Adrienne's platelets were 69 yesterday, just high enough to get chemo. All of her other counts were good. Most places require that the platelets be over 100 but her doctor said they would do it at 50. I always wondered why they just don't transfuse if platelets are low but I've since learned that low platelets are the first sign of bone marrow damage and they don't want to give chemo unless the marrow is healthy.
Needless to say, Adrienne isn't looking forward to any more chemo. She asks why she has to do this when others her age don't. There's no answer to that so all we can do is be there for her and encourage her. This gets tougher all the time, and no, it isn't fair.
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Adrienne was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease in 1996 at age 9. She had multiple relapses, two bone marrow transplants, and a range of chemos and radiation therapies, and passed away on October 1, 2009. We are heartbroken.
Out with the Girls
About Adrienne
- Adrienne
- Adrienne was very much like others with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, the most common cancer in teens and young adults. What was unusual is that she had it for more than half her life and ultimately, it took her life. Hodgkin's is curable for about 80% people, but Adrienne was one of the 20% for whom a cure was elusive. She considered herself lucky since treatments had been there for her with each relapse but she ran out of treatment options and her body just couldn’t take any more. As she said, "Though I’ve now had cancer for most of my life, I no longer plan my life around it; instead, I try to plan cancer around my life." We hope you can take inspiration from her and how she lived her life.
7 comments:
She's right. It's not fair. Thinking of you Adrienne.
Dear Adrienne,
I haven't read your blog for a few months and I am sorry to hear that you are having more chemo, but thrilled to hear your platlets are up!
You continually amaze me with your spirit, your enthusiasm, your tenacity and are an inspiration to me for sure. I always felt that way when I used to walk with you on the trails around here. I miss seeing you and your mom on Saturday mornings.
All my best wishes to you.
Nancy Minnig
All my best wishes
Adrienne,
It was so good to see you and you are as beautiful as ever!
I'm sorry that you're going through this; it isn't fair at all. You are always in my thoughts and I am here if you ever want to vent, laugh, cry, or just chat about boys. ;)
I hope you and your mom have not had too hectic of a schedule in CA, and I hope you feel better soon. You deserve the best; you are the sweetest person ever. Thank you for the advice, support, and encouragement you gave me during your visit.
<3<3<3 Karen
Hey Adrienne,
I've been it that much of a self-centred bubble that I didn't even realise you and your mam keep a blog.
I do now so consider yourself added to my stalking list.
I hope the chemo hasn't kicked you too hard this time around.
Sending you loads and loads of love and hugs from Scotland. You are some lady.
Wullie
I hope things are going your way now . . . thinking of you both.
It is criminally unfair for your whole family that you're on this journey again and for so long.
Karen, Clare's mom
Dearest Adrienne,
Although I have not been too vocal about it, I do think of you and your incredible mother everyday.
I can't even fathom how you continue to keep one foot in front of the other, but you always seem to manage.
Know your beauty and grace,
determination and spirit,
shine the way for so many of us undergoing treatment..
I wish for you, the least amount of side effects this week, tons of smiles, and the knowledge that so many of us - are thinking of you, dear.
Tons of Love,
Dearest Adrienne,
Although I have not been too vocal about it, I do think of you and your incredible mother everyday.
I can't even fathom how you continue to keep one foot in front of the other, but you always seem to manage.
Know your beauty and grace,
determination and spirit,
shine the way for so many of us undergoing treatment..
I wish for you, the least amount of side effects this week, tons of smiles, and the knowledge that so many of us - are thinking of you, dear.
Tons of Love,
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