The First Real Test of My New Immune System???

The weekend the kids, my brother and I began our roadtrip back to Indy Max starts coughing a little. By the next day, he was un a full on gead abd chest cold. That was two weeks ago. A few days later, nearung the end if our stay both Jamie and I began showing signs that we too were coming down with it. Ten days later, Max is dibe, and so is Jamie basically, but I am still sick. No fever but a deep cough that sometimes drives me to heave. Not able to rest well.. .uncomfortable.

Buh-Bye Anti Rejection Meds!!!

Even though my annual tests are still to come, I received confirmation today that they will be normal. My primary oncologist is taking me off my anti-rejection meds entirely as of today. Hooray!  

Such a rollercoaster...

April 14th...Let the Testing Begin

As I approach the one year mark of my transplant, I ready myself for the battery of tests I will soon undergo to check the status of my new immune system. I would be lying if I said I wasnt afraid. I believe the results will b normal but in the back of my mind is the nagging thought, "What if...?"  This is apparently a normal reaction had by many cancer patients.  

I guess we will see. 

Be Someone's Match!

As my one-year anniversary approaches, I want to call upon my friends and family to consider signing up as a stem cell donor via http://www.bethematch.org. It is super easy to volunteer and you don't have to donate until someone who needs a transplant matches your criteria. Donating is similar to giving blood. 

Without this valuable organization, and my donor, I honestly do not think I would here today. 

Nervous!

I admit it. I am nervous. April 19th marks the one-year anniversary of my stem cell transplant. At that time, a 43 year old female from Germany gave me the ultimate gift...LIFE!  A perfect 10 matching all criteria my doctors sought. She gave my two kids their mom back. She gave my parents and brother their daughter and sister back.  Thank you Jesus for this woman's gift!  

Hoping to establish direct contact with her once all my results come back AOK. 

Cardio City!

Started going to the gym again this week. Tomorrow will make 3 x. Wish me luck and determination. I def feel better afterwards and it is helping to rid me of pent up frustration. GO ME!

Recent Selfies

One of the most recent pics of me. It is a bit dark but u can see how long my hair is getting. Just prior to getting a facial and massage - which I bought on Groupon!

And after, heading out to a date w a friend.  

"Plate of the Day"

I painted this plate to recognize what I have dealt w in the last 18 months with regard to my health. 

The color orange represents Leukemia. The date is when I received my transplant. Those are my hand prints - which Max has already sized his own against - and then how I still feel about the whole thing.