A Thanksgiving to Remember

FROM CASSIE: Kurt and I have so much to give thanks for this year. We're a little behind on updating this blog because, all of the sudden, things got pretty hectic. When I went in to the hospital for the stem cell transplant on 10/26 I was told to expect to be there for at least a month or more depending on how long it took the cells to graft and whether any complications arose. Well, after the transplant on 11/5, my doctors were surprised that my counts started rising after only a few days indicating that the cells were grafting. And ten days after the transplant they were starting to say I could be discharged! So 12 days after the transplant, on 11/17, I was discharged from the hospital and sent home with lots of medication and lots of instructions. This was both exciting and a little bit scary since it happened so fast. Our house in Long Beach is a little too far from UCLA for the doctor's comfort level so we're lucky to be staying at our friend Kristin's apartment in LA, close to the hospital. She's doing us an enormous favor with this "swap" by staying in our house in Long Beach. We don't know how long we'll be here but are prepared to stay at least a couple months. The idea is that we'll be close by the hospital in case any complications arise with me, like fevers, infections or other rejection indicators.

And things are going well. We have quite a little routine going. I get IVs of antibiotics and anti-rejection medicine every morning and every night. Kurt has learned how to do it and is on his way to becoming an honorary nurse, I'd say. He's very good. Kurt's sister, Lisa, came out from Chicago to help us the first week I was out of the hospital and she was a huge help. Her nurturing spirit and good nature made the transition out of the hospital much better for me and Kurt.

A home nurse comes out to give me another IV medicine weekly. I'm beginning to venture out on car rides a little more which feels good. I'm feeling stronger every day and trying to be patient with my progress. Some very smart people keep reminding me that my body has been through a lot. Sometimes I forget that and get anxious to be feeling back to normal right now. My doctors have been happy with my progress at check-ups. And the only slight speed bump has been an infection I picked up which is the reason for the extra antibiotics. Apparently it's common. So right now I have the immune system of a 24 day old baby. But that's a day more than yesterday! It's counted from 11/5, my new bone marrow birthday.

We thought I'd be spending Thanksgiving in the hospital so Kurt and I feel extra blessed to have spent it here together with Piper in Kristin's comfy apartment eating turkey dinner from Kristin and our friends, Stan and Naomi. Life is good.

In other big/huge/enormous news, the Poker Tournament and auction benefit that my company, RAPP, threw last Friday 11/20 for us was a huge success. I wasn't able to attend since I can't be around crowds just yet, but Kurt went and had a great time. I'm so grateful to work at a company that would go to the effort to put on such an amazing event to help an employee in need. Being that employee in need is very humbling (and a little uncomfortable) but it helps to know that everyone who attended had a great time together playing poker and winning great silent auction items. Kurt and I are so thankful and overwhelmed by the support and outcome. Here are some pictures from the event taken by our friend Jasen: http://gallery.me.com/jasenreyes#100162

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving enjoying friends and family! Until next time.....