Freedom

Well it has happened.  My body has recovered and rebuilt itself as quickly as it did in induction therapy.  I was officially discharged today at 2pm from the hospital on Day +15.  They say that everyone's body responds differently to the treatment but everyone seemed surprised with how quickly my marrow rebuilt.

Yesterday I was actually given a pass to leave the hospital.  So last night I went for a little walk outside to get some fresh air.  It was actually perfect because it was snowing for my walk.  For those that know me they know that I love being out in precipitation whether it be rain or snow.  It made me so how happy to be out on the quiet street in the snow.

Today it was the big day.  It didn't seem as surreal leaving the hospital this time as after induction.  This mainly was due to the fact this hospital stay wasn't a surprise like the last one and I had made my peace with going back to the hospital before going in.  With that said I am so happy to be home again sitting in my lazy boy with Dora and Amy beside me.  I am also very excited for our little family to be back sleeping in our bed together. 

I still have a long journey towards recovery from the transplant but it is exciting to be recovering at home.  I need to make sure I am very careful up until a minimum of 90 days because I am still fairly immunosuppressed. 

I was sent a quote today that I wanted to share with everyone, it seems like the perfect mantra for living life.  I hope everyone's 2011 reflections are going well.  I would love to hear about them :)

Carry a heart that never Hates
Carry a smile that never Fades
Carry a touch that never Hurts
Always have a purposeful day!

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Finding the Time to Relax

This is something I have written before about.  When I went through induction therapy I found it very therapeutic to spend time each day laying listening to Jason Mraz.  During this time I would lay as relaxed as I possibly could and just drift into the music focusing on long deep breaths.  I think this was one of the most beneficial things I did during that whole process.

During my transplant after I had undergone all my radiation treatments I was in a bit of a funk.  Not sure why or what was causing it but it was there.  After a good kick in the butt by Amy to find my old fighting attitude I decided to draw back on my daily relaxation exercise.  Now this time I actually replaced Jason Mraz but followed the same principle. I replaced him with in my eyes the voice of an angel, Eva Cassidy.  For those that haven't heard her before her voice will change everything you knew about music.  But through the use of this technique and a couple others I snapped out of it and I have continued it each day since I started.

This technique should not be saved just for intensive chemotherapy, but in everyone's lives.  Chemo and radiation are just the most extreme cases of stress that can be applied.  But in our day to day lives we are always bombarded with stresses that without release will build up and can cause all sorts of problems.  Everyone should find 30 minutes to just lay down with their eyes closed and listen to relaxing music whatever it may be and just let all the weights of the world slide off of them. If you try this you will not be sorry. :)  I would love to hear about if anyone trys it and how it goes.  Also who or what your relaxing music is to get there.

Quick BMT Update - my counts are coming up each day.  I am no longer neutropenic which is great news! One day they will release me but still not definite when yet.

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Things that Make You Go Hmm

Today I thought I would lighten the topic and write about a couple different things.  For those that know me they will know I speak a second language in Hmm's.  I have many different sounds of it an each has a different meaning. (Even if you didn't know about me, next time we talk pay attention and you will here it)  I think Amy is finally deciphering the codes so I may have to change it altogether ;) Anyways here are some things that have made me go hmmph in the past few days...

Numbers - I have always had a fascination with the number 4 and 22.  For as long as I can remember they have been my favorite numbers.  4 is fairly obvious why I liked it because it is my birthdate.  But there is another correlation to 4 that many of you may not realize  the 4th was also the day I was diagnosed with cancer..  The 22 I adopted in high school and because I couldn't get 4 and 2+2 added to for.  I ended up liking 22 so much that is has been my favorite number ever since.  Other than this simple addition I really had no other reason for liking it but I passionately liked it. Even more than 4.  Well it turns out there is a very good reason now, the 22nd is when I received my life giving stem cells.  It is weird how numbers can such strong correlations in our lives and the same number can have mulitple significant events attached to it. Think about your favorite numbers, how many significant events are attached to it?

Stem Cell Transplant - I thought I would share some interesting facts on stem cell transplantation.  First it is the only type of organ transplant that does not require you to be on anti rejection drugs for the rest of you life.  I will be on them for the next year probably but then I will be free :)  Second, it is the only transplant that can change your blood type.  I used to be O+ and over the next six months will be changing to A+.  Third, I know have to different types of DNA in my body.  The DNA of my blood does not match my DNA.  So if you were to take blood and a cheek swab the DNA report would show you two different people.  So if I commited a crime and left blood at the scene , and then only gave the police a cheek swab or hair they couldn't catch me ;)  So move over Dexter here I come......

Resolutions - Today is Jan 2 so I hope all of you are writing your resolutions for the year.  I find this is an excellent exercise because it gives you a path and goals to follow throughout the year.  And when you accomplish them you feel such a sense of pride.  If you are having trouble writing them I use the following formula, one for your professional life, one for your personal health, one for your relationship, one personal financial goal (and winning the lottery doesn't count ;) )  You can add more to each bucket but these four buckets will really keep a balanced life, and help keep that dreaded work life balance in perspective.  I also find that when you work at these four it brings happiness.  And who doesn't want happiness in 2011 ;)

Leukemia Update - I thought I would give a quick update on my situation.  Things seemed to have turned a small corner.  My fever has broken and been gone for 2 days now.  Also my platelet count has climbed two straight days.  It is still a little too early to get really excited because we don't want to jinx it but it looks like those little stem cells are setting up home in my marrow and starting to do there thing.  Soon we should see some real positive momentum here...and then bring on GVHD I will kick that suckers butt just like cancer :)

Well wishing you all health and happiness in the new year.  I look forward to my next encounter in person with each and everyone of you.  You support through this has given me much of the strength to get through.


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