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
METup & Metavivor Trip October 2018
Redemption. That was my personal theme of the week my husband, Elliot, and I spent in Washington, DC in early October, 2018. October is generally a hard month for those of us dying of stage IV metastatic breast cancer. There’s a reason METup’s slogan is #dyingforacure. Being around all of the fluffy pink celebrations all … Continue reading METup & Metavivor Trip October 2018
From September 26, 2018
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
From August 22, 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
From August 3, 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
Christmas
It's pretty universal that everyone likes to get presents; yet, there's something super special about watching a child on Christmas morning. My boys really get into the decorations, the magical parts of Christmas and they love Christmas morning. They wade through the paper with startling efficiency and announce and compare their gifts loudly and frequently. … Continue reading Christmas
Christmas Eve
Before I had children, the story of the birth of Jesus was meaningful, but I sometimes had a hard time wrapping my head around the experience of it. When my husband and I got married and we went through the Catholic pre-marital classes, I found myself wondering at times (irreverently) about all the hullabaloo around … Continue reading Christmas Eve
From June 22, 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
From May 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
From May 18, 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
No Half Measures 