Day +3

Day +3 doesn't seem like anything, after all we have gone through so far. Before the entire stem cell transplant even started she had 3 months of high dose chemotherapy and then a week of waiting. It is crazy we are only 3 days into recovery. Plus, we both look forward to marking an x on the calendar when a day has passed and were deprived of the satisfaction this morning when a nurse took the liberty to do it for us. I feel that we didn't really earn that day. I will beat her tomorrow! (BTW, please excuse my poor writing. I'm extremely tired).

So, this morning the doctors came in to tell us her wbc levels were at .3. She seemed to be doing okay last night and early this morning. She was able to go to the bathroom and walk around a little. It wasn't until this afternoon that the crash began. I noticed her face became completely white, her eyes look sunken, and her energy level was extremely low. Fortunately, she is still able to talk and joke with me some.

The doctor mentioned that she doesn't really need a transfusion at this point, but will probably need one tomorrow. She also mentioned that if she feels dizzy at all, we need to order one. She reminded my mom of the fainting spell during chemo last week ( my mom neglected to mention this to me)! I learned she fainted in the bathroom and thank goodness Tim caught her. I can't get the image out of my head. It is the absolute worst feeling I think I've ever had to think of my mom, who has always taken care of me and been the strong one, so weak and helpless. Ugh. Can't even write about it.

Moving on. I am extremely exhausted today. Three days of limited sleep is more wearing than I expected. What am I ever going to do when I have kids! Nurses just came in. I will come back later.

Andrew ended up coming to town today to drop off Thanksgiving dinner to my family and to give me a break from the hospital for a night. As tired as I was, I felt so happy to share Thanksgiving dinner with my new husband. I am so lucky.

Since today is Thanksgiving I thought I would end this entry with some things I am thankful for:
1. My husband. He is the most giving, huge-hearted person I know. I am thankful for how he unconditionally loves me no matter what. He simply makes my life better. Thank you Andrew for being you.
2. My mom. She has taught me to always do the right thing and for raising us to be good people. I have always admired her courage and giving nature. I don't know what I would do without her. Thank you, Mom, for fighting for us.
3. My dad. He has taught me to always look at the bright side of things. Thank you Dad for opening up the world for me.
4. My sister. She has such a zest for life and consistently impresses me with her strength and insight. Thank you Mandi, for being my best friend.
5. My family. I am thankful I have such a loving, kind, close family. It makes me proud to belong to the Sweets, Golmans, Sepulvedas, and now Duhans.
6. My friends. I am so, so thankful to have such interesting, caring, smart, funny and giving friends, who are ALWAYS there for me. Thanks for giving me the strength and support I need right now.
7. My life. I am thankful to be alive and well.