That’s what Pat’s been saying for some time now.

“Let’s do this.”

And so she is.

Hi [hugmamma.]  We are doing good.

The first day here was a whole bunch of tests…the worst of it being the bone marrow biopsy. No pain afterwards just a little discomfort. We were at the clinic all day from 7:30 until 4:30 and that was after arriving at the Transplant House at about 2:30 a.m. Needless to say we were both dead tired.

The 2nd day started at 7:30 again and ended at about 5 with visit with an oral surgeon. I get to have teeth pulled! [hugmamma here…Pat’s molars have not been properly aligned for some time now which has impeded her chewing food properly, which has contributed to her rapid weight loss.] Because they are loose and roots exposed, there is a great risk of infection after the transplant so they got to go. I was thinking what else can I get fixed while I’m here? We also got a little tour of the area where they do the stem cell collection and got an education on that whole process and on diet and nutrition after the transplant.

Today was a short day…a meeting with the transplant coordinator and with Dr. Hertz. Everything still looks good and we are moving forward. We have nothing scheduled for the next 5 days (paperwork between Kaiser and Mayo) so we’ll have time to just relax, get used to living in the transplant house and give Brad a crash course on how to turn on a stove! So far so good…Applebee’s is not too far away.

It’d be great if you continued the blog…when you have time. I’m also going to set up a web page where everyone can check on what’s going on. I’ll send you the link before I invite everyone else. 

Living in the house so far has been good. Others here are very helpful…it takes a little getting used to sharing the kitchen space with others. We have to get over feeling like we are guests in some one else’s kitchen. We made our own breakfast for the first time today. Only down side is I can’t just grab a cookie and sit on the couch…no food outside of dining areas…drinks are okay. Brad is doing okay with chores so far because I’m able to help. Gotta get him comfortable in the kitchen…shouldn’t be too hard. Will be heading to Trader Joe’s later today.

Spoke to the boys a few times. They seem to be doing okay. Planning to “face time” with them on Sunday. Maybe I can get them to show me what the house looks like, or maybe I don’t want to know. 

…love and prayers, pat and brad…from all of us.

………hugmamma.