Shingles

This past Saturday I celebrated my 6 months post stem cell transplant! You know what I got in return? Shingles. I had been feeling unwell all week prior to finding out. I was more tired than usual and feeling nauseous. I felt something was off but I just figured it was normal aches and pains. Last Thursday I noticed 6 bumps on my chest accompanied by chest pain. By Saturday the bumps had turned into blisters and had spread over my chest, back and right arm. Shingles is common after transplant because of my weakened immune system. The virus stays dormant in your body until it is reactivated. This is the same virus that causes chicken pox. I’ve been put on antiviral medication so I’m hoping that starts to kick in. The pain is bad but manageable for now.

I’m not even upset that I have shingles, this is nothing compared to what I’ve been through this year. I have been extremely lucky with this whole process having no major issues. Tonight the Juravinski hospital is having their annual BMT Christmas party. I was looking forward to going with my family. I just wanted to be able to visit my old Doctors and nurses and show them how good I am doing. I know that getting healthy again is the most important thing right now. Here’s to hoping I’m back to “normal” again by Christmas!