I have a friend from college that is a Houston Fire Chief named Alison. Since I've been here, Alison has been donating blood and platelets for me at MD Anderson and asking her friends to do so as well. She is even holding a blood drive in my honor on Jan 8th. Alison realizes the importance of blood donation and although it can be an inconvenience and time consuming, she does it anyway. She is also going to host a blood drive on Jan 27th for all fire fighters who are burned on duty. It may seem like there is plenty of supply, but when I have been having my transfusions, the small IV bag has the donation of six people's platelets and has a very short window to be used before it must be discarded. Platelets are in high demand for transplant patients and burn victims because they aid in clotting the blood. Without transfusions people would die. So if you can, please consider donating some time. I'm so lucky to have such a wonderful friend like Alison. She rocks!

I continue to go to the hospital often to check my blood counts, which have been slowly rising. I was nervous about some new bone pain but was told that it is a good sign because it means my bones are trying to remake the marrow that was destroyed in the radiation process. I still am weak and easily tire after the most mundane activities, but have been enjoying the steady stream of visitors. As you know, Megan came down for Thanksgiving and her sister Annie came in from LA as well. We had a quiet but nice day, enjoying the fact that we were able to have drinks and appetizers out by the pool. Steve McCall was the next one to come which was incredibly great. Steve always knows how to put a smile on my face and make me laugh. I would have held him captive here to stay with me until I can go home, if I had any strength! I love having Steve as my cousin. I love having Steve as my friend. I love having Steve as my biggest supporter. I love Steve and appreciate all that he has done for me. My sister Maribeth made it here for a quick trip which was wonderful, especially after her last trip was cancelled due to her cold. (Because of my compromised immune system I cannot be around anyone who is sick.) I hadn't seen Maribeth in two and a half months which is such a huge contrast from seeing her almost daily at home. I completely over-extended myself and am absolutely exhausted, but I relished every moment she was here and would not have changed a minute of it. It was hard to watch her drive away. My cousins Tom and Jill are coming tomorrow, which I am extremely excited about.

My days here in Houston are winding down. I may find out an exact return date when I see my doctor on Wed. In fact, I was able to get my central line (or cable wires, as I like to call them) removed from my chest today! The word I would use to describe this is freedom! I can actually shower now instead of having to take baths. No more daily Heparin shots. No more daily alcohol cleansing. No more biweekly cleaning and bandage changes. No more weekly cap changes. No more discomfort!  

Lastly, but certainly not least, one year ago from yesterday I was told that my cancer had returned. I soon learned that it had metastasized to my bones, deeming my cancer incurable. One year ago I didn't even know if I would be alive in a year. I never fathomed that I would be in Texas participating in a trial that involved a stem cell transplant. Because of Dr. Ueno's research, I have hope. Because of all of you, I am here. Because of all of you, I now have hope of a future. Thank you. You all rock!

Much love,