Bone Marrow Biopsy clear and last great friend's visit before going home!

Things have been stable. Last week I had a Bone Marrow Biopsy and had the trifusion central line taken out. What a relief to be able to shower freely after a couple days. Monday I had pulmonary tests to make sure all the different chemo drugs haven't hurt my lungs. I don't have the results from that yet. 

I still go in twice a week for extensive labs and a visit with someone: a PA, NP, Psychologist, Social Worker, Transplant Coordinator, a Post-Transplant / Survivability Coordinator, or the MD. I always see a nurse who takes vitals, flushes my port, and asks all the questions. 

Monday we saw the psychologist who was obviously looking for signs of distress and trauma. They have PTSD groups, groups for people taken over by fear of reoccurrence, groups who feel lonely because of this experience...

A few things came clear. My faith in this process as God leads gives me a different point of view and allows me to be grateful for the good things happening while recognizing but not dwelling on the challenges. And the support I have has made a tremendous difference. I know that it has helped time go faster and helped me stay on an even keel to have new people to talk with and laugh with and lean on, giving Andy breaks and me too. The love through texts, cards, gifts, calls, food, and those who became my care-takers with Andy - Terri (twice), Mason, Nolan, Lexie, Julie, Susie, Debbie, Michele, and Judy - has buoyed me through a pretty challenging 85 days or so. The prayers said for me - well, I don't quite know what to say here. I am so grateful. 

The psychologist was visibly interested in our little story and moved by it all, as I am. 

Today I had meeting with a PA (Physician's Assistant) who mistakenly told me the bone marrow biopsy was clear. The last two biopsies showed cancer cells. This one shows none. Yay yay yay! Labs continue to look good. I am relieved and very aware of how fortunate it am; not everyone in those rooms is getting good news today. 

My dear friend Judy has been with me the last few days and goes home so our old neighborhood in So. Cal. tomorrow. It has been another blessing to have the special time with her. We move out of the apartment we've been in across from the hospital Saturday and head home for good. We will be doing more driving to appointments and are going home about 2 weeks before the doctors really want me to, but it is ultimately our decision. We will be vigilant but pray there are no scary symptoms that come up. 

May 9 would be day 99 and we plan a celebration dinner with the kids and grandkids. I will still need to be careful until August 1, when I will finally be off the anti-rejection drugs that suppress my immune system and I will work to get stronger and increase my stamina and flexibility in the meantime (and after).

Thanks for reading. God bless and keep you!