the X-rays showed the likely culprits of my pain are humdrum anatomical anomalies and old bleeding that has calcified. We are still going to do the mri to rule out any issues that we can’t see with … Continue reading From May 22, 2018 →

Still don’t know for sure ... Journal entry by Abigail Johnston — May 18, 2018 What’s really going on but the X-rays came back yesterday. I got the films and the radiologist report sent to me directly. Doesn’t show fractures (thank God) but recommends an mri because the rods and screws blocks a complete view of the bones. … Continue reading From May 18, 2018 →

Here we go again ... Journal entry by Abigail Johnston — May 15, 2018 I’ve been having left hip pain for a few weeks. Well, in reality, more than normal hip pain. I always have hip and knee pain from my surgery last June but this has been much worse. I finally asked my medical oncologist for a … Continue reading From May 15, 2018 →

Back from the cruise!! Journal entry by Abigail Johnston — Mar 31, 2018 We took the boys on an unforgettable Disney Cruise over Spring Break. It was an amazing time with them and my parents. I was reminded again and again of my limitations and the ongoing side effects of the medication and that did make things bittersweet. … Continue reading March 31, 2018 →