End of Chemo & looking forward to brighter days

So far the hospitalization has continued to go well. I feel good and the doctors are pleased with the progress I've made. Or as they like to say, "No issues, no problems, we're happy." I enjoyed a visit from Mary Broadwell, who attends at the Embry Hill congregation on Tuesday. She shared her stem cell transplant experience with me.

I've also been able to reconnect with Lindsay Wolfgang Mast and Krisiana Burk (friends from FC). I've really enjoyed being able to spend time with them again. I've appreciated Laura's company over the last few days too. I'm looking forward to a visit with Caroline Gray who will be spending a few days and then a highlight will be seeing Ben for the weekend. It will be a while before I can see my girls due to my dropping counts but we talk every day. My Aunt Elaine is flying in this afternoon to spend 2 weeks. She'll be with the girls for most of it while Laura is with me at the hospital.

Chemo concluded on Monday and I had an official Day of Rest on Tuesday prior to the Wed. transplant. Hopefully, I have experienced my last chemotherapy ever. It wanted me to remember it so it went out with a bang. Monday was a bit intense but I am thrilled to hopefully have it forever done.

Now, we wait for the stem cells to engraft. My blood counts will plummet in the next few days as the chemo accomplishes its task of demolishing my immune system. This paves the way for Clayton's cells to come in and save the day. 7 million tiny cells riding to the rescue.

The next 2 weeks should encompass some of the roughest days as my immune system disappears and then works to re-establish itself. The mucositis that was such a plague during my induction chemo may return during these days. Please pray that the symptoms that I experience will respond well to treatments and that any mucositis will be mild. I realize that so many having been praying for me and for my family and I am so grateful for every remembrance.

Today marks 3 months from my diagnosis. We are amazed that we have gone from diagnosis to hopefully a disease-ending transplant in such a short time. We know that so many others with this disease struggle for so long to find a donor. We are so grateful for the healing hand of God.