Best Christmas Gift Ever

FROM CASSIE: My doctors gave me a great Christmas gift last week when they told me we didn't need to stay close to the hospital any more and could move back into our house in Long Beach. After the shock wore off, we made plans to head south ASAP. I realized that I hadn't slept in our house for over 2 months. By the Wednesday before Christmas we were back home and hanging up stockings by the chimney with care. Kurt was quite the Christmas elf dragging a last minute Christmas tree off the lot and home to decorate. We had a nice, relaxing Christmas Eve and day.

I have doctor's appointments every Monday and this week's went well. I had been feeling pretty worn out and still have side effects from all the medication I'm on, but my counts are looking good and my liver function has improved. Kidneys still have a little way to come so I get IV fluids every day at home but I'm feeling better and hoping to get another improved report on Monday. I now have the immune system of a 2 month old and will be getting weekly antibody IVs through February. Feeling stronger every day!

And Happy New Year to all! More to come on that soon. For now I'll just say I'm not sad to see 2009 go. It's been a rough one that I couldn't have made it through without the enormous support of amazing friends (old and new) and family. I'm so grateful. But, 2009, don't let the door hit 'ya on the way out..... actually let it. Here's to a happy, healthy 2010 for everyone full of new beginnings!