One Year Anniversary!!

It is hard to believe that it has been a full year since my stem cell transplant. I went back and scanned a few of the posts from last April and remembered what it was like. It is nice to have documented the process because I have already forgotten so much of it......maybe the chemo destroyed a few too many brain cells?? Even though I am fighting off another cold right now, I feel like I have been very blessed with great health over this last year of recovery. I don't think I ever posted any pics of me in the hospital last year, so here are a few for memory's sake:

First off, there is transplant day receiving my stem cells via that big syringe....

Then me as a bald beauty walking around with my IV pole - remember the time I thought it was an evil scarecrow in the middle of the night? We decided the morphine pump might have been set a tad too high.... And check out my make-up, I look like I am ready to hit Times Square late night as soon as I find my wig......

And last but not least, a recent family photo for one of Chris' class projects. Look at all the hair that has come back!!!

I keep hearing the Rob Thomas song in my head "Look How Far We've Come". And thanks to all of you for your love, support, and many prayers in getting to this great milestone!

Cruising Along

Life is treating our family very well this Spring. We are adjusting to much busier schedules as the kids have started all of their Spring sports (Chris - soccer, Katie - baseball and gymnastics) and I am working part time. There certainly isn't as much time to sit around and just hang out. It was especially crazy just before Easter (which snuck up so quickly!!!) and I was stressing about all there was to do. Then I remembered that late March one year ago I was in the NY apartment with nothing to do but wait until my body made stem cells. And I realized how much better it was to be home with TOO much to do.

Easter was great. I was a little bit teary thinking once again back to last year when Easter Sunday landed in April while I was home from NY between treatments. We were able to attend church together even though I was pretty weak and wearing my lovely wig. Easter is a holiday to celebrate the greatest gift ever given, Jesus' sacrifice for us, and this year I also celebrated the gift of being here another year and being so healthy as well.

Speaking of health, I had a local check-up last week. My bloodwork is the about the same with my white blood cells seeming to line out around 3.7 - a level that is a little below average. But they must be pretty efficient workers because I have been rather healthy. And the doctor is not concerned.

Here is a link to another cancer blog posted by a local physician. He was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 melanoma and is fighting a HUGE battle. I am inspired by his faith and insight thru all of this - he is clearly a very intelligent and spiritual man. Check it out if you can: http://www.dancrabtree.blogspot.com/