Let the Games Begin!

The election is over. Had a recount. Might have a challenge filed. Fabulous turnout (103%). Anyone freaking out over that stat? It's totally real because Wyoming is one of about eight states that allows election day voter registration.

So, now on to the next chapter in life . . . stem cell transplant. I received word yesterday that I will be admitted to Presbyterian/St. Luke's Hospital in mid-town Denver on November 30 or December 1. Approximately 7 or 8 days later, I will receive the stem cells from my donor. I know nothing about him other than he, too, ate dirt as a kid. Apparently there is some virus that is commonly found in dirt and I needed a donor who had also had that virus, so I am fortunate there are still people in the world who weren't carefully watched as children.

At first blush, the 30th of November seems a long way into the future, but I have to focus on the reality that I have only 13 days to accomplish a long list of back-burnered "to dos." Like cleaning out those closets that have been on that list for at least 5 years . . . filing all the bills from the early 1990s that have been cluttering up my home office . . . ironing all the items that have been hanging on my gas pipe in the basement for at least 3 years . . .

Seriously, it's not QUITE that bad, but bad enough. I have been at the office every day for the past four weeks, so there really is a lot of deferred cleaning, laundry and ironing to get caught up. Husband Steve, bless his heart, has done a fairly good job of keeping the top layer of dust from building up too much and has cooked some wonderful meals during these past weeks. I wuold like to smuggle him into the hospital as my personal chef, but I'm pretty sure that will not be possible.

I will find out what all will be possible next Wednesday. I am scheduled to have my final consultation and consent meting with Dr. Rifkin. I think at that time I get a tour of the isolation area at the hospital and find out their do's and don'ts. I just wonder if they are ready for my list of do's and don'ts . . . like do feed me decent food . . . don't wake me up at 2:00 a.m. just to take my blood pressure and temperature . . . do let me have my computer . . . don't interrupt a telephone meeting just to ask how "we" are doing . . . and above all else, DON'T TREAT ME LIKE AN INVALID!

I am woman, hear me roar.

The Twilight Zone Draws Nearer

Election Day is finally here. It's almost 2:30 in the AM and I haven't been able to sleep for the last two hours, so I said to myself, "Self, get on up and do something constructive." Instead, I decided to post a little update.

A couple of weeks ago I underwent all the necessary pre-transplant tests and all was well except my thyroid. I guess it's a little sluggish. (AHA! So there is a reason I have an a$$ the size of Texas!) So far, two potential donors have been tested and eliminated for not having had some particular virus. BUT . . . yesterday I received the email that the donor they "have been looking for" has been found.

The potential dates for the actual stem cell transplant are November 24, December 1, or December 8. The part of me that has been working 10 hours a day during the week and several hours on the wekends for the past several weeks is thinking the sooner, the better . . . I need a nice, long rest. The part of me that wants all the ironing caught up, Christmas presents bought and wrapped, and the house detail cleaned is thinking WHOA! . . . too soon.

I thank the good Lord for giving me these past 10 or 11 months during which I have been able to return to life as it was before leukemia. And I pray to Him to give me the strength to get through the next few months with dignity and courage. But, most of all, I beg the election gods for no recounts, no challenges, no equipment failures, no voters with black helicopters circling their heads and most of all, to be in bed by 11:00 tonight.

I hope all who read this get out and vote today.