Birthday

                                                                                                                  March 28, 2017   
  

 It has been a very uneventful 6 weeks since my last posting, until my birthday that is.  I was released from the hospital on Valentines Day.  My mom arrived at our home even before we did and was busy changing linen and sanitizing everything so I would have a “germ free” environment for recovering.  Stephanie came the next morning and the two of them took care of everything as well as wait on me hand and foot.  It was a unique and wonderful time we had to spend together.   They pampered Kriz and me for two weeks until I was ready to take on my own responsibilities.

     The next 3+ weeks I still spent as a shut-in.  I was a little lonely, but mostly frustrated with fatigue, and feeling lethargic and depressed.  I felt worthless and not much fun to be around.  As embarrassing as this is to admit, I bare my soul to help you understand the huge impact the card shower had on me. 

     Evidently, my Uncle Everett in cahoots with my mom orchestrated a Birthday Card Shower for me.  I received a box in the mail from my mom and knew it was a birthday gift so in the evening, Kriz and I sat down to open my present.  I was surprised to find about million cards inside . . .  I’m not sure how many - I didn’t really count.  I was overwhelmed. We opened and read each one like the treasure it was.  At times it was hard to read through tear-filled eyes, then I would look at Kriz and would be crying too.  I felt so much love and healing power pouring out on me.  It was a boost I needed to get me out of my slump and have courage to face a second transplant.  I don’t know how to thank you all.  I think about the African proverb: “It takes a village to raise a child” . . . and know that is me.  It takes a village to get me through cancer treatment.  I can’t thank you enough for being my village; I could not do it on my own!  I am amazed by your consistent support; you are teaching me so much about love and compassion.  Thank you for showering me, I am truly blessed.

      My next order of business is “re-staging” to determine the status of my cancer.  On April 7^th, I am scheduled for a MRI scan, PET/CT scan, bone survey (x-ray), bone marrow biopsy and blood work.  Two weeks later on the 21^st, I will meet with my doctor to review the results.  I expect we will schedule the second transplant at that time.  I will post my results after that meeting.  Until then, I am asking God to bless you all most abundantly as I have been blessed by you!