It’s almost Day 0!!

Written by JKM on October 7th, 2008

It’s 10:05 over here in Seattle, and back on the east coast it’s already day 0 for me! Finally, transplant day has arrived!!!!!

Unfortunately, Laura is not feeling well today. She threw up three times, and has a bad headache, both of which they think is due to the growth factor. Also, one of the iv’s infiltrated so her arm is all puffy. I felt pretty guilty when I walked in to see her after getting two units of blood this afternoon. She was sleeping, and she looked pale and vulnerable all hooked up to the apheresis machine. I wrote her a note today to thank her for “the gift of life”, but it turns out I have no idea how to express myself on the matter. I’ll try again here, but I’m sure whatever I write won’t come out as well as I want it to. Sometimes it’s so hard to put feelings into words.

Laura, thank you for giving me the opportunity for a cure to this awful disease. Thank you for making me smile, for growing through the pain of donating, for taking time off of work, for being there whenever I need you…there are so many things, big and small, that you have made easier on the whole family, and I appreciate everything. Man, I’m STILL not doing a good job of translating my feelings…you know how much I love you, and I’m sorry you’re sick because of me. I’m sure once you’re feeling better, you’ll be teasing me and telling me how I wasn’t worth the vomiting or the pain! :) I love you, and I’m excited to get those cells!

Speaking of, this was my last day as myself…tomorrow, I will be filled with Laura cells…crazy to think of, don’t you think? I’m gettin’ sleepy, so I better go to bed! I have to wake up at 3:30 AM to give myself an iv of fluids (before the radiation). I start that other creepy pill tomorrow so think good thoughts about the transplant and the medicine!

Sending lots of love from Seattle,

Julie (starting tomorrow I’ll be JuLaura!) hahaha :)

P.S. Thank you to Ronnie and Laura for the hard work on the hula hoop slideshow…I love it!!!!! This blog is definitely a team effort…who knew it was so time consuming?! Thanks for being my blog mastermind, Ronnie, and Laura and Katie, thank you for all your suggestions and hard work to make it fun. :)

11 Comments so far ↓

  1. Oct
    7
    7:29
    AM
    Laurel

    Hey, hey! It’s the BIG DAY! All of Georgia (well, except the losers who have never heard of Julie Kay Matthews) is rooting for Team Matthews! Right now I am listening to the CD you made me…A Bailar…and if I weren’t in my classroom I’d be a dancing fool! I liked your comments about Laura and I know that once she stops throwing up she will really appreciate it. As for you being filled with Laura DNA…hmm…should be an interesting mix! I think it’s illegal to combine such two sarcastic people, but hey…what do I know. Give ‘em hell Julie and Laura! Dixie is whistling for you!
    Besitos and abrazos

  2. Oct
    7
    9:42
    AM
    Katie

    I am so excited the day is here! :o)

    P.S. what’s the other scary pill you’re talking about???

  3. Oct
    7
    9:44
    AM
    Susan

    Julie, I’ll be thinking of you all day and sending positive thoughts about Laura’s cells settling in and rebuilding a healthy system. :) GOOD LUCK!!!

  4. Oct
    7
    11:48
    AM
    luis

    fuerza Julie!!

  5. Oct
    7
    1:30
    PM
    Lauren

    we are thinking and praying for you two back in good ole ‘VA!

  6. Oct
    7
    3:24
    PM
    Theresa

    YAHOO! The long awaited day has come for you to become Julaura!!! Eeks, that’s kinda frightening actually!! Are you sure you wanna be part Laurita for the REST OF YOUR LIFE?? ;) Of course I’m kidding! Jeff and I are thinking about you today and sending you our best!! Kick some A*% - Irish style!! :)

  7. Oct
    7
    5:50
    PM
    Veronica (Theresa's Mom)

    Thinking of you on this very important transplant day. Andrew and I discussed your new birthday today at work. Sending special prayers your way for your new birthday and everyday.

  8. Oct
    7
    6:35
    PM
    hollie

    HEY Jules,

    I am thinking of you and rooting for you!!! See you soon. big hug.

  9. Oct
    7
    9:41
    PM
    Eileen Pizer

    Julie, Laura, and Carol - Praying for you all…. Love, Eileen

  10. Oct
    7
    10:42
    PM
    The Bacotti Family (Katherine's kids)

    Hi Julie,
    Andrew and Doreen here!! Up late and we were reading your blog. I didn’t realize before now that i was able to comment on this site!! But I am so happy that I can. We’re hoping that these next few weeks are filled with the growth of a new you, increased WBC’s,anc, hgb and plts!!

  11. Oct
    22
    11:06
    AM
    Tom Coughlin

    Hi Julie,

    Don’t kn ow if you remember me, but I am a member of the VA walk team and Phil + ALL survivor who was transplanted at the Hutch in May 2004. Jackie was my nurse also and remains a good friend. We will be in Seattle for a GVHD follow up on Tues. 10/28 and Wed. 10/29 and would love to come by if you’re up for it. By the way, you have a view of Lake Union that is virtually identical to the one we had. Only difference is we were there from May 5 through Labor Day weekend. Much nicer weather, but Seattle is great anytime!

    Best wishes in your recovery. It goes in fits and starts, but you’re young and you will do fine.

    Tom Coughlin 202-828-4968 (office) 703-969-7340 cell.

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