There's not much to report (thankfully, yes?). I went to clinic on Tuesday and everything is the same, except my weight, which is plummeting dangerously close to an unhealthy BMI. Apparently, the GVHD is revving up my metabolism, so I have to increase the calories. It would be a dream come true, if I felt like eating. To make it easier, I eat a little bit all day long -- the highest calorie foods I can find: nuts, cheese, dried fruit, pasta, ice cream, cream-on-the-top yogurt and, of course, chocolate Ensure shakes. It feels a little weird when, up to now, I've closely watched my weight, tempering what and how much I put away. I loved to eat.
Also my mom made a surprise visit this weekend from Oklahoma. We spent Sunday together and even went to my brother's for dinner. We hadn't seen each other in two years, so it was nice to catch up.
More good news! It looks like Zach's making the move to give up pull-ups to go pee and poop in the potty full-time. We are all very proud and excited.
Sorry there's not much to report, but I wanted to let everyone know I'm getting stronger every day. I still often feel sick at night and go to bed early, but I've taken up walking again in the mornings. I'm hoping for an equally uneventful post next time ...
much love,
Katie
Comments (8)
Hi
My name is kristina and I had a stemcell transplant in may this year.
This was done in a hospital in London, England. I found your blogg on the internet and it's interesting how we go through the same problems. I have GVHD in my gut now and am on a fatty diet too due to weight loss. I never been eating so much sweets and cakes:-)
Kristina
Posted by Kristina Talts | November 21, 2008 9:11 AM
Posted on November 21, 2008 09:11
Hey Katie,
I'm glad to hear things are stable, and that Zach is a big boy now! If you ever want company on a morning walk, let me know : )
Posted by Shirley | November 22, 2008 8:44 AM
Posted on November 22, 2008 08:44
Zach is going to start using the potty! Good news! Maybe on Sunday we can get him to influence Luce, who has no interest whatsoever in using the potty. Though when naked (his preferred state) for long periods of time, he pees on the floor. Sigh...
Posted by adrienne Van Gorden | November 24, 2008 11:33 AM
Posted on November 24, 2008 11:33
I like it when you get to post about some "normalcy" like reporting on Zach's impending fully potty trained status. I hope it is all still status quo now these some 5 days later after this post.
I'm concerned about you keeping up your weight- it's part of my genetic makeup or birthright or something, but right now am feeling some "must feed, must feed, must feed" thing come on. You may not recall this, but when Vinnie and I met, I was very thin. Like, starlet emaciated. The stress of finishing at Berkeley and just having been through a horrible break-up took it's toll. I was so thin in fact, that people were baking me things and saying I needed eclairs. Ah, precious memories... I want to bring you eclairs. Might I recommend some more creme fraiche topped potatoey things? Also, at this time of year, the half a panettonne, is good as well.
Hope you're enjoying the brisk mornings on your walks.
much love, happy thanksgiving to all there.
Shona
Posted by Shona | November 25, 2008 2:52 PM
Posted on November 25, 2008 14:52
Happy Thanksgiving. Love to see those pics of Zach.
Posted by Jamie | November 25, 2008 4:27 PM
Posted on November 25, 2008 16:27
Hi Katie,
"nuts, cheese ... pasta, ice cream, cream-on-the-top yogurt" -- these are the highest calorie foods? They're on my list of food staples! Is meat out of the question? Because, I'm just sayin'... bacon, pate, sausage?
But really, my condolences on the loss of appetite. That must be hard to not have something that brought you so much pleasure. And the plummeting weight sounds scary! Keep your weight up, sweetie. Think of the food as fuel for recovery. If your recovery could be fueled on love and good thoughts alone, you'd be all set, but they haven't made that medical breakthrough yet, so yes, more eating.
I'm happy to hear you're generally feeling better and get to report about everyday things. I'm fine... been in the grumpy second month of being in a new place, but getting over it. In 2 short weeks we fly to NYC for the holidays and then to Peru to see RC's family. I have a looong list of food to eat. Hey, maybe I can send the extra calories to you? Maybe as an attachment on an email?
much love (and goofiness),
Charlene
Posted by Charlene | November 28, 2008 3:29 PM
Posted on November 28, 2008 15:29
I love the pictures you post and the happy news of Zach. How I wish I could send you an Appetite! Every day I eat with my mother-in-law, 93, who has no appetite, so I have been on the look out for Appetites for years now. Unfortunately, they are hard to find when you need one. If you don't, they are everywhere. As I coach dear Ruth, "Being hungry is not a requirement for eating. Just do it." Lift that fork. Swallow that shake.
Much love, Eva
Posted by Eva | December 1, 2008 10:07 AM
Posted on December 1, 2008 10:07
Katie,
Glad your mom made it out to see you. I'm sure you appreciated that. Kim has moved in with me, at least until she finds out if she's been accepted at Teachers College in the Comparative Ed. program in the Anthropology Dept. She should hear sometime in March, then would most likely start in Sept. She just landed a job in Philly working with refugee settlement--those from Burma, Liberia, and a couple of other places. It's great, as those 2 countries were the last places she actually lived and worked. I do hope you're feeling at least somewhat better and are enjoying eating all day long! Not the ideal situation to be able to eat anything you want.
My love and thoughts to you, Ian, Zach, Peter, Jenni, Zoe, and Mazie. Love, Aunt Kathy
Posted by Aunt Kathy | December 2, 2008 12:58 PM
Posted on December 2, 2008 12:58