[Laura]

DAY +365 ONE YEAR POST TRANSPLANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wow, I can't believe this day has actually come!! It seemed like it would take forever to get here and now when I think back it seems like transplant just happened not too long ago!!

On this day, I want to celebrate my donor who graciously gave up her time to donate bone marrow cells for my second chance at life. I will forever be grateful to her. I hope she knows and realizes how special she is. At this time most people can find out who their donor is, if both parties consent. Sadly, my donor comes from a country were we have to wait five years. So four years to go.

The past year has been filled with many ups and downs, but I am forever grateful for just how well I have done. I remember those who did not fair as well...Mark Yates, Vera...etc.

I can still feel the emotions of a year ago..emotions of uncertain, of fear, of what was to come...and here I have passed all that and now I can "worry" about moving on with my life.

Thanks to everyone for their love and support.

I got discharged from the hospital last night after getting more iv potassium. I feel much better but my gut is still acting up. I have a follow up check on Monday.

I have all my one year testing rescheduled and that will happen soon. I will update results as I know them. I did find out that my blood chimerism is back up to 70 percent donor and 30 percent my own cells. (Remember we want 100 percent donor cells.) So it seems like my cells are co-existing pretty well with my donor cells. Pray this remains so for the rest of my life. As it has the potential to become an issue later on (ie. my cells take over and need another transplant).

Does anyone know of any precautions we still need to take after a year? Can I go in rivers and lakes and public water? Do I have to be so germ obsessed? Can I clean the house now? Etc, etc.

But for now I leave you as I celebrate my donor, celebrate God, and celebrate my second chance at life.