100 days

Well I am a little late posting this- it is actually 106 days now, but that is not the point.

106 days ago I went through something that was worse than I thought it was going to be. I wasn't too worried when I checked back into the hospital. I didn't lose sleep over it like I have done over a simple CT scan, or MRI, things like that. It didn't bother me that I was checking back into the hospital to get my whole system wiped out, and replaced with my brother! I guess I felt comfort in knowing that him and I were a 10 out of 10 sibling match, which is rare (I guess just like us).

On March 5th 2010, I got ready for my stem cell transplant. I thought that they just went through my line, so it wouldn't be a big deal. I thought wrong. While everything went perfectly- it was not what I expected at all. I got warm, started to sweat, started smelling something nasty, then the taste- oh the taste in my mouth- it was gross. I remember staring at my mom and Brett wondering when it was going to be over. I honestly don't know how long it took, it doesn't matter- it seemed like a long time. And honestly- both my mom and I still have not eaten stewed tomatoes, because that was the smell- and the nasty taste in my mouth.

What followed was not fun either- the thrush, the staying in bed, not moving much, not eating, hard to drink etc. But the hardest part was being away from the kids for the 3 weeks. Yes, I should have been in the hospital longer, but my recovery went faster than they expected. They are still saying that I am doing better than they expected. Which makes me very happy.

Now 100 days (okay 106 days) later, I feel great. I am doing more around the house, helping clean, getting groceries- with help, doing more with the kids, making dinners etc. I just feel way better than I even thought I would. Looking back, I didn't think I would be able to walk without holding someones hand again. I didn't think that I would be able to cook dinner for a long time, or help around the house. I didn't think I would be able to walk up the stairs without someone behind me, just in case I fell. There are many things I have accomplished in the last 100 (ish) days. I am sure I could think/list the 100 accomplishments I have done in the past 100 days- but I wont go that far.

Thank you to everyone who helped out- in any way, thoughts, prayers, helping around the house, with the kids, dropping off food, gift cards- everything and anything- we appreciate it so much! Please keep the thoughts and prayers coming that my leukemia stays away forever!

Oh- and just because- a Danika quote:
While talking to a long time family friend, and co-worker of my moms yesterday- the lady told Danika that her and Bryce have so much hair. She looks at the lady and says "we have hair, but mommy doesn't" LMAO! She is too cute, and I am so happy I am here to share all of these things with her, Bryce, Brett and the rest of our family and friends!