We are pleased to announce that Madi had her rebirthday 05/08/2024 at 12:20pm. For those that are not familiar with the term "rebirthday," it refers to the date of people undergoing a stem cell transplant, are essentially reborn. The whole day I considered to be beautifully scary and emotional. We look at it as a new start, a clean slate, a life (hopefully) cancer free state. That is the beautiful part! The process was and is anything but easy.
Madison was admitted last week Thursday morning. She underwent 6 days of high dose chemotherapy and on Day 0 (rebirthday) she received her stem cells. Madison and the Chaplin put together a beautiful blessing ceremony and I felt I needed to share a summary of it with you.
Today we mark this important moment in your healing story Madi, your stem cell transplant. This is day 0, a new beginning, a new song. As with any new beginnings, there can be a myriad of emotions including fear, hope, and gratitude. Each one is part of this journey and reminds us of the strong light of Christ that lies within each one of us. This new beginning is blessed by the presence of great love. Let us express our gratitude for those who are on the journey with you. I am grateful for all who have and will continue to support me on this journey through their words, actions, and prayers. I am especially grateful for the love and support of my family and friends.
Today Madison was able to escape from the hospital. She was so happy to leave and says she is never going back. She is tired but her mood was definitely lifted by not being stuck in a hospital room any longer. Being chemo is still in her system, her blood numbers will continue to drop and side effects of the chemo will kick in. This will be the hardest part. Her body will become extremely weak. Just to do her daily cares will take all the strength she has. This is when and why she needs fulltime caregivers. Scott has taken a leave from work to be her sole caregiver throughout all of this. Our parents have both stepped up to help out and care for Blake who is at home finishing out his senior year in high school while we have been in Minneapolis. I am thankful to work at a job where I have flexibility allowing me to be able to flex my hours to help when and where I can all while working from home. To say that this has affected all of us is an understatement! Once Madi hits approximately 3 weeks from her transplant, her stem cells will start to take over and make new blood cells. As they continue to multiply and divide, she will then begin to slowly start feeling better and gaining her strength back. She was sent home with a tackle box (pill box) of medications to take. These medications are to protect her from viruses, bacteria, fungus, and ulcers. She will be followed in the clinic daily including weekends where they will monitor her for any possible concerns and provide support cares as needed.
The support, gifts, and uplifting words that have been coming in the mail has been so cool! Madison looks forward to the mailman coming every day curious as to whom is saying hello and wishing her well. Some have been really funny and make us all laugh, others have been very motivating and inspirational. All have been so special! She received the cutest support pickle that she kept with her in the hospital. Just looking at it puts a smile on your face. The colored handmade cards from the littles just make her smile. We love and appreciate all of you! I will continue to say it as it is so true, No one fights alone!
