Day 22 - Camping, Almost ⛺️ - March 31st

One of our daughter's went camping with her little family this weekend, of course that made us long for that kind of experience even more! Alas Robert couldn't take it anymore, he had to have an experience that brought him the comfort of being outdoors! WALAH! Instant happiness! Maybe no nutritional value, but certainly better than canned soup!

What A Treat - Guess Who's Plate This Was?

Hint "Chocolate Milk"

Day 21 - Another Wonderful Day- March 30th

I'm sure I am a little repetitive when I mention how much we have appreciated all of the kindness and care everyone has shared with us, but it so overwhelming to feel of so much goodness!  We will forever be indebted for your thoughtfulness! 

It was another fun day, as we found another new me, another new him, and a comical new us with a little help from our friends! My new 'do' was finished up today and I was so excited to have hair again! 

Robert didn't feel it was quite fair that I should be the only one sporting a new 'quaff since he has long since said goodbye to a few of his 'frocks.

So...... Fair is Fair, don't you think!

Day 20 - Wahoo - March 29th

Another day to Celebrate! They took my central line out today, not only a giant milestone, but definitely a giant step back to having life closer to normal. Definitely a Happy Dance Day!

💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻

Day 19 -  The Winds of March -March 28

It was much too windy, to be out for a safe walk today. I'm not sure if it was missing that rejuvenating experience or that if it might have just been one of "those" days, but I found myself laying down most of the day. Still found so much to happy about and grateful for! It was so joyful to hear the neighborhood children, jumping on our trampoline, their delightful squeals were like a song to my heart.  Although  it did make me miss my own grandchildren incredibly, I know that day is not too far off!

I also was the recipient of the  sweetest letters from my little better twinner (My sweet little 9 year old friend from our ward that shares the same birthday with me) along a surprise gift dropped off on our porch. How much was my day lifted through other's thoughtfulness!

Day 18 - Rainy Days Bring Time For Refelection - March 27th

I am moving into my third week since having the stem cell transplant. It is quickly fading into the past and Robert and I spend time making plans for the future.

Time with our children and grandchildren, time with our friends and neighbors, time to give back for all that has been given and most of all time to remember my Savior.

Sunny days lie ahead and are yet to be enjoyed.

Day 17 - For The Beauty of the Earth - March 26th

I am finding out recovery may not stay on the same continuum as the days go by.  Good days might not always follow good days, and bad nights don't have to follow bad mornings.  This morning I was a little taken back to not feel as well as I have previously felt, spending most of the morning in bed.  Although, probably not eagerly I did get out of bed and ate a little lunch my loving caretaker (Robert) had made. I have to admit, it was the last thing I wanted, but with his encouragement (insistence😉)  It went down fine! Infact I enjoyed it! I'm only sharing this because as shocking as this may seem to some, sometimes hubbies really do know best!

END OF STORY- The day just got better and better! This evening we were able to enjoy the most peaceful beautiful walk, again another testament of God's love for us through this amazing beautiful world!

Day 16 - Happy, Happy, Happy - March 25th

Out of my 100 days of happy, I am sure this day will be one of the happiest! Because of my low immunity system, Amber and her loving husband and kids have been watching our cute little puppy, Kimba during this process. Quite a selfless act of service to undertake!  Amber has been so good to keep Kimba in my life by sending almost daily pictures and texts to let me know how she is doing. Even though I'm not quite well enough to have Kimba back in our home, today I got visitation rights!

💕🤗😘😁💓😁🖖👌💓💕💞🐕🌞🎆🎉

Yes, Robert thoroughly sanitized me afterwards!

Then to top the evening off, we were able to enjoy women's conference! 

My spirit was lifted and my soul motivated to give back all the grace and goodness that has been shared with me! And how 'bout that incredibly beautiful music! So Soul Stirring! So grateful for this gospel, our leaders, and my wonderful family and friends! An awful lot to be happy about!

Day 15 - Never Thought Being Home Could Be So Exhausting - March 24th

What a beauthiful, wonderful long day. We found it is much harder to keep four rooms clean instead of one, but it so amazing to look out the window and see the beautiful sights of nature around us.

As we are so exhausted we will leave our blog short tonight and look forward to listening to Women's Conference tomorrow. 

😴💤

Day 14 - The New Me In More Ways Than One - March 23

They told me that it was best to shave my head now that I am leaving rememants in the treatment room at Huntsman. Maybe they will not recognize me in this disguise.

Me With My Beautiful Hairdresser and Makeup Artist

I sure am grateful for my talented and loving children. Now to share the best news ever; My blood counts are doing so good they let me come home to stay in our own home today! I'm still under lockdown, and have to obey the same rules that were in effect at the Patient Housing, But as Dorothy said it so well: "THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME!!!!!!!"

Day 13 - And The Hair Goes Gone? 🙄 - March 22nd

They were so impressed with my numbers at the Huntsman yesterday, they gave us the day off today, we had no appointments to be to this morning, so sleeping in a little felt wonderful! We got up to start our day, but I found myself drawn strongly back to my bed. When Robert got out of the shower he came in and inquired if I was feeling okay, I told him I was fine, I was just feeling the need to keep my hair company.  Fare thee well, locks, we've always had a love-hate relationship anyways! Maybe I can do my hair as fast as Robert in the morning now!

Not having an appointment at Huntsman, gave me a little time to reflect today. What I am totally moved and overwhelmed with is the care and concern I feel when I'm there! Not only are they totally compassionate and zealously conscientious with their care, they truly are our cheerleaders, they are so wanting our success!  And they get so happy when things go right for you! I am so humbled to think that these people who are not related to you in anyway can care so much! I am learning so much about the love of good people! Again I know the Lord has much for me to learn from this journey!

Day 12 - New Favorite Food, Oh So Healthy - March 21st

Yesterday they told me at Huntsman I needed to amp up my calories. They suggest ice cream as my throat was sore from the chemo, so I decided to give it a try.

Umm, Umm, So Good

Okay, so fact check here, like this has not always been one of my favorite foods , the uncanny thing here, is they just gave me a green light to IMBIBE!😂 (Okay where is that Happy Dance Emoji, when you need him?

Day 11 - Hairy Pillow 🙀 - And it is not from the Cat - March 20th

Nothing like waking up to find out your pillow is growing hair! Seems like a science fiction movie. Robert does not even feel sorry for me as we can now be twins.

Oh No!

Another morning at Huntsman to get some liquid nourishment. At least it stays down this way.

Awesome news..... My white blood cell count went up to 0.86, my platelets went up as well and no fever. I am feeling so blessed to be on the road to recovery. All of your prayers are helping and I am so grateful for my family and friends.

Day 10 - Rejoice the Sabbath's here again!!

Something's different about Sunday even at the Huntsman! Of course it is a little more quiet there on Sunday. Everyone is always so nice. They are so accommodating to ensure you are comfortable in every way. I was able to receive a platelet transfusion today. All in all I think it is helping me to fell a little better. My platelet count was very low. However, my white blood cell count is on the way back up. A long way to go but it is in right direction. This process is amazing and I am appreciative of so many who walked this path before me to perfect the treatments. My own mother being one of those. Her sacrifice is my blessing and I fell her close by.

A great day. With many more to come.

Day 9 - Happy 40th Wedding Anniversary 💑 - March 18th

We always like to get away for our wedding anniversary. I think I over did myself on this one. Luxurious hotel by the airport, dinner by camping light, bananas and pancakes. It doesn't get any better than this!

Robert Ate All the Bacon Just to Protect Me From Bacteria - How Nice of Him!

Another day without a fever, I am feeling very blessed. Now if I can just find some food to stick around and be my friend. 

My white blood cell count has turned the corner and is on its way back up. Started at around 5.5 on the first day and dropped all the way to 0.09. Today I am at 0.17, feeling like a teenage already. Just want to nap and have others do my chores. Still cannot drive.

Love to all my family and friends.

Day 8 - And the week goes on 💤 - March 17th

Just can't seem to get enough sleep these days, we have definitely hit  a stall in the system. We go to the hospital, come home and rest, eat, go to the hospital, go for a walk, come home and rest, eat, rest  then get ready for bed.😴 Luckily we've been able to stir clear of the nausea today👏, another tender mercy. 

Since the days are so eventful around here we thought we'd share another cute video from our grandkids, again it will probably only play on facebook. 

We will post it tomorrow. We got to get some sleep.💤💤💤💤

Day 7 - Surprises make the best of days - March 16th.

Today started out quite the same as yesterday, nausea seems most prevalent in the morning time, but they were able to give me some medication through IV along with some hydrating fluids. Actually felt much better after that, like much better! It ended up being one of my better days, but the topping on the cake came when we received this videos from my grandkids! 

How we love our kids and grandkids....can't I imagine life without them. 😀😃😆😄😍

Ps. If the video will not play I will add it to my Facebook page.

Day 6 - Every down has its ups!👍 - March 15th

Even though this treatment comes with a few undesirable side effects, they are so good at Huntsman to try resolve your tiniest issues. They are so thorough, kind, on top it, and genuinely funny!   And since we really haven't got any other place to be, spending our mornings at the Huntsman, has become quite enjoyable!! Another, absolutely incredible happening is I've been without fever for 2 days🤗

There is no doubt in my mind I' m being cradled in His loving arms. I know my Savior lives, and I will ever be indebted to Him, my loving husband and family and all that have so kindly shared their love with me!!

Day 5 - The ups and downs of it all! - March 14th

It's official, they said I that I would probably get neutropenic around day 5. That means my white cells have all left town, and I can't say that I blame them with all the ruckus going on in there! What goes down seems to find it's way back up pretty fast, and what is down, is joining a mass exodus plan!😳

Robert mentioned it was 'Pi' day (π) I don't think Epandamous (story my mother told me when I was young) would very proud of pies baking around here!  

Robert and I have been totally touched by the love you have shared through word and song, truly it has lifted us and impacted our lives immensely!!! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.  Love you all!

Day 4 - It's Monday A New Week - March 13th

Had a good night last night, finding sleep comes easy. Anytime I sit down seems like I want to sleep, so I do. No sence fight with my new stem cells. It is also much easier to ride in the car when Robert is driving if I am asleep anyway!

Food has a whole new taste, most of which is not good. Thought you would never her me say that did you. I did enjoy a great lunch today, canned Soup and crackers. Didn't know Robert could cook this good.

Canned Soup & Crackers - My New Favorite

Got my new mask today so I can be ready when my white blood cell count gets really low. Not sure what kind of bird it makes me look like, but it made my walk fun today.

Appreciate all of your prayers and best wishes. They keep me going and I fell of all your love.

Day 3 - The Sabbath is a Special Day - March 12th

I am really missing church today. It is difficult to be away from my meetings and all those who I love so much. I love Sacrament meeting and the feelings I get while being there. I miss seeing my faithful home teacher, Brother Bickerton, waiting with a hymn book open for me, I miss that moment of reverence before we begin, I miss singing the hymns together and seeing my favorite younger friends in the ward. Feeling that way, perhaps I wasn't the perkiest going up to hospital today, but soon came to realize of God's awareness of me.

We had a very special experience this morning while up at the Huntsman center getting my blood tests. As I was having a small setback and needed to spend additional time to make sure everything was okay,  a sweet young couple came into our little booth and asked us if we would like to have the Sacrament.

Oh how my heart leaped with joy. I was overcome with gratitude that together with Robert this young man blessed and passed the Sacrament. I was totally amazed that in that small curtain cubical I felt the Savior's Love and atoning sacrifice for me. A prayer in my heart was answered and I knew that my Savior was aware of me personally.

After a long day of tests we were able to return to our home away from home and listen to some conference talks. 

Elder Bednar's talk "If Ye Had Known Me" was our personal sermon for this Sabbath. It to echoed how our Savior knows each of us and we need to know him. I am so grateful for the Sabbath day and restorative power it brings! 

Elder Bednar "If Ye Had Known Me"

Day 2 - Saturday Weekend Social - March 11th

Days are going by quickly. Getting lots of naps, something newborns need to grow up strong.

Sometimes it is nice to nap and do a little strumming at the same time.

Had a special visit from two of my wonderful daughters. Can you tell who they are. They always wanted to look just like me. NOT!

But how sweet the time while they were with me.

Took me for a walk but couldn't keep up.

Another happy day to kept me going.

😄

Day 1 - Creamed Corn 😱 - March 10th

One of the unusual side effects of having a Stem Cell transplant is smelling like "Creamed Corn" or a bad pizzeria. It's pretty sad when the nurses come in from the hall to see where the smell is coming from! I had to say, "It's me."

Good thing Robert likes creamed corn otherwise I may be on my own!

Looks Tempting doesn't It

Nothing like a trip to temple square to lift your spirit.

Day 0 - Stem Cell Transplant - March 9th

Excited to get my little Stem Cells back.

Nurses came in to wish me a Happy Birthday (As I now have all new stem cells it is my new birthday). They sang and gave me a beautiful gift. They reminded Robert that I will need to do 2 parties each year!

Three million Stem Cells in less than an hour. Now Robert really has something to try and beat me at.

They were also frozen, Just no lemonade flavoring.

Back to the room to get some rest. Birthdays are exhausting.

Day -1  Ice challenge - March 8th

To start my stem cell transplant the first step is to do chemotherapy...This is the day. They call it day -1. Luckily Robert is not pouring a cooler of ice over me for this one, I just ingest a cooler of ice! It constricts the blood vessels to prevent mouth sores and GI problems. Since it usually takes me about an hour to drink 8oz., this will be very interesting, but luckily I have a very qualified coach, Robert can down 8 oz. in about 10 seconds! I chose well, didn't I?!

Started the ice callenge at 10:30. We brought ice from Sonic Drive in and added strawberry lemonade flavoring. Six pounds of ice later followed by a cup of hot chocolate and the challenge was over. Let's see Robert beat that.

Back to the hotel, our new home away from home, for a little decorating (nothing like some pictures of our amazing family) and then settled in for my first night.