My newly released rap video. Written and performed by: Mary T
Video by: Lee T
Please share so we can get the word out!
https://youtu.be/DyReeZfFJ0I
Sunday, February 10, 2019
Saturday, January 19, 2019
Surprise coming up
Yes, I said a surprise is coming up, but you'll have to wait and see what it is!!! Check back often!
I went to my BM (bone marrow, not bowel movement) doctor earlier in the week. We were really lucky this time, because we actually were home from Boston by 1pm. We left the house at 5:45am and got there early. No traffic!! I'm the only patient my doctor sees on Mondays so he was there and took me early. My kidneys are in the normal range, which was shocking because my anti-rejection meds had to be increased and they affect the kidneys. Dr. thinks this is due to drinking and eating more. I ate almost a whole hamburger last night! That was the first good news. Then, he said that my liver is a little better and my platelets (blood clotting) are almost in the normal range! I'm getting better slowly, but surely! I'm looking forward to the day that I can look at my labs and see everything in the normal range.
That was the important news so now I can tell you my rib story. This happened in December while I was in the midst of baking massive amounts of cookies. Every night I get up at least once to pee. This one night I was trying to get out of bed and for some bizarre reason, I was doing some weird acrobatic moves. As I was attempting to squirm out of bed on my stomach, I got to the edge of the bed, on my stomach, and I felt a pop!! Please don't ask how or why this all happened, I really have no friggin' idea. I didn't move for a minute. I wasn't sure if I broke something and I wanted to be sure that I didn't puncture a lung. I finally stood up and ran my hand all along my rib and there wasn't any pain so I was pretty sure nothing was broken. I peed and went back to bed. The next morning my rib was sore, but I'm sick of doctors, so I never got it checked. I did have to take some time off from baking because I wasn't moving around very well. Needless to say, no broken bones! I either dislocated my rib on my side or popped ligaments or cartilage or whatever. It feels better, as long as I don't try to sleep on that side for too long. The moral of this story is...be careful getting out of bed to pee!!
One more thing. What should be the title of book # 2? (that's not the surprise)
FYI my blood type is now O positive.
Peace out Peeps!
I went to my BM (bone marrow, not bowel movement) doctor earlier in the week. We were really lucky this time, because we actually were home from Boston by 1pm. We left the house at 5:45am and got there early. No traffic!! I'm the only patient my doctor sees on Mondays so he was there and took me early. My kidneys are in the normal range, which was shocking because my anti-rejection meds had to be increased and they affect the kidneys. Dr. thinks this is due to drinking and eating more. I ate almost a whole hamburger last night! That was the first good news. Then, he said that my liver is a little better and my platelets (blood clotting) are almost in the normal range! I'm getting better slowly, but surely! I'm looking forward to the day that I can look at my labs and see everything in the normal range.
That was the important news so now I can tell you my rib story. This happened in December while I was in the midst of baking massive amounts of cookies. Every night I get up at least once to pee. This one night I was trying to get out of bed and for some bizarre reason, I was doing some weird acrobatic moves. As I was attempting to squirm out of bed on my stomach, I got to the edge of the bed, on my stomach, and I felt a pop!! Please don't ask how or why this all happened, I really have no friggin' idea. I didn't move for a minute. I wasn't sure if I broke something and I wanted to be sure that I didn't puncture a lung. I finally stood up and ran my hand all along my rib and there wasn't any pain so I was pretty sure nothing was broken. I peed and went back to bed. The next morning my rib was sore, but I'm sick of doctors, so I never got it checked. I did have to take some time off from baking because I wasn't moving around very well. Needless to say, no broken bones! I either dislocated my rib on my side or popped ligaments or cartilage or whatever. It feels better, as long as I don't try to sleep on that side for too long. The moral of this story is...be careful getting out of bed to pee!!
One more thing. What should be the title of book # 2? (that's not the surprise)
FYI my blood type is now O positive.
Peace out Peeps!
Tuesday, January 8, 2019
Long time, no blogging! Yikes!
Wow, I didn't realize that it had been so long since I blogged. I think with the holidays, everything got away from me. If I was one to make New Year's resolutions, I would say that I'll blog more, but all I can say is that I'll try.
Where should I begin? In October, Lee got me a remission gift and we went to see Impractical Jokers at Foxwoods Casino. They were great and I haven't laughed that hard in a very long time!!! We didn't know what to expect with them being live and we were pleasantly surprised to see that they are equally as funny in person. I was literally crying from laughing so hard. It was an awesome gift! I do have to admit that I'm very hesitant to celebrate any milestone this time. It always kind of feels like the bottom can fall out at any minute. So, instead of dwelling on that, I really try to enjoy every single thing I get to do and see.
Speaking of that, this Fall was such a gift. Every time we were in the car and I was seeing all the trees changing colors, I took a moment to thank God! I wasn't so sure that I would ever see that again. That has been happening quite a bit this past year, where I will pause and be grateful, even sometimes for the shitty stuff.
Christmas was amazing! My original plans for not doing as much this year went in the crapper. Lee did his great outdoor decorating and helped with the inside decorating. I warned people that there probably wouldn't be very many cookies baked, but there were more kinds than ever. Damn you Pinterest!!! It took me a long time to make them all, because my energy still sucks, so I could only do one at a time. Then I found out that my nephew, his wife and my niece, her husband and daughter and my sister were all coming for Christmas Eve and my son had off from work...I could barely contain my excitement!!! Christmas Eve was on big time!! We played Cards Against Humanity after dessert, which was a riot. I really have a bunch of sickos in my family, especially the ones who married into the craziness (Andy, Caroline, Lee).
My health has been fairly steady. The doctor had to increase my anti-rejection drug, because I reached a low level and my liver is still acting up. Stupid liver! My hair is a travesty! I look like and old man without my wig on. The sides and very back are growing and there's this lovely tuft right on the top of my head. Oh, and it's all standing straight up with the exception of the back. It's ravishing. Then the rest of the hair is very sparse, you know, like the old guys who always where baseball caps. They might look distinguished, but without makeup, I resemble a something out of the Star Wars bar scene! Scary Shit!! I'm going to Boston next week for my bimonthly check and a shot of some sort.
I'm going to attempt to blog once a week or so...that's if I remember. Sometimes I have shit for brains, but I'll try.
Happy New Year!
Peace Out Peeps!!
Where should I begin? In October, Lee got me a remission gift and we went to see Impractical Jokers at Foxwoods Casino. They were great and I haven't laughed that hard in a very long time!!! We didn't know what to expect with them being live and we were pleasantly surprised to see that they are equally as funny in person. I was literally crying from laughing so hard. It was an awesome gift! I do have to admit that I'm very hesitant to celebrate any milestone this time. It always kind of feels like the bottom can fall out at any minute. So, instead of dwelling on that, I really try to enjoy every single thing I get to do and see.
Speaking of that, this Fall was such a gift. Every time we were in the car and I was seeing all the trees changing colors, I took a moment to thank God! I wasn't so sure that I would ever see that again. That has been happening quite a bit this past year, where I will pause and be grateful, even sometimes for the shitty stuff.
Christmas was amazing! My original plans for not doing as much this year went in the crapper. Lee did his great outdoor decorating and helped with the inside decorating. I warned people that there probably wouldn't be very many cookies baked, but there were more kinds than ever. Damn you Pinterest!!! It took me a long time to make them all, because my energy still sucks, so I could only do one at a time. Then I found out that my nephew, his wife and my niece, her husband and daughter and my sister were all coming for Christmas Eve and my son had off from work...I could barely contain my excitement!!! Christmas Eve was on big time!! We played Cards Against Humanity after dessert, which was a riot. I really have a bunch of sickos in my family, especially the ones who married into the craziness (Andy, Caroline, Lee).
My health has been fairly steady. The doctor had to increase my anti-rejection drug, because I reached a low level and my liver is still acting up. Stupid liver! My hair is a travesty! I look like and old man without my wig on. The sides and very back are growing and there's this lovely tuft right on the top of my head. Oh, and it's all standing straight up with the exception of the back. It's ravishing. Then the rest of the hair is very sparse, you know, like the old guys who always where baseball caps. They might look distinguished, but without makeup, I resemble a something out of the Star Wars bar scene! Scary Shit!! I'm going to Boston next week for my bimonthly check and a shot of some sort.
I'm going to attempt to blog once a week or so...that's if I remember. Sometimes I have shit for brains, but I'll try.
Happy New Year!
Peace Out Peeps!!
Sunday, October 28, 2018
News (a little delayed)
Hey all! Last month at my doctor appointment in Boston, I found out that I'm 100% donor. As usual my reaction was strange and I said, "I'm a dude now". It's a really good thing that my doctor gets my sense of humor and he always laughs at my stupid stuff. Now that I have male chromosomes, I'm a true transgender, I just identify as a female!! HA! I've also realized that I can't register with an ancestry sight, because it would all come up as my donor. So weird!! I guess my sisters will have to find out for the family. I'm no longer related to myself! I hope my donor is an Italian German stud muffin with great longevity genes.
The other side of the coin is that I've been having some pretty bad flashbacks for the past 10 days. I'm looking into a support group. It's usually a smell that will set if off, but it also can be something I see. It's a terrible feeling when I'm right back in my hospital room and it feels like no time has past. I had this a little after the first transplant, but this is on a whole new level. My heart seriously goes out to all our military men and women who suffer from PTSD, I can't even imagine reliving war. 😢
This crap is bad enough.
More good news is...I am eating! I'm still not loving meat except for steak and I don't like a lot of bread yet. I haven't tried my favorite foods like hamburgers, tacos and pizza. I am completely addicted to soup. I'll eat almost any kind of soup and sometimes I have to remind myself not to eat it more than once a day. I also LOVE vegetables, especially green beans and fish! It's so odd. Now I need to be careful that I don't gain all that weight back. I'm allowing myself five lbs right now and then I'll eat very healthy.
After much deliberation and the opinions of two friends, I have decided to post a picture of myself bald. I figured that I've already shared so much stuff (some may think I've over shared) that it's only right to show you me in all my glory.
Peace out Peeps!
The other side of the coin is that I've been having some pretty bad flashbacks for the past 10 days. I'm looking into a support group. It's usually a smell that will set if off, but it also can be something I see. It's a terrible feeling when I'm right back in my hospital room and it feels like no time has past. I had this a little after the first transplant, but this is on a whole new level. My heart seriously goes out to all our military men and women who suffer from PTSD, I can't even imagine reliving war. 😢
This crap is bad enough.
More good news is...I am eating! I'm still not loving meat except for steak and I don't like a lot of bread yet. I haven't tried my favorite foods like hamburgers, tacos and pizza. I am completely addicted to soup. I'll eat almost any kind of soup and sometimes I have to remind myself not to eat it more than once a day. I also LOVE vegetables, especially green beans and fish! It's so odd. Now I need to be careful that I don't gain all that weight back. I'm allowing myself five lbs right now and then I'll eat very healthy.
After much deliberation and the opinions of two friends, I have decided to post a picture of myself bald. I figured that I've already shared so much stuff (some may think I've over shared) that it's only right to show you me in all my glory.
Peace out Peeps!
Thursday, September 13, 2018
What's happening these days.
To start with, I'm actually seeing people and hugging them. That might not seem like a big deal for most people, but when you've been isolated for a long time, it's huge!! I've missed seeing people and it's so nice to talk to people in person. There have been a few times when friends haven't recognized me right away, because of my weight loss and wig, but it doesn't bother me. Actually, it's kind of amusing. It also makes it easy to hide and be anonymous, if I choose to be. That really only works if I don't smile or speak. Ha!!
I'm eating a little better even though food still tastes like dookie a lot of the time. The things that taste especially bad are: bread, meat, most cheeses, pasta and potatoes. Things that taste okay are: fish, vegetables, soup, pickles, some eggs and ice cream. This makes me wonder if my donor is a pescatarian. The most annoying thing about this is my new dislike of pasta and meatballs. I fear losing my Italian card if this isn't remedied soon. The struggle is real!!!
I'm seeing my doctors a little less often these days. I'm down to every 2 weeks now and hopefully, the next time I go to Boston, Dr Mac changes it to every 3 weeks. In about about 6 weeks I start getting all of my childhood immunizations again...for the third time. It will take about 2 years to complete, so I am extremely cautious around children and sick people. They are still trying to regulate my anti-rejection drug, because we suspect that I may have had a little graft vs host in my liver, but my enzymes looked a little better last week. I'm getting my strength back slowly, but the exhaustion is difficult. I almost said tiring instead of difficult. That would have been funny.
Here's my big news, are you ready? No more diarrhea!! No more squirts or throwing away unders!! All is well on the southern front, finally! Phew or should I say PU! I'm glad that shit is finally over. Here is my slight dilemma. The chemo can cause some skin discoloration in various places. I have a couple marks on my cheeks (face) and one above my eye and a big one on the top of my head. The one on my head is the most disturbing because it is in the shape of... how do I put this delicately? Okay, I'm just going to come out with it! It's shaped like a phallic symbol. There, I said it! And I know what you are all thinking, but a member of my family has already called me a d__k head.
That's all for now.
Peace out Peeps!
I'm eating a little better even though food still tastes like dookie a lot of the time. The things that taste especially bad are: bread, meat, most cheeses, pasta and potatoes. Things that taste okay are: fish, vegetables, soup, pickles, some eggs and ice cream. This makes me wonder if my donor is a pescatarian. The most annoying thing about this is my new dislike of pasta and meatballs. I fear losing my Italian card if this isn't remedied soon. The struggle is real!!!
I'm seeing my doctors a little less often these days. I'm down to every 2 weeks now and hopefully, the next time I go to Boston, Dr Mac changes it to every 3 weeks. In about about 6 weeks I start getting all of my childhood immunizations again...for the third time. It will take about 2 years to complete, so I am extremely cautious around children and sick people. They are still trying to regulate my anti-rejection drug, because we suspect that I may have had a little graft vs host in my liver, but my enzymes looked a little better last week. I'm getting my strength back slowly, but the exhaustion is difficult. I almost said tiring instead of difficult. That would have been funny.
Here's my big news, are you ready? No more diarrhea!! No more squirts or throwing away unders!! All is well on the southern front, finally! Phew or should I say PU! I'm glad that shit is finally over. Here is my slight dilemma. The chemo can cause some skin discoloration in various places. I have a couple marks on my cheeks (face) and one above my eye and a big one on the top of my head. The one on my head is the most disturbing because it is in the shape of... how do I put this delicately? Okay, I'm just going to come out with it! It's shaped like a phallic symbol. There, I said it! And I know what you are all thinking, but a member of my family has already called me a d__k head.
That's all for now.
Peace out Peeps!
Friday, August 10, 2018
Biopsy Results
I'm going to start out this blog, not about my biopsy, but some sad news. My dog, Nikki passed away suddenly last Wednesday. The weird thing about this is, that my dog, Jake passed away while I was recovering from my first transplant. I read that there is a theory that a pet loves you so much that he/she takes on your illness so you will be okay. I don't know if this is true, but it's an interesting way to see things. I'll post a picture of my beautiful girl! She was quite feisty and a bit bitchy at times, but she loved when I sang Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star to her or when I fed her by hand. Okay, she had me trained and kept me in line!
So, I had my 100 day biopsy on Monday. It wasn't too bad until...my sciatic nerve was touched. Holy craparooie! Once I started breathing again, it got better and didn't last long. The only thing I said was that there was a pain going down the back of my leg. I didn't swear or name call or say anything bad. Then again, it wasn't my first rodeo and definitely won't be my last. Bone marrow biopsies really aren't that bad. The worst part is waiting for the results!!
Lee and I were out for a little ride this evening and my cell phone rang with a Boston number...it was my doctor and guess what? My friggin phone dropped the call, because we were in a bad area. I said to Lee, "Hurray up and get me out of here." I was freaking the "f" out!! After about a minute, I called the doctor back and he said...my biopsy is ALL CLEAR!!!!!! I'm still waiting on my chimerism, but all the bad shit is gone. Now, it needs to stay that way. I'm very happy and excited and hesitant. I think hearing so much bad news for so long has made me a little nervous. With that being said, I'm going to revel in this great news and move forward. It's going to take me some time to get my energy and appetite back, oh and my hair. If any of you see me, I may have gray hair or brown hair or no hair, depending on my mood. I still have a long way to go, but I'm on my way. I'll keep blogging, because this trek isn't finished yet.
Peace Out Peeps!
So, I had my 100 day biopsy on Monday. It wasn't too bad until...my sciatic nerve was touched. Holy craparooie! Once I started breathing again, it got better and didn't last long. The only thing I said was that there was a pain going down the back of my leg. I didn't swear or name call or say anything bad. Then again, it wasn't my first rodeo and definitely won't be my last. Bone marrow biopsies really aren't that bad. The worst part is waiting for the results!!
Lee and I were out for a little ride this evening and my cell phone rang with a Boston number...it was my doctor and guess what? My friggin phone dropped the call, because we were in a bad area. I said to Lee, "Hurray up and get me out of here." I was freaking the "f" out!! After about a minute, I called the doctor back and he said...my biopsy is ALL CLEAR!!!!!! I'm still waiting on my chimerism, but all the bad shit is gone. Now, it needs to stay that way. I'm very happy and excited and hesitant. I think hearing so much bad news for so long has made me a little nervous. With that being said, I'm going to revel in this great news and move forward. It's going to take me some time to get my energy and appetite back, oh and my hair. If any of you see me, I may have gray hair or brown hair or no hair, depending on my mood. I still have a long way to go, but I'm on my way. I'll keep blogging, because this trek isn't finished yet.
Peace Out Peeps!
Friday, July 20, 2018
Things are looking up!
Hey everyone!
Since my last post i got those dreaded lines out of my chest! It was very interesting because when i got the lines out the first time, I had to go in the operating room. This time I went to a room like a recovery room, the doctor pulled the curtain, asked me if I wanted to try to take it out without lidocaine, so I said sure. He took out a couple stitches and just pulled it out!! It was AWESOME! I was so stressed about going into another operating room that this was such a huge relief. My first step back to some normalcy.
I'm still having some eating issues, but it's getting better slowly. I still can't really eat meat or bread. The doctor at Yale was not happy about my weight loss when we were there on Monday. He kind of bugged me. My goal is to try to eat 900 calories a day before my next Boston appointment. I think I'm between 400 and 500 calories a day now, so I'm improving. Eating more definitely makes me feel better and gives me a little more energy. The good news is that I had plenty of extra body to lose, but now my body looks a little deflated. Kind of like someone took a pin to a balloon...or two.
August 3rd is my 100 days!!! I'll be able to go out in public without a mask! Two weeks to go! I'm going to keep a bit of a low profile until I have my bone marrow biopsy and get the results. Please, if you are so inclined, keep me in your prayers.
So yesterday was my birthday and I'm so grateful that I made it to 57 yrs old. A few months ago, I wasn't sure that I was going to see another birthday and here I am finally starting to feel a little more like myself. Whatever lesson I was supposed to learn from all this, I hope I learned it, because I NEVER want to go through this shit again. You didn't think I would make it through a blog without swearing once, did you?
Anyway, last night I took a moment to thank God for another year and I prayed for many more.
Peace out peeps!
Since my last post i got those dreaded lines out of my chest! It was very interesting because when i got the lines out the first time, I had to go in the operating room. This time I went to a room like a recovery room, the doctor pulled the curtain, asked me if I wanted to try to take it out without lidocaine, so I said sure. He took out a couple stitches and just pulled it out!! It was AWESOME! I was so stressed about going into another operating room that this was such a huge relief. My first step back to some normalcy.
I'm still having some eating issues, but it's getting better slowly. I still can't really eat meat or bread. The doctor at Yale was not happy about my weight loss when we were there on Monday. He kind of bugged me. My goal is to try to eat 900 calories a day before my next Boston appointment. I think I'm between 400 and 500 calories a day now, so I'm improving. Eating more definitely makes me feel better and gives me a little more energy. The good news is that I had plenty of extra body to lose, but now my body looks a little deflated. Kind of like someone took a pin to a balloon...or two.
August 3rd is my 100 days!!! I'll be able to go out in public without a mask! Two weeks to go! I'm going to keep a bit of a low profile until I have my bone marrow biopsy and get the results. Please, if you are so inclined, keep me in your prayers.
So yesterday was my birthday and I'm so grateful that I made it to 57 yrs old. A few months ago, I wasn't sure that I was going to see another birthday and here I am finally starting to feel a little more like myself. Whatever lesson I was supposed to learn from all this, I hope I learned it, because I NEVER want to go through this shit again. You didn't think I would make it through a blog without swearing once, did you?
Anyway, last night I took a moment to thank God for another year and I prayed for many more.
Peace out peeps!
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