Not a great deal has changed I am still on dialysis MWF and receiving ten units of platelets each week and two units of blood every other week because my stem cells still have not started working. I asked my local oncologist, Dr. Ray Page, what would happen if the stem cells do not become active. He said they would but we do not know the timeline they will choose. The doctors all tell me that about four months from the time you receive your stem cells is an average for them to become active. They say with me having several problems that mine could easily take longer such as six to eight months. The four-month period since I received my stem cells is up on the 22nd of June. I asked him what happens until they do start working and he said we would continue doing what we are doing now and that is for me to continue receiving platelets and blood. Not a wonderful thought but one I can live with as long as needed.

I have become more and more appreciative of people who will take the time to donate blood and platelets. They have certainly saved many lives and I am able to continue living somewhat of a normal life because of their generosity. Blood takes less time to give and has a longer shelf life than platelets. Donating platelets takes about 90 minutes and they have a shelf life of about five days. Platelets can be given more often than blood because they are taken from the blood. You are connected to a machine that receives the blood and removes the platelets and the remainder of the blood is returned to you. People with low platelet counts should be very careful because they must always be aware that their clotting ability is very restricted. When we cut or injure ourselves in someway, we can bleed quite freely.

I am gaining strength and am able to work in my beloved gardens. I gathered a beautiful arrangement of hydrangeas today for us to enjoy. Nothing can compare to being in the garden and listening to the birds, seeing the squirrels romp and play and watching the butterflies flit from flower to flower. I must work when it is early in the morning and quit when it becomes too hot because of the sun. I take blood pressure medication and when the sun hits my skin, it feels like little pin pricks all over. My yards are very shady and this helps when I am outside.