This past weekend in San Diego, my friend Sarah Carlstead and her kind boyfriend Scott Shackleton walked 60 miles over three days to raise money for breast cancer. Sarah and I walked together, along with four friends, two years ago in San Diego and shared an experience that was so unbelievably touching that I simply can't even put it into words. In Arizona a few weeks ago, another friend, Mary Ellen Spelger walked. It amazes me that people all over the country give up their time for a cause that may not have even effected them. If you've ever seen the thousands of people who come out for this event, you can't help but believe that humanity is filled with goodness. 

I'm fortunate to be surrounded by such good people, especially my sister Colleen and my Uncle Steve. When they found out that my mom was sick and had to stay away from me and that I wasn't feeling my best, they both got on a plane and were here as fast as they could. My Uncle Steve has been by my side throughout my whole life, but these past five years he has been there with me every step of the way. He has been my researcher, my teacher, my cheerleader and my rock. Colleen has simply been my angel. She has selflessly given up her time to be my nurse. When she is here everything feels better. So you can imagine how happy I was to learn that I would be getting my stem cells back while my posse was here with me.  

Putting my stem cells back in was much quicker and easier than taking them out. The worst part of it was the side effects of the preservative used in the freezing process. It tastes like a mixture of creamed corn and garlic and unfortunately for those around me, it smells like it too. For days. I could smell it on my own breath and as it came out of my pores, anyone near me had to endure it as well. 

Now we just wait and hope that all of my blood counts return to normal. I go to the hospital every other day. I've had two platelet transfusions. I'm tired and weak. I wear my mask whenever I'm in public and enjoy all the blatant stares I get from children and adults alike. I can't eat fruits or vegetables because of the pesticides and can't be around children. Skype is my new best friend as it allows me to at least get a glimpse of the little one's sweet faces. My cousin Katie McCall was in town and she brought a feeling of home while she was here. Colleen and Uncle Steve left, but my cousin Megan came and will be here for a week. As anyone who knows us well will find no surprise in my saying that when she is here it's like having my arm re-attached. I'm just not whole without her. It's always hard to see her go. I am supposed to be here about another month, so it will be interesting to see if I will have a white Christmas in Chicago or a green one here in Texas.

Love,