Friday, December 30, 2016

Wednesday December 28

Christmas Eve was a good day.  I woke up, took my meds and showered.   I got dressed, ate my breakfast and got ready for the day.   

Around lunchtime my friend Kelly came to visit.   We talk at least oncea week but it's nopthing like seeing someone in person.   I really miss her.   My friend Linda also stopped for a visit.   I haven't seen her in over 15 years.   It was great seeing her and so nice to catch up.   

After they left, Amber came to the house with a gift basket from Finding Sofie.   They are the group who found a foster home for us for Wyatt and Lilly.   The outpouring of support and generosity from this group is overwhelming!   The gift basket was full of gifts including gift cards, candles, coloring books, coffee mugs, bath stuff & lotions, hats and so much more!!  Thank you to everyone who contributed to the basket.  It was extremely thoughtful and I am grateful to have been in your thoughts and prayers.   

 
Just a couple of pictures with items from the basket.  

When  I was done, Amber took me over to Cyndee's for her big Christmas party.  I got there and helped her set up.   It was catered food so there really wasn't much of anything to do.  People started arriving and I got settled in the chair.  It was great seeing everyone and being able to take part in the festivities.   For dinner we had a pasta bar.   It was delicious!!   I had some spaghetti and alfredo with meatballs and a breadstick.  I also had some cheese and sweet bologna.  For dessert I had a piece of raspberry cheesecake.   Also delicious!!!   And you can't forget about the wassel!!!   

After dinner it was game time!!!   First the kids - they had piñata fun!    We are lucky so far that no one has been injured.  There have been a few close calls but nothing serious yet.
 
 
 

 
 
 
They had a blast and each filled up a bucket full of candy.   Leave it to Mamaw to load the kiddos up with sugar 😀.
Next was the adults turn.  The first game was a quotes game where you had to write down the name of the movie to match the quote.   The second game was timed and whoever got done first won.   It was a game where you had to unscramble the words.   The third game was a gift card game.   Everyone picked a number and then picked a bag one at a time.   Each bag had a different gift card.   When it was your turn, you could either steal a different gift card that someone already picked or you could keep the one you chose.   It's a really fun game and gets everyone involved.   I got a Gap gift card and Colin got a Cabelas one.  

After the games, we did a gift exchange.  I got the most comfortable pj pants ever along with a really nice, soft sweater.  I was extremely happy with my gifts.   Everyone knows how much I love my pjs.   If I'm at home, that's all I wear!   Aunt Kim gave me a Sunshine box to open, but she had to leave before I opened it so I put it with my stuff to take back to my parent's.  Everyone started to leave so I called my Mom to come and pick me up.   She picked me up and we decided to drive around and look at Christmas lights.  It's amazing what some people do!!!  

We got back to the house around 11.  I put on my pjs and we sat in the kitchen.  I made us some hot chocolate with marshmallows and opened my gifts inside the sunshine box.  It had so much stuff!!!   There is a tumbler mug that you color, coloring book, pencils, candle, notepad, a grow your own herbs kit, chapstick, socks and so much more.  After I opened everything I stayed up and helped Mom wrap the last of the Christmas presents.  We were up until about 1:30am and then finally went to bed.  It was really nice just being able to spend some one on one time with Mom and to catch up.

Merry Christmas!!!!   I slept in a little longer than I had wanted to.  I got up and moving around 9:30.  I organized my piles of presents so that they were out of the way.  I got dressed and ready to go to Amber's.   I wanted to see what the boys got and spend some time with them before everyone got there and the craziness began.  Mom and Dad came along.   We headed to Amber's around 11.  

We got to Amber's and I got comfortable in a chair.   The boys were so excited.   They got a PlayStation for Christmas!   They played on it about 10 minutes and showed us the rest of their presents.  After about 45 minutes of us getting there everyone started to arrive.   We sat down and had dinner at noon.   It was delicious!   Ham, green beans, corn, potatoes and dinner rolls.  

After dinner we exchanged gifts.  Mom and Dad got the twins nerf guns.   Not just any Nerf guns but the assault rile kind.   The guns are as big as they are.  They had a blast with them once they used how to them.  Dana and Steve got me a beautiful owl necklace.  It is gold with crystals.  Very pretty!!  I also got a pretty sweater from my parents and a Victoria's Secret gift card.  Amber got be a beautiful Ali and Ani bracelet.   It is Silver with an arrow.  I love it.  After the  gift exchange we hung out for a little bit then we went home.   Here are some pictures from the day.   
 
 
 
 


 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We went home and I got comfy.  I haven't seen Mehgan or met Elliot at all yet so we made plans for her to come over.   She came over with her mom Susie.  Susie sends me cards on a regular basis.  I really enjoyed getting them.  They always make my day a  little brighter.  It was so nice to see them and  catch up.   The baby is beautiful.   She looks just like Mehgan. I creally miss my best friend.   I told myself I wouldn't cry but when she said goodbye and was leaving we both cried.  Hopefully I will see her more frequently. Love you guys!!

After they left Mom dropped me off at Cyndee'sbj.  It's Colin's birthday so I wanted to see him.  He was in the: den watching tv so I joined him.  Cyndee had just got e up from a nap.  Quinn and Phenix came over with Ireland.  I haven't seen them in forever!!  Ireland's was scared of my mask, I tried to hold her and she was pulling it off.  It was really cute.  We hung out in the den for a little bit and then went to the kitchen to eat dinner: 

We all sat around the island and ate the leftovers from Olive Garden.  Cyndee got enough food to feed an army.   We ate and then sang Happy Birthday to Colin. It was a little gathering but nice!  After the cake, Colin took me back to my Parent's house.   I went straight to the bedroom and put on my pjs.   I hung out for a little bit and then got some company.   Lisa and Fran stopped over to say hello.  Lisa is our next door neighbor and Fran is her mom.  They didn't stay long at all but it was nice seeing them.  They gave me a nice little gift basket with a gift card, a book, an angel pin and a couple other things.   After they left I relaxed in the chair.   I was exhausted from the day so I went into the bedroom and layed down.   Christmas was officially over but I got the greatest gift of all. I was able to spend the day with everyone I love!!  Sweet dreams and I'll update later.   Merry Christmas!!!
 
 
 

Monday, December 26, 2016

Friday December 23

I know I haven't posted in a while.   I've been on an emotional rollercoaster of highs and lows.  

To start things off....I misunderstood the doctor.   There is not a fracture in my tailbone, it's actually in my spine.   It's at the very lowest point right next to the tailbone.  Because of where the fracture is located, there was a spinal surgeon consulted.   He met with me and told me that at this point surgery is not warranted but it's going to take 6-10 weeks to heal.  I'm in so much pain it's ridiculous!!   I was fittted for a walker and told to use it as needed.  It has actually been extremely helpful.  

You are probably wondering how the second chemo treatment went.   It was exhausting but went well.  I didn't have a reaction to it while it was being given.  The following day wasn't too bad but the day after that was terrible!!!   I was in a lot of pain and felt like I was hit by a truck!   Every bone/muscle in my body hurt.   It was so uncomfortable and tiring.  I also had the back pain and discomfort on top of that.   As far as the transplant goes, everything is perfect!!!   The organ is    
working like it should and there are no signs of rejection.   

In the days to follow I was just in too much pain to do anything.   It was a task to go to the bathroom.  It was not a pleasant couple of days.  Things were running through my head.  I would sit and cry for a whole day straight and then the next day be fine.  I've been going through all of the emotions.   I've been angry and have said some hurtful things to the ones I love.   I have wallowed in my self pity and thought why is this happening to me.   I have been grateful that I am alive and have been given another chance.  I have been happy.   I am happy because I have all of you supporting me and lifting my spirits.   The outpouring of cards and gifts has been overwhelming.   The donations and gift cards are unnecessary but greatly appreciated.   We will definitely put them to good use.  

There have been so many cards and packages delivered to the apartment I can't keep track!!!   I will post some pictures at the end of this.   Thank you to everyone who sent something.  I have received hats, coloring books, gift cards and so much more. People I don't even know are sending me stuff.   It is truly heartfelt and overwhelming.   The generosity, thoughtfulness and support has been baffling.   Emma and Kelly made beautiful head wraps and put a lot of thought into the patterns.

You are probably wondering what's going on now.  I was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday Dec 21.   The theory was that I'm going to be in pain whether I'm in the hospital or at home so I might as well be in the comforts of my own home.  Getting there was a different story.   The car ride was ok.   We got to the apartment and I used the walker to get from
the car to the dreaded steps.  

The steps were not an easy task.  It was extremely daunting but I made it!!!   Colin had to pick my legs up and move them one at a time so I could pull my body weight up as well.  We finally got into the apartment and were able to unwind.  Colin got my meds out and started laying them out for the week.  There were prescriptions called in to Target so he got me settled and left to go get them.  He brought back food when he came back so we didn't have to cook.  We Ate and headed to bed for the evening.

Thursday morning, we got up.   I got showered and dressed.   Colin loaded up the car and we headed to Lancaster!!   Getting down the steps from the apartment was easier than going up them.   Colin had me all set up for the car ride.   Pillows and blankets strategically placed so that I would be comfortable.  
The car ride was uneventful.   We stopped once so I could use the restroom.  We arrived in Lancaster around 1.   I unloaded all my medical supplies and my suitcase.   After sitting and chatting with my mom for a little bit I was hungry so we called Smith's Hotel and ordered a chicken cheesesteak.   We went and picked it up and headed back home.   

Amanda and Sofia came over for a visit.   They hung out for a couple of hours.  We just sat and chatted.  She had to leave to relieve her mom who was watching the
twins.   After she left,  Bobby brought Carter and Caden down to see me.  They stayed about an hour
But had a doctor's appointment and had to leave.   After they left Mom took me to the groceey store to get some things.  We went to Giant because a very generous family sent us gift cards.   After the store we went home.   We had potato and eggs for dinner (one of my favorites!).  After dinner Amber and Bobby came back with twins and Shawn came over.  We just hung out for a little bit.  Amber and Bobby brought this huge gift basket in.   Some of the employees at Amber's work donated items and made a beautiful gift basket.  I was completely overwhelmed with the generosity.  The gift basket had gift cards, bath stuff, coloring books, pens and pencils, head wraps, candles and so much more!!!   The outpouring of kindness and support is mind boggling!!   
 
 
The boys helped me open the gift basket for a little bit but bailed.   They left after a while and I took my meds and went to bed.  

Friday morning I woke up and did all my medicines.   Amber came over to hang out with me.   I talked her into taking me to Dollar Tree.   I wanted to get a couple of cards.  She bought a couple of things too.   We went right home after.  Amber and Bobby had a bunch of last minute errands to run so they left the boys at mom's.   we ordered Chinese for lunch.  

My friend Marlena (the beautiful woman who shaved her head to support me!) came over for a visit and had lunch with us.   She brought so many cards from the Litiz after school program.  The cards are adorable!  
 
It was a nice visit and was great catching up.  She left and Tom (Colin's dad) stopped in.   He stayed for
a little bit and we caught up.   The twins were playing upstairs and were quiet as mice.  They were laying in bed playing a game on their ipad.  Amber and Bobby came back and took the twins home.  Dana stopped by when she was done with work.   She hung out for
a little bit.  We had leftovers for dinner.   I put on my pajamas and went to bed.  

It was nice to see everyone.   Tomorrow is Christmas Eve!!!   I can't wait!  Here are some pictures of the packages and beautiful gifts.
 
 
 
 
 
 Tomorrow is Christmas Eve!!  Have a good night!!!  
 

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Wednesday December 14

I know it has been a while since I've updated and I'm really sorry.   I've had a bad couple of days.  My second round of chemo was supposed to be on Friday the 9th.

Shawn and Courtney were sleeping when Colin and I got ready to head to the hospital on Friday.   Originally we were told that we should be there at 7 but to wait for a call from admissions to make sure they had a bed.  We didn't get a call so we went to IHOP for breakfast.  We sat down and had a nice and relaxing breakfast.  After we ate we called my transplant coordinator.   By that time I was in so much pain and couldn't walk.   Jen told us to go to the er.   She said it would expedite things.  So we were taken to a room in the er and waited.   Shawn and Courtney met us there and hung out.   

Unfortunately they were unable to get me a bed early enough to do it.   We weren't admitted until close to 4 pm.  Once we got to the 11th floor we got settled.  We played cards and hung out.  Everyone left and I went to bed.  

Colin came in early Saturday and Shawn and Courtney came in to the hospital.  They were eager to head home.  I'm glad they came for a visit.   It was a nice break and we had fun going to dinner, looking at their engagement photos and just spending time together.

They ended up doing the CHOP on Saturday.  I did fine through the process.  They started it around 2 in the afternoon.  We weren't done til after midnight.   Colin slept in the chair by my side.   He got up around 2am and went home.  He was back by 7:30 Sunday morning.   

I was dealing with a lot of abdominal and back pain.  The more I moved the more it hurt.  Getting to the bathroom is excruciating and takes me a while.  I am trying to be as positive as possible but it has been a little difficult.   Sunday was uneventful.  They scheduled me for  an MRI on Monday.

I had the MRI.   When I've had them in the past they put you in the tube and it takes about an hour.  This one they did three different one.   One in feet first.   I was in for an hour.  The second they had me feet first with my knees bent.   That was about 40 mins.   Then they moved me to a different bed and put me in head first.   It was an extremely long test and very painful.  When I finally got back to my room I could hardly move.   I spent the rest of the day in bed.  

Tuesday I was in a lot of pain.  I didn't do much.   Just hung out in my room.   The doctors didn't really have anything to say.   We were still waiting for the MRI results.  I spent the day watching Shameless.   I'm hooked on it.  

Wednesday- Bill came in to my room around 6.  He beat Colin in.   He got the results of the MRI.   I have a small hairline fracture in my tailbone.  There's really nothing they can do for it.   I have to take it easy so I don't aggrevate it and make the pain worse.  On top of all of that I feel like I've been hit by a truck from the chemo.   My whole body aches.   Bill stopped in my room in the afternoon to check on me.  He said not to overdo it and he will see me in the morning.  

I spent the evening crying.  I am so exhausted and tired of being in pain.   I'm watching Shameless and nodding off.   Hopefully tomorrow is a better day.   I will try to post more frequently.  Goodnight.  










Monday, December 12, 2016

Thursday December 8

Yesterday was Wednesday.  I had a pretty uneventful day.  I woke up, got showered and dressed.   I layed down for a little bit.   I put a ham in the crock pot for dinner and got out everything that I needed to make it.  

Colin and I layed on the couch and watched a movie.  We watched Neighbors 2.   It was funny, not as good as the first one.   We had lunch while we watched the movie.  We also watched Bad Moms.   I went to the theater with Kelly to see it when she was here visiting a couple months ago and we laughed our butts off the entire time. 

After the movie Colin had to run to Target and pick up a couple more prescriptions.  I decided to go with him and get my walk in for the day.  The steps to the apartment are the worst.   I made it down them slowly but surely.  We got to target and I got in the motorized scooter.  We picked up the prescriptions, got the mail and headed back to the apartment.   I tackled the steps slowly and made it up.   It took everything out of me.  I finished getting dinner ready and we sat down and ate.   We had brown sugar pineapple ham, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables and baked beans.   It was really good.   Colin cleaned up the dishes and the dinner mess and I took my meds and layed down.

Thursday was an ok day.   We layed around most of the day.  I packed my hospital bag for my chemo stay.  We layed around most of the day.   Colin left and ran a bunch of errands .  I showered and got dressed while he was gone.   Shawn and Courtney came to visit!!!   They got to the house around 4.   We were all hungry so we went to one of the restaurants across the street Bar Louie, where they serve bar type food and American cuisine.  Dinner was good.   I had pork tacos but pulled everything out of the shell and just kind of had a taco salad.  Everyone enjoyed their dinner.   We stopped at Rocket Fizz on the was back and bought candy.  We went back to the apartment.  I put on my pjs and hung out for a little bit.  Shawn said they were going to go out for a little so I gave them their goodnight hugs and went to bed.   They left and I went to bed.  

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Tuesday December 6

Yesterday was a traumatic day for me.   (Tuesday)

The morning was good.  I showered in my shower.   Nice, hot, shower unlike the ones I was getting in the hospital.   It felt so good.  After my shower, Mom and I went to IHOP for breakfast.   I had their campfire got chocolate, which was delicious!   I also got the crepe combo.   A strawberry crepe, eggs, bacon and home fries.   My eyes are always much bigger than my stomach!   I ate the crepe and got a to go box for the rest.  

Here is where the trama started.   We went to great Clips next to IHOP so I could get my head shaved.  I was going to have Colin do it when he got home but I thought it would be harder for him and me if he was the one doing it.  We walked in and put my name on the list.   The girl took me back right away and I explained my situation to her.  I told her I was probably going to cry.  She was so sweet and started crying too.  She put the cape on me and started shaving my head.   
 
Before pics.   
 
It started coming out in clumps in the shower.
 

Here is her shaving my head
 
 
 


 
I only cried at first.   It was a sense of relief when it was done and over with.   The hairdresser didn't charge me for my haircut and said it was her Christmas present to me and asked that I keep her updated.   I wrote down my blog and email info so she could stay in touch.   I put on my handmade crocheted hat that someone from Josh and Alesha's church made.  It fit perfectly and kept my head warm.    

Mom and I left Great Clips and went to Dollar Tree.  I needed some disposable pans and had to grab a couple of cards.  I hit the jackpot at Dollar Tree.   They had a bunch of hats and gloves.  I got 5 hats there.  They are winter hats but are really cute and the best thing is that they were only a dollar!!!   We ran and did that and went back to the apartment.  We heated up lunch and ate.   Mom left around 1.  Colin called around 11 and said he'd be home around 4/4:30.  I took my 2:00 meds and then layed down for a nap.  I slept for about an hour.  Colin got home and unpacked etc.  He said I look good bald and it fits me.  Not sure if he's just saying it to be nice but 

  We ordered dinner from a new pizza place we hadn't gone to before.  I ordered the food around 4:30.  They said 45 mins to a half hour.  We still hadn't gotten our food around 6.  I called to follow up and was told they were on their way.  Still no food at 6:30..... finallly around 6:45, the food showed up.  So disappointing.   Everything was cold.   Colin ordered a Greek salad and ended up with a gyro salad.  I ordered the appetizer sampler and it was so cold that the chicken fingers couldn't be torn up with my fingers.   I had to microwave everything.   Colin also ordered a chicken parm sub.   Freezing cold and not what the description said at all.  The menu said it was breaded chicken etc and what he got was shredded, pulled chicken.  I called and asked to speak to a manager.  The girl who answered the phone apologized and said they got freally busy and that's why the food was late and cold.   She said there wasn't a manager to speak with.  After she said that she said "is there anything else I can do for you? I don't really have anything to say".   Worst customer service ever.   I told her it was our first and last time ordering from them and the whole situation was handled terribly.   I got off the phone and was just super annoyed with everything.

I got ready for bed and then layed down.  He got ready as well and we layed down.  That was my day in a nutshell.  I will post more tomorrow.   

Monday December 5

Had an ok night last night.  I actually slept a little bit.  The doctors made their rounds.   There are a couple of replacements I need via iv and then we were free to go!!!  

The replacements took about 6 hours.  I wasn't done with them until around 1:30.  Until they got all the discharge paperwork etc done we didn't get discharged until close to 4.   

We left the hospital and stopped at the grocery store on our way home.  I sat in a motorized scooter to get a couple things.  We got the bare minimum of what we needed.  

We got to the apartment and I tackled the steps.  It is so hard to get up them.  It took all the energy I had.  But I did it!   Slowly but surely!  

Mom brought in the groceries and put them away.   We made tuna casserole for dinner which was delicious!!!  

We went through my meds and set them out for the week since so many changes have been made.  After all of that I was exhausted so I put on my pajamas and watched tv on the couch for a little bit.  I ended up going to bed around 9:30.  I fell asleep right away but was up and down all night long in a lot of pain.  At least I am in my own bed though!!!  

Tomorrow is a new day.  We will see what it brings! 

Sunday December 4

Yesterday was Mom's birthday (dec3).   She was here all day in the hospital for my birthday.   She also brought Christmas decorations and decorated my room to cheer me up.   It was a nice little surprise.  

For her birthday we ordered lunch and had it delivered.   We had a fried food sampler platter along with a Stromboli.   She also had BBQ wings and a salad.  It was a nice filling lunch.  After lunch Mom went back to the apartment to bake some cookies.  While she was gone I attempted to nap but was unsuccessful.  She also made dinner and brought it back in to the hospital.   She got back around 4:30.   I heated up the leftover appetizer platter and met her in the family room.  She made potatoes and eggs, my favorite!!!  We sat down and had dinner.   It was really good.   

We went for a lap around the nurse's station and then I layed back down.   I ordered a dinner tray from the cafeteria with cake so she could have a piece of cake for her birthday.   We had a pretty uneventful evening. She left and went back to the apartment and I watched tv and tried to get some sleep.  

Today is Sunday.   Mom came in and brought breakfast.  We sat and ate.   The doctors made their rounds.   There was nothing new to report.   All my lab work looked good.   They had to give me a couple of replacements via iv.  We took a walk and did a lap around the nurses station.   We just chilled out and watched tv until lunch time.   We ordered Chinese for lunch.   They delivered the food and mom and I went to the family room and ate.  After lunch Mom went back to the apartment to do some laundry.   She left so I could take a nap which didn't end up happening.  

Mom called around 4 and said she had a gift card to Red Robin and told me to go online and see what I want.  I ordered a chicken wrap and soup.  She got the order to go and came to the hospital.  She met me in the family room and we sat down and ate.  While we were there this man came in and we got to talking.  He told us he lived in Claysburg but was originally from Altoona and so was his wife.   Such a small world!   His wife grew up a block from where my dad lived as a kid.   The guy started talking about the cafe being closed and walking all the way over to the other hospital to get something to eat etc and how expensive everything is.   I had over half a wrap left and a bunch of French fries so I gave him my leftovers.  He was so grateful.  He kept thanking us.  He insisted that we go with him to meet his wife so we went with him to her room. He introduced us and mom and her were talking about where they grew up etc.   Such a small world.

After dinner we went back to my room.  I layed down and mom headed out around 9.  The hope is discharge on Monday.  

Friday, December 2, 2016

Friday December 2

Well....here's my update I promised.   Last night was a difficult night.   I was up most of the night in pain.  

We made the decision along with the doctors not to be discharged today.   I'm still in too much pain and am not strong enough at this point to be able to go home.   They don't want to discharge me and have me coming back through the ER the next day.   I'm not exactly happy with the decision but i know it's for the best.   

To be safe they did another ct scan to check the G tube and my stomach.   They just came in and gave me the results.  Everything is in place with the G tube.  My stomach is full of fluid.   It's most likely the gastro-view that I had to take for the contrast on the ct scan.  My body just has to pass it through.  So that was all pretty positive news.  

The neurologist came in today and everything looks good on my eeg.  No signs of seizures or seizure tendencies.   He said there is no longer a need for me to take the Kepra!!!   One less med to take a day.  I'm pretty happy about that.   He signed off on me and said he no longer seees a need for me to follow up with them.   

Other than that, my day is pretty uneventful.   Colin left around lunch.  He is going to the cabin to go hunting for a couple of days.   Mom came to stay with me.   She just got here so I'm going to spend some quality time with her.   I will try and update tomorrow.

Have a good night!!

Thursday, December 1, 2016

Thursday December 1

I can't believe it's December!!!!!!!   

I am still in the hospital.  I'm feeling a little better each day.   My white blood cell count has come up significantly which is great!  It has been a long couple of weeks.   The pain is still bad but it's getting better.  In the past couple of days I've been undergoing different tests etc.  I've had more ct scans, Doppler scans on my arms and legs, an eeg and lots of different blood tests.   So far everything is looking good.  

I'm having issues swallowing and choking.   The ENT doctors say it will get better with time.  The tumor is shrinking and everything is out of place and has to settle back to where it "should" be.  It's going to take a couple of weeks so we just have to keep an eye on it.  

My body aches and feels like I have the flu.   They are saying it's the chemo doing its job.  I am still having the horrible leg pains and pain in my back due to the hematoma that was created when they did the bone marrow biopsy.  I am walking a lot more than I had been but the more I use it the more it hurts.  No pain no gain I guess.   I'm trying to keep moving and hopefully it will get better day by day.  

They also found part of the reason I was having so much abdominal pain.  My G Tube in my stomach that they use to give me meds etc. when I can't swallow them, was out of place.   The balloon was stuck between my stomach and the abdominal wall.  Dr. Gonoza came in and deflated the balloon and manipulated the tube back into my stomach where it should be.  After he did that I noticed an immediate difference.  

My hair is really falling out from the chemo so I'm debating shaving my head now because it looks awful the way it is and I can't really do much to hide it.   No comb-over will work on this head at the moment 😌.  
I will just wear some pretty hats and scarves.  Maybe even look into getting a wig.  I will keep you posted on that one!  

When the doctors came in today for rounds they said that all my labs are good and everything looks good as far as the transplant is concerned.  My intestine is functioning.   I'm able to eat and drink regular foods/beverages.   So far the cancer/chemo hasn't affected it at all.  That's definitely a positive.  I may even be discharged tomorrow.   Depending on my pain and what the eeg test results from today show.   It will be nice to be able to be in my own bed.  I'm excited.  I will let you know the status tomorrow hopefully.

On another note:   I want to send out a couple of thank you's.  Thank you to everyone who has sent the cards and pictures.   I decorated my room and hung them on the walls.  

Thank you to Colin for the wonderful Thanksgiving dinner.   Thank you for putting up with me and sticking by my side through this whole mess I now call my life.   You do everything you can to keep me going.   Even though I may not say it often I truly appreciate you and all the sacrifices you have made to take care of me.   I know it's not easy.   I love you!

Thank you to my Mom and Dad for the balloons and candy.   I was having a horrible day and that was just the thing to lift my spirits.  I love you and appreciate all you do!!!

Thank you Amber and Bobby for everything.   The surprise visit last weekend really made my day.  Thank you for taking care of my monsters while Cyndee is recovering.   I know they are a handful and I will find a way to make it up to you.   Love and miss you guys!

Thank you Dana for the awesome oil diffuser and beautiful inspiration bracelet.   Everyone loves the diffuser!!!   All the nurses want to go buy it!   They come into my room for the breath of fresh air.  Thanks for taking the time to come to Pittsburgh to see me.

Thank you Shawn and Courtney for listening.   I know when I'm having a bad day I can call and you cheer me up.   I'm looking forward to the wedding and can't wait for you to become husband and wife in June.

Thank you to my cousins:  Stephanie, Melissa and Kristin for the gift basket and amazing cookies (they didn't last long!).  I'm so grateful to have you in my life.   I know it's hard being long distance and stay in touch but you are always there for me in my times of need.   I love you girls!!!   
 
 

 

Thank you to my Aunt Joan and Uncle Jesse for the more than generous gift card.   We will put it to good use.  It is appreciated more than you know.  

Thank you to Amanda and James for the beautiful Alex and Ani bracelet with my angel wing.   I will cherish it forever!!!   Love you!

Thank you to my beautiful nurse Chrissy.   Thank you for holding my hand and soothing me through my bone marrow biopsy.   That hour and a half of torture was more tolerable because of you.   You are an angel.   And....to top it all off....thank you for the best hot chocolate gift on earth!!!   I made hot chocolate this morning and it was the best hot chocolate i have ever had!!!   You rock!!!  
 

Thank you to Elaine and Kelly for selling the soft, cuddly owls as a fundraiser and for the donations.   Once again you have gone above and beyond and I can't thank you enough.    Thank you to everyone who purchased an owl as a gift as well.

Thank you Jeremy and Brooke for seeing the owl fundraiser and helping to sell them on such short notice!!!   You are the best!

And as always, thank you everyone for your continued love, support, prayers and encouragement.  I am so overwhelmed with everything everyone has done for me.   I hope I'm not missing anyone but if I am I'm sorry.   
 
Well.......Happy December everyone.   I hope to get discharged tomorrow to go back to the apartment and sleep in my own bed.   I will keep you posted.   Have a good night and sweet dreams!  Lots of love!!!