This was an emotional week for me. It was my final week of work-ups and tests before starting my conditioning treatment in the hospital prior to my transplant. The first half of the week was spent getting blood transfusions and preparing for my Hickman line placement. 

The thing I was dreading the most was getting my Hickman line. I was very anxious and fearful prior to the procedure. Luckily, it went smoothly and I’m pleasantly surprised with how well I’m adjusting to it. I had my lovely husband and parents supporting me through it and I truly couldn’t do it without them! I had a panic attack on the procedure table and the team of nurses took amazing care of me and helped me through it. They played some Taylor Swift songs for me, and I was able to get into a calmer state of mind. Fortunately, shortly after that, I fell asleep from the meds I was given. When I woke up, the line was placed, and I was going back to the recovery room. The whole process of how they place the Hickman line is pretty intense and I was in a decent amount of pain the first 2 days. I’m doing much better now and the incisions are healing nicely. 

The following day I made the decision to take control of the whole hair loss situation and I chopped off all of my hair! I donated it to an amazing organization that makes wigs for kids with hair loss and I hope that they can make a lovely wig out of it! I now have a buzz cut for the first time in my life and I’m adjusting to my new look. In 2 or so weeks the rest of my hair will fall out and then I’ll be rocking a completely bald head for a month or so and then it should start growing back! I had my wonderful support system present to support me emotionally through these big life changes! 

Sunday morning Greg and I drove to the hospital to be admitted! 

I was admitted to the hospital 3/10 and began my first day of conditioning prior to transplant. The first 3 days I am receiving an infusion called Rabbit ATG and the purpose of this immunosuppressive drug is to kill my white blood cells (specifically the T cells) to prepare my body for a whole new immune system that will be donated to me by my younger sister Kira. So far I’ve been tolerating the treatment very well and have only had some minor side effects (headache, nausea, joint pain). 

I am very very happy that I have officially begun the transplant process and before I know it this will all be a thing of the past!! Cheers to all of my amazing friends and family for helping me through this difficult time! I love you all and am blessed to be living this life!