And So This is Christmas

One of the things that I keep coming back to, especially during the holidays, is the importance of gratitude. Over the last few days, I've been aware of how I've been feeling lately, and I realized that it has been a very long time since I have felt this good.

I've noticed that I'm not as cold as I had been. It seemed like it wouldn't have to be very cold inside or out to get me to put on a long sleeved shirt. While at work the other day, I actually rolled up my sleeves, which I haven't done in a couple of years.

I also noticed that I'm not falling asleep at night after we eat dinner. This is something that has been a problem for me for several years. Sometimes, it's simply a matter of not getting enough quality sleep, but even when that wasn't an issue, I nod off without any warning. Lately, however, I'm staying up without falling asleep after dinner. It feels good to be more productive during the evening, and even if I don't actually do anything, it's nice to be there for Jeannie and not dozing off all night.

Both of these changes coincide with a recent up tick in my hemoglobin. Since dialysis began, my hemoglobin has been somewhere between 10-11. Good enough for dialysis, but I'm still kind of sluggish at that level. Since the middle of November or so, my hemoglobin has been hovering around 13.5, which is dynamite!

There's been only one downside to this, and I'm not sure yet that I can connect the two things, but I"m getting black and blue marks easier. We noticed the other day that I had black and blue marks in places that don't typically bruise. For example, I've got two bruise marks on my stomach. My stomach? It's the craziest thing. They just appear out of nowhere.

I mentioned this to a nurse at the dialysis clinic the other day, and she told me that it's probably time to drop the dosage of heparin I get during each session. Like I said, I don't know what, if any, relationship there is between the heparin, the increased hemoglobin, and the black and blue marks, but something's going on. And, it's nice to know that for now, the things that are going on are good things!

So, Merry Christmas to everyone out there in the blogosphere. Be sure to take some time to count your blessings today and everyday,

Tis the Season

Sitting in the dialysis chair with antlers resting on my ball cap seems like the perfect time to do a little writing. The blood is moving effortlessly out of my arm, into the machine that filters it and returns it back to me. My fistula is working like a champ.

The catheter that had to go in after my fistula was worked on is gone. In other words, things are starting to get back to normal. Well, the new normal anyway.

This week the new normal included a maintenance treatment of Rituxan, so my CLL got a little attention. I also got to spend some quality time with my dentist. Add in my dialysis visits, and health care was almost a full time job this week.

All this health care is doing great things for me. Seriously, I don't think I've felt this good in a long time. All my blood work this month has been great. It's a great time to get started back to getting my body in shape. There's a transplant in my future, and I want to make sure I'm in shape to accept my new organ.

No, there's no donor in sight yet, but I feel like it's just a matter of time. So for now, it's time to enjoy the Christmas season, the beautiful weather that makes it possible for us to drive back and spend the holiday with Jeannie's family, and just let things unfold the way they are supposed to unfold. I'm open to all the possibilities.

All that's left to say is Merry Christmas to all!