Back in action

FROM CASSIE: Had another stay in the hospital this past week and just got out last night. It's great to be back home (or in our "home away from home" apartment in LA) especially in time for Christmas. My doctors decided to put me back in the hospital because I have some liver function issues due to graft vs. host disease, which is common after a transplant, and lowered kidney function due to the heavy duty anti-rejection medicine I get via IV twice a day. The doctors have always said that "a little" graft vs. host disease is a good thing because it also helps keep the cancer away. So I can't complain. It's basically remnants of my stem cells reacting against all my sister's healthy stem cells inside me. I was in the hospital for about 9 days while the doctors got things under control, did a liver biopsy and ultrasounds and readjusted my medications. While there I had lots of nice visits from Kurt and Aunt Susan and we had time for some Christmas crafts, one of them pictured here. We made bead angel ornaments for Aunt Susan's granddaughters. They looked very sweet lined up in the hospital room window. Here's hoping this is the last hospital stay and that the recovery continues on at this point. I'm feeling better every day and excited for Christmas! Happy Holidays to everyone!

Kurt's Birthday

FROM CASSIE: We had a great time celebrating Kurt's birthday last week (before the return hospital trip). Here's a picture of the Reed/Brushwyler family complete with silly birthday glasses for all. We all agree that Piper wore them best. It was great to have Aunt Susan out here to help celebrate. She had silly glasses too but, unfortunately, isn't shown since she took the picture.

One step back but moving forward

FROM CASSIE: Time for an update. I'm back in the hospital for a few days while the doctors figure out why my liver is under some distress. This is common after a stem cell transplant because of all the anti-rejection medicines I've been taking. I had a regular doctor's check-up this past Monday and they decided to admit me after some blood tests for liver and kidney function came back high. I've had quite a few tests and medication changes since I've been back in the hospital so everything should get straightened out in the next couple of days. Peace of mind comes from knowing that the doctors here have pretty much seen it all so it's just a process of elimination and pinpointing exactly how my medication needs to be adjusted. Being back in the hospital isn't exactly where I'd like to be right now I still feel grateful that I was out of the hospital for Thanksgiving and for Kurt's birthday. And I'll be out of here soon... fingers crossed. Thanks for all the well wishes!