Taylor and Ariel's Adventures

Hi all—

Thanks for all the great thoughts and positive energy since the first post. It’s been really powerful.

Today, I head in for another dosage of IVIG to stimulate some more platelet production in my body. As of yesterday AM, we were at 11K (a bump from 4K)—which initially came as a bit of a disappointment.  I spent Tuesday getting a huge dosage of IVIG and expected to see a much bigger bump in my platelet count…

It felt like a bit of a punch in the stomach, but then my dad shared some interesting perspective. He told me about how the platelets count actually (nearly) tripled, which was a better way of thinking than it went up by 7K.  Even though that’s a small little shift in a way to look at the numbers, it provided relief.  So my lesson yesterday was…

There are many ways to look at a number, a problem, an issue, or a situation. From one specific perspective, it may always look like a negative issue but when you turn that problem around, flip it over, etc…you may have a completely different take on what is happening.  It’s not always easy to do so yourself so when I struggle with perspective, I turn to my support system to help me see it in a different way.  While this has been particularly helpful during this ITP adventure, it has applications in all areas of life.  BTW, if you are interested in watching a great TED talk on the Optimism Bias, check this one out by Tali Sharot.

And I owe a full review to this book, but if you are looking for a great read, check out Clay Christensen’s “How will you measure your life?”. Talk about perspective and looking at challenges and problems in new ways.

Thanks again all and stay tuned for more updates.

-Ariel & Taylor

When Taylor and I started this Tumblr, our aim was to share our adventures together.  Generally those advntures have been about food, trips, and some good music.  We also look forward to sharing many news and exciting pictures of our upcoming family addition in mid-September. 

Over the last month, we have been having a different type of adventure and it’s had to do with blood platelets. About a month and half ago, I went in to the doctor to check on a random bruise that I had on my leg.  Without feeling any other symptoms, I assumed that the doctor would say: “You are fine.  Just a bruise”.    However, after running a blood test (a CBC), I got a call the next morning letting us know that my platelet counts were really low (16K).  Normal range is 150k-450k—so I was a bit far away from normal. 

Fast forward a month and a half and it’s been quite a ride. We are now confident (after ruling out Leukemia and Lymphoma) that what I have is ITP, but it’s taken us a while to get here.  As we have gone through this experience, we have learned a ton and I wanted to write some of it down.  I am writing for three reasons:

1. To keep everyone updated and informed on what’s happening with my platelets;
2. To share some perspective and insights on our experience with those that may be interested;
3. To hopefully provide others that may dealing with ITP a resource and a perspective; 

Feel free to ask me any questions about ITP (www.twitter.com/agds) or via e-mail and I’m happy to share my experience.

I go in tomorrow (Tuesday) for my second dosage of IVIG to get those pesky little platelets up. I’ll spend about 8 hours at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (one of the most amazing places to get treatment ever), getting those numbers up.  And then we’ll go see the hematologist again on Friday.  Luckily, I feel great and have had no actual symptoms, besides the bruising.

As I think about all the lessons I am learning through this experience, I wanted to call out two specifically:

1. Appreciation: Life will constantly throw out challenges and unexpected opportunities at the most surprising times. Overnight, I went from being an invicible 29-year old to a vulnerable 29-year old with an auto-immune disorder. It highlighted even more how important it is to appreciate all that life has to offer.  Whether it be the blooming lilacs in the spring or that hug from a great friend or a great song, I’ve become ever more aware of all the blessing in my life.  When I get down or sad, I think about our baby coming in September. I think about the roof over our home. I think about the friends and family who are sending us good vibes. Appreciate everything life has to throw your way.
2. Patience: As all those that know me, I’ve never been the most patient person. I’ve always enjoyed getting to the end of that book or finishing that workout or doing many things at the same time (what I like to call multi-tasking at work, when it’s really just being “easily distracted”). This last month and a half has illustrated how important patience can be in tough situations.  At times, I have wished for my own platelet counting machine so I could always know my counts.  There is little in my control as I go through this, except to stay patient. I have often looked back on this quote:

“The greatest prayer is patience” — Buddha 

 I am super optimistic that everything is going to work out.  I have complete faith in the doctors that are taking care of me.  What gives me the most strength and courage have been the tremendous support and love shown by our friends and family. Many people have us in our prayers these days and are sending us great, great thoughts and our family could not be more grateful for it.

Thank you and Obrigado and keep ‘em coming.  Stay tuned for more updates as they become available…and more posts in the near future.

Tons of love—

Ariel & Taylor

For a pictorial history of my platelet counts over the last month and half, check this out: