Stem Cell Harvest Day

LOOONG day!! First, I went to bed on Saturday feeling
confident and hopeful. Sunday had to finally be the day. Come on stem cells!! I wasn’t only the last in my group, but 2 were going to finish today. If my counts don’t hit the mark, they would have to change to a higher-powered med. I woke up before 6am with NO bone pain at all. Gut punched by overwhelming disappointment! I think I even tried to fake it! It is the big indicator needed so that we knew it was working. Suddenly, a BEAST of a meltdown hit me! I reached over and Mike stepped up to what he does best, he listened hard and held on to me gently. I began to pour out my despair that God was not listening, so many prayers, why is He not acting? Time is up, where is He?

Then, I saw my phone light up with a text. I decided to
look. It was from a dear friend, “Praying for you as I watch the sun come up. Kim, he is big enough for us. For today. And for the days ahead.” It was like a wave of surrender flowed through me. I turned back to Mike and it all came rushing out. I had been confident in my research, preparation, pain tolerance tomboy grit, positive attitude and huge support network. And God would do his thing, I was sure He would. I was not worried. Until He didn’t. And all at once it came over me, Surrender! Give it all to Me!

So, I surrendered it all to Him. No, I did not suddenly
get the bone pain. I had to get up and keep going, wondering. If I got disappointing news, then I would surrender again tomorrow.

The turn of events on Sunday were not normal. My counts
were 3 times higher than they needed!! 3X!!! No pain!

Then, some unexpected news came that I need platelets and they would find a donor. Mike was a match! As you can imagine that was a huge relief. Mike was a trooper and happy to be put in the game! I had a good laugh when after he was told how it would work, he asked the Doc “Are you sure there is not a better way to do this?” Although, I shouldn’t have been surprised, this is the question that is the backbone of his career! The doctor assured him that it was the best!

Since it was Sunday, the hematology department was
closed. This team was here just for us for over 5 hours. I counted 2 nurses, 2 doctors, 1 resident, 3 staff members and the Head doctor of the Clínica Ruiz! For those on the fence about choosing Monterrey, have no hesitation at all!

By 1:30pm, we were at the clinic for round 3 of chemo.
They provided us lunch and got busy. My chemo had been modified to avoid the problems of the first two treatments. It was the first day in over a week that I didn’t need a barf bag! Struggled with a headache that was quickly managed.

By 7pm were back home. Long day! Wonderstruck by what had transpired! I’m so thankful for the melt down, it brought me right where I needed to be!

I’m thankful for the full day that was pouring in with
support from all of you!! It does matter and it’s not a little thing what you are doing for us! We are humbled!

I’ll finish with a huge victory! I woke up early today for the
last round of chemo! (I hope for life!) We had decided to test stopping my “walking pill.” I was pleased that I woke up feeling very strong. We then walked out our door into the hall and I told Mike, watch how fast I can walk! Like a speed walker! Then I thought, I wonder if I could jog? So, with my wheelie walker in front of me for safety I JOGGED about 20 normal steps! and jogged back!! I felt my old legs for the first time in 6 years! The feeling only lasted about 20 minutes, but I was back to my new normal without the walking pill. What a glimpse of what might be ahead!! All glory to God!

Chemo beat me up today, but I’m almost through it. Mike shaved my hair. I survived. Tomorrow is my Stemmie Birthday!! I will now celebrate October 1 as my new beginning!