I am looking forward to getting this stem cell transplant.  So many people do not have the opportunity to have a transplant. The hospital will be using my own stem cells (baby cells that can become different types of blood cells) which were taken from my marrow a couple months ago.  They have been frozen until I need them.  Tests have been done which show that I am clear of any cancer that can be seen.  However there are hidden cells of cancer lurking in my body that the tests cannot see.  The chemo I will be given during the transplant process will kill those cells. If I do not have the transplant, the cancer will return.  

During the transplant process I will be given strong chemo that will kill all fast growing cells (cancer is a fast growing cell, but so are hair and nail cells. Ugh!). After 4 days of chemo, the platelets in my marrow will die; therefore my blood will not clot well.  The white cells in my marrow will die; therefore I will not be able to fight infection well.  I am to enter the hospital to begin the chemo on Monday May 3rd.  That day will be called day -7 by the professionals.  Beginning that day and the three following (days -6,-5,-4),  I will be receiving strong chemo.  I will be taking many showers to rinse off the chemo poisons that will filter out through my skin. During this time visitors are discouraged because the chemo can be dangerous to them.   I will be resting days -3,-2,-1.  Then on Monday May10th  (day 0) the stem which had been frozen will be returned to me. During the next 12 days at least I will be at a low point.  I am expected to quite sick with severe mouth sores, infections, and bleeding.   However, I am trusting the Lord to bring me through these trials and I will be praising His name on the other side of this.    After around the 12th day (day +12) the stem cells which were put back in my marrow should be reproducing.  When they reach a certain point,  I will be feeling better and almost out of danger.  As I continue to improve,   I will be given a date to go home.   I am praying the Lord will work it  out so I can go home within 30 days.  The worst part of all this for me will be missing my husband. I pray that my family will be safe and well while I am in the hospital.