Jane Crawford Jane’s Road to Recovery

First post: Sep 26, 2018 Latest post: Apr 16, 2020
Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.

As most of you know, I have been diagnosed with Myelodysplasia, commonly known as “Pre-Leukemia.” 


On October 1st I start my first sessions of chemo. It is a new protocol of treatments only used in Pittsburgh at the Hillman Cancer Center.  It is two separate drugs coming out of the Mario Lemieux Cancer Research Center. I start out with 5 days medication delivered through an IV drip taking 2 1/2 hours per day. This will start on Monday, October 1st at the cancer center in Indiana PA, part of the UPMC/Hillman campus. On Saturday, I will be admitted to UPMC for 5 days of the second drug administered 24 hours per day. 


The goal is remission.  At this point, the doctors will look for a bone marrow match for a transplant.  When found, I will be in the hospital for at least 30 days, in quarantine, preparing for the transplant.  


This has been a lot to take in, and a very stressful month of doctors appointments, bone marrow biopsies and medications.  


I am still going to work. I had a meeting Friday morning and my co-workers could not be more supportive. I can work flex hours, they have provided me with a safe environment to avoid exposure to germs and will limit my contact with employees.  My immune system is compromised, as my white and red blood cells are very low, as are my platelets, making me very susceptible to infection.  I have co -workers volunteering to run errands, pick up groceries, do my laundry and help me with anything else I may need.  I really do have a village! 


It is very important to me, to try and keep as much of my daily life normal. I like keeping some of my routines. 


So, welcome to my “Positive” and “Encouraging” FB Page.  No negativity allowed.  


And so the journey begins...,

SVG_Icons_Back_To_Top
Top