Home?

I think I will be going home today, and by home, I mean home. I'm very happy about this. We made an appeal to my doctor after we found out that most of the multiple visits per week were for blood work. It looks like I'll be able to have my blood work done at Ellis Fischel, and then come to Barnes once a week or so for a while to meet with my doctors here. I don't know exact plans yet, but I love the glimmer of hope.

I apologize for the lack of updates recently. At first it was due to not having access to a laptop (I've used my husband's work laptop until now) but I was blessed by one of my former pastors who put together a laptop for me to use. I am incredibly grateful to him for his kindness and all the ways he has impacted my life over the years.

The days after a transplant become rather monotonous, which is another reason I haven't written much. It's just all a waiting game. Waiting for counts to rise...waiting for any signs of a problem. Trying to rebuild strength...eat...drink. That is mostly what life has been like. I've lost a tremendous amount of weight, so a major focus right now is on trying to consume enough protein and calories to begin to regain what was lost. Eating isn't always easy. I don't know if it is lingering effects of the chemo, drug side effects, or what, but most of the time I have to force myself to eat, and that's probably been one of the hardest parts of all this.

Thank you all for your prayers. So far the Lord has been merciful to me, and I pray I am "healed" of this disease, as much as is possible. I'll be having a bone marrow biopsy within the next few weeks and I'm anxious to know the results, though dreading the procedure.

For the basket filled with special little surprises, the CDs and books, the cards, the e-mails -- all the things you do to serve me, I thank you. Blessings, Amy