Happy Monday! I hope you are all looking forward to a beautiful week! I just wanted to share something that happened to me today that really touched my heart.
On the Be The Match Facebook page, they posted a request for stories of donors and why they placed their name on the registry. I responded in a comment:
My Mom was diagnosed with Lymphoma and the family got tested. I wasn't a match, but I wanted to give back to another family who may be in same situation, so I joined. I'll be donating my bone marrow on March 10 for a 2 year old little girl with leukemia. I am very excited!
Today, I received an email message via FB from a woman who saw my comment and wanted to thank me for my gift. Turns out that she has a 2 year old niece who will be receiving a transplant on March 11th. GOOSEBUMPS! Obviously there is no way to find out if it is LG, but what a moment of excitement to learn that there is another life being touched by a member of the registry. It would be amazing if this was LG, but if not, I'm so excited that next week, 2 little girls will be getting a new chance at life. I just think about all the feelings and excitement I have for LG, and now they are doubled because there is an LG II who is experiencing this little earthly miracle. I hope this inspires you to live your day to the fullest! Happy happy Monday!
Monday, February 28, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
1 Pint Stored!
Today was my final hospital visit before the big donation day! I went over to Hahnemann Hospital to have my third and final infectious disease testing (still healthy!) and to give my unit of blood to have on hand for my surgery. The staff in the aphoresis center is really top notch and Lisa took great care of me. I even have them on the lookout for handsome single doctors to send to my hospital room after my surgery. :-)
The blood draw went well. I don't like needles so I didn't watch, but the donation only took about 25 minutes. I was informed I have "crappy veins" and that I don't have a career in blood donation. Well, thank goodness! I like my blood. (hehe) It just takes patience to find my deep veins. Lisa got it on the first try and kept me company the whole time. I did bring my kindle, but only read a few pages because we were so chatty. It was a great time. So 2 weeks from now, I'll be having dinner with my sister and getting ready to donate. I'm really excited, but can't believe it's almost here.
About a week and half ago I went skiing with my family I nannied for a while in law school. When I started, the twins were 3 months old, and last weekend, at the age of 6, they were racing downhill slalom courses in 42 and 55 seconds. It was amazing to see these little people that I've loved and help to raise, accomplish such amazing feats. They tried to get me to go on the double black diamonds with them; I stayed on the greens. I had many moments where I caught myself being so thankful for the time I have with them and praying for LG's family. I hope they get the chance to experience a ski trip with LG when she gets a little older. I pray that they will have lots of time to celebrate her health and enjoy adventures up and down mountains for many years to come.
LG will be starting her preparatory chemotherapy in the next few days. It's usually about 10 days or so out from the transplant. Please be praying for her little body and for her family as they help her through this time. She has been in remission for a while and I know that going back into the hospital and even semi-isolation will not be fun. But she is on her way to a better, healthier life. Will update soon!
The blood draw went well. I don't like needles so I didn't watch, but the donation only took about 25 minutes. I was informed I have "crappy veins" and that I don't have a career in blood donation. Well, thank goodness! I like my blood. (hehe) It just takes patience to find my deep veins. Lisa got it on the first try and kept me company the whole time. I did bring my kindle, but only read a few pages because we were so chatty. It was a great time. So 2 weeks from now, I'll be having dinner with my sister and getting ready to donate. I'm really excited, but can't believe it's almost here.
About a week and half ago I went skiing with my family I nannied for a while in law school. When I started, the twins were 3 months old, and last weekend, at the age of 6, they were racing downhill slalom courses in 42 and 55 seconds. It was amazing to see these little people that I've loved and help to raise, accomplish such amazing feats. They tried to get me to go on the double black diamonds with them; I stayed on the greens. I had many moments where I caught myself being so thankful for the time I have with them and praying for LG's family. I hope they get the chance to experience a ski trip with LG when she gets a little older. I pray that they will have lots of time to celebrate her health and enjoy adventures up and down mountains for many years to come.
LG will be starting her preparatory chemotherapy in the next few days. It's usually about 10 days or so out from the transplant. Please be praying for her little body and for her family as they help her through this time. She has been in remission for a while and I know that going back into the hospital and even semi-isolation will not be fun. But she is on her way to a better, healthier life. Will update soon!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
2.2 Weeks!
Sorry it's been a while since I've updated. There hasn't been much going on with the transplant process since I received my clearance. I do have to give a pint of blood to have on hand during the surgery and this will likely happen sometime this week. Other than that...it's just getting my sister's train ticket booked and stocking up on the snacks!
We had about 4.5 inches of snow today and I am again reminded of the beauty of nature and the joy that Spring will bring. After a 70 degree day last Friday, everyone around here has Spring Fever.
I have been asked by several people who have read the blog or heard about my donation how to go about donating. Well, it's fairly easy. And its FREE right now if you sign up by the end of February. For the month of February, in honor of Black History Month, Nordstrom has offered to cover the $100 donation processing cost up to $75,000. If you are interested in being placed on the National Bone Marrow Registry, please visit: http://www.marrow.org/JOIN/Join_Now_Sponsored/nordstrom2011/join_now.html and sign up for FREE before the end of the month. It is a quick and painless cheek swab that takes about 2 minutes to complete. All you have to do is request the kit, swab your cheek, mail it in and keep them updated with your current contact information. Before you know it, you may help save a life!
I hope you're having a blessed Tuesday!
We had about 4.5 inches of snow today and I am again reminded of the beauty of nature and the joy that Spring will bring. After a 70 degree day last Friday, everyone around here has Spring Fever.
I have been asked by several people who have read the blog or heard about my donation how to go about donating. Well, it's fairly easy. And its FREE right now if you sign up by the end of February. For the month of February, in honor of Black History Month, Nordstrom has offered to cover the $100 donation processing cost up to $75,000. If you are interested in being placed on the National Bone Marrow Registry, please visit: http://www.marrow.org/JOIN/Join_Now_Sponsored/nordstrom2011/join_now.html and sign up for FREE before the end of the month. It is a quick and painless cheek swab that takes about 2 minutes to complete. All you have to do is request the kit, swab your cheek, mail it in and keep them updated with your current contact information. Before you know it, you may help save a life!
I hope you're having a blessed Tuesday!
Friday, February 11, 2011
Medically Cleared!
I received an email today that said, "You have been cleared to donate Marrow by the NMDP Medical Services Department." Words could not do justice to the instant relief, excitement and awe that I felt only moments ago when reading this email. Tears did flow. Although I was not too worried about this, it is still wonderful to know that the journey is going to continue and that I can now officially, donate to LG.
I wish I could be there when the doctor tells her parents that a healthy (and very willing) donor has been found and that in 3 weeks and 6 days, she will receive a blood bag with healthy cells to regenerate her tiny body. I presume they will feel what I felt, but x100! Tears of joy and relief.
Thank you for your love and support through my journey. Many have reached out to say such wonderful things and I so appreciate them. But for me, this process is about humanity and gifts that we all have the capability to give. Each of you reading this have at least one person that you would lay down your life for. It would be a moment that you would not even think twice about. Well, I have, and continue to live such an abundantly blessed life. I enjoy every opportunity to live, to laugh, and to love. I choose to find the good in those that I meet, befriend and love. I want to give back whether it's to a friend or stranger. I hope you are encouraged to do the same. Life is so short. Live it up! Love a lot! Laugh 'til the end!
Now lets just hope I don't break anything skiing this weekend! :-) Update soon!
I wish I could be there when the doctor tells her parents that a healthy (and very willing) donor has been found and that in 3 weeks and 6 days, she will receive a blood bag with healthy cells to regenerate her tiny body. I presume they will feel what I felt, but x100! Tears of joy and relief.
Thank you for your love and support through my journey. Many have reached out to say such wonderful things and I so appreciate them. But for me, this process is about humanity and gifts that we all have the capability to give. Each of you reading this have at least one person that you would lay down your life for. It would be a moment that you would not even think twice about. Well, I have, and continue to live such an abundantly blessed life. I enjoy every opportunity to live, to laugh, and to love. I choose to find the good in those that I meet, befriend and love. I want to give back whether it's to a friend or stranger. I hope you are encouraged to do the same. Life is so short. Live it up! Love a lot! Laugh 'til the end!
Now lets just hope I don't break anything skiing this weekend! :-) Update soon!
Monday, February 7, 2011
Managing Expectations
A Noun, Not A Verb.
I am a reader. I read constantly and find few books that I actually hold on to. About 2 years ago, when I was dealing with a lot in my life, I stumbled across a book called The Shack, by Wm. Paul Young. It is a story of a man who's child was abducted and he could not reconcile his faith with forgiveness. What I liked most about the book was it's approach to God, religion, and forgiveness. It was outside the box and explored a relational experience with God as opposed to a rigid book of rules. The story is one of realization and healing through a frank and honest conversation with God in three forms. In chapter 14, Young explores the notions of responsibility and expectations. Here are some excerpts I'd like to share.
God makes words nouns, e.g. respond and expectancy
Humanity turns them into verbs: responsibility and expectations
(Written as if said from God):
My words are alive and dynamic - full of life and possibility; yours are dead, full of law and fear and judgment. That is why you won't find the word responsibility in the Scriptures. ... Let us use the example of friendship. If you and I are friends, there is an expectancy that exists within our relationship. ... an expectancy of being together, of laughing and talking. That expectancy has no concrete definition; it is alive and dynamic and everything that emerges from our being together is a unique gift shared by no one else.
But what happens if I change that 'expectancy' to an 'expectation'? Suddenly law has entered into our relations. You are expected to perform in a way that meets my expectations. ... It is no longer about you and me, but about what friends are supposed to do, or the responsibilities of a good friend. ...The idea behind expectations requires that someone does not know the future of the outcome and is trying to control behavior to get the desired result.
Sooner or later, that friend will fail your expectations. What emotions does this evoke?
I knowingly and unknowingly place expectations on everyone in my life at some time or another. When I call someone, I expect them to answer. When I speak to someone, I expect them to listen. When I care about someone, I expect them to receive it. But what happens when I leave those expectations at the door and hope that someone answers and listens. I receive joy. I am thankful in that moment that a connection is made and appreciate it. Without expectations, I will always find joy and I will not be disappointed in myself or others because I am thankful for whatever occurs in the now.
As I get closer to the date of donation and I allow relationships to come and go as they are, I feel a sense of peace about residing in the moment. I cannot control the actions of others, and by trying to with expectations, I am hurt in the process. I am encouraged to release the expectation of curing LG, and instead live in the moment and appreciate the opportunity I have been provided; to offer hope and the potential of healing. I will find joy in the pure opportunity to offer something and allow both God and medicine to work through that gift.
I encourage you to move through your day monitoring your expectations. When you find them (and you will), I encourage you to take the judgment and control from the situation and be present to experience what that moment has planned for you. Just be. Soak it up. Honor yourself and you will find a peace you may not have experienced in a long time.
I am a reader. I read constantly and find few books that I actually hold on to. About 2 years ago, when I was dealing with a lot in my life, I stumbled across a book called The Shack, by Wm. Paul Young. It is a story of a man who's child was abducted and he could not reconcile his faith with forgiveness. What I liked most about the book was it's approach to God, religion, and forgiveness. It was outside the box and explored a relational experience with God as opposed to a rigid book of rules. The story is one of realization and healing through a frank and honest conversation with God in three forms. In chapter 14, Young explores the notions of responsibility and expectations. Here are some excerpts I'd like to share.
God makes words nouns, e.g. respond and expectancy
Humanity turns them into verbs: responsibility and expectations
(Written as if said from God):
My words are alive and dynamic - full of life and possibility; yours are dead, full of law and fear and judgment. That is why you won't find the word responsibility in the Scriptures. ... Let us use the example of friendship. If you and I are friends, there is an expectancy that exists within our relationship. ... an expectancy of being together, of laughing and talking. That expectancy has no concrete definition; it is alive and dynamic and everything that emerges from our being together is a unique gift shared by no one else.
But what happens if I change that 'expectancy' to an 'expectation'? Suddenly law has entered into our relations. You are expected to perform in a way that meets my expectations. ... It is no longer about you and me, but about what friends are supposed to do, or the responsibilities of a good friend. ...The idea behind expectations requires that someone does not know the future of the outcome and is trying to control behavior to get the desired result.
Sooner or later, that friend will fail your expectations. What emotions does this evoke?
I knowingly and unknowingly place expectations on everyone in my life at some time or another. When I call someone, I expect them to answer. When I speak to someone, I expect them to listen. When I care about someone, I expect them to receive it. But what happens when I leave those expectations at the door and hope that someone answers and listens. I receive joy. I am thankful in that moment that a connection is made and appreciate it. Without expectations, I will always find joy and I will not be disappointed in myself or others because I am thankful for whatever occurs in the now.
As I get closer to the date of donation and I allow relationships to come and go as they are, I feel a sense of peace about residing in the moment. I cannot control the actions of others, and by trying to with expectations, I am hurt in the process. I am encouraged to release the expectation of curing LG, and instead live in the moment and appreciate the opportunity I have been provided; to offer hope and the potential of healing. I will find joy in the pure opportunity to offer something and allow both God and medicine to work through that gift.
I encourage you to move through your day monitoring your expectations. When you find them (and you will), I encourage you to take the judgment and control from the situation and be present to experience what that moment has planned for you. Just be. Soak it up. Honor yourself and you will find a peace you may not have experienced in a long time.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Poked, Prodded & Drained
All for LG!
Today was the long awaited thorough physical to make sure I'm in tip top shape for the donation. First, I should say that Hahnemann was awesome! Linda was my "guide" and walked me through everything, answered all my questions, and made sure I didn't wait for more than a couple minutes for anything! The team there was really nice and so appreciative of the fact that I want to donate. It really made me feel special.
So I started with paperwork...shocker! :-) Then on to the blood draw. They took about 4 viles of blood to re-check for infectious diseases as well as all my blood levels. They also check for any viruses, etc that I may have that could be passed onto LG and determine whether there is anything I will need to take ahead of time to reduce the risk of transmission. I'm sure this is for things like mono, etc. They will notify me if anything is abnormal in my blood counts or cholesterol or anything...so that is great! Now I'm just praying that everything is normal so I can go ahead with the donation. Then I had a full physical check with a doctor and 4th year med student. That was fun! Then, the final doctor came in to do another check over everything and to walk me through the surgery.
Surgery...yikes! Well, there were no surprises about the process, but he was wonderful to give me the full run down, options on procedures, and potential side effects. They have done LOTS of extractions there, so he was pretty honest and open about the process. Here are some of my options:
1. General anesthesia (recommended) or epidural. Not really looking forward to having a tube down my throat under general, but I don't want to be awake either!
2. Staying overnight. Most people stay. This actually surprised me. I mean, get me out of the hospital, right?!? I'll have the option to leave, but they like when you stay so they can monitor you. They can also change the dressing that way before you go home. Plus, they said my caretaker can stay over night with me. So I'll consider it...
So....the date is set: March 10th. Mark your calendars for lots of prayers and good thoughts! My awesome sister Kristen is planning to come down from Boston to wait on me hand and foot. I have already ordered a bell off etsy.com with her name on it for me to ring all weekend. (j/k). I'm excited that she will get to stay with me and take care of me. We're going to have a blast! Plus, they will give me percocet so she may get some funny information out of me while I'm recovering. Send all embarrassing questions to her attention at erin.vandorn@gmail.com so that I may approve them first! LOL!
As the date gets closer, I am excited. There are lots of things going on for me in the meantime, but I can't wait until this process is over and LG is on her way to hopefully being cured. Thank you for your continued prayers and encouragement. It really means the world!
I was reminded in yoga on Monday night that we often live life day-to-day without noticing the good things. It is when the bad things happen that life sort of stops and we take stock of what wonderful blessings we have in our life. Take a moment to do that today. Articulate the good things and the blessings now so that in the hard times you have something to lean on.
Today was the long awaited thorough physical to make sure I'm in tip top shape for the donation. First, I should say that Hahnemann was awesome! Linda was my "guide" and walked me through everything, answered all my questions, and made sure I didn't wait for more than a couple minutes for anything! The team there was really nice and so appreciative of the fact that I want to donate. It really made me feel special.
So I started with paperwork...shocker! :-) Then on to the blood draw. They took about 4 viles of blood to re-check for infectious diseases as well as all my blood levels. They also check for any viruses, etc that I may have that could be passed onto LG and determine whether there is anything I will need to take ahead of time to reduce the risk of transmission. I'm sure this is for things like mono, etc. They will notify me if anything is abnormal in my blood counts or cholesterol or anything...so that is great! Now I'm just praying that everything is normal so I can go ahead with the donation. Then I had a full physical check with a doctor and 4th year med student. That was fun! Then, the final doctor came in to do another check over everything and to walk me through the surgery.
Surgery...yikes! Well, there were no surprises about the process, but he was wonderful to give me the full run down, options on procedures, and potential side effects. They have done LOTS of extractions there, so he was pretty honest and open about the process. Here are some of my options:
1. General anesthesia (recommended) or epidural. Not really looking forward to having a tube down my throat under general, but I don't want to be awake either!
2. Staying overnight. Most people stay. This actually surprised me. I mean, get me out of the hospital, right?!? I'll have the option to leave, but they like when you stay so they can monitor you. They can also change the dressing that way before you go home. Plus, they said my caretaker can stay over night with me. So I'll consider it...
So....the date is set: March 10th. Mark your calendars for lots of prayers and good thoughts! My awesome sister Kristen is planning to come down from Boston to wait on me hand and foot. I have already ordered a bell off etsy.com with her name on it for me to ring all weekend. (j/k). I'm excited that she will get to stay with me and take care of me. We're going to have a blast! Plus, they will give me percocet so she may get some funny information out of me while I'm recovering. Send all embarrassing questions to her attention at erin.vandorn@gmail.com so that I may approve them first! LOL!
As the date gets closer, I am excited. There are lots of things going on for me in the meantime, but I can't wait until this process is over and LG is on her way to hopefully being cured. Thank you for your continued prayers and encouragement. It really means the world!
I was reminded in yoga on Monday night that we often live life day-to-day without noticing the good things. It is when the bad things happen that life sort of stops and we take stock of what wonderful blessings we have in our life. Take a moment to do that today. Articulate the good things and the blessings now so that in the hard times you have something to lean on.
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