Almost there....

NThose were the words uttered by Dr Cecchi this morning, Dec 31st.. And yes. It is true . Frank ( brother and donor) flies in from Ireland on January 3rd. We head down to the City of Hope for a few days them back here for a week. I will be staying in Oakland ( at Nora and Ainaté's) the week of January 14. Then Nora, Frank,and I head back down to the City of Hope where I will be until sometime in May. I am simultaneously relieved and scared that it is almost here. We are starting to work on the schedule of caregiving adding more of a dose of reality to the whole adventure . Dr Cecci was giving me a pep talk telling me that it was  the right thing and that i would be fine. Then he paused and said, " You know it's no picnic!" But then he looked at me adding" well you have been through so much already....."

I move my stuff out of my current abode on Saturday. So am starting to organize my packing. But in fact have loads of medical appointments on Thursday and Frdiay so perhaps the only thing I will in fact organize is my bag for the first trip south! 

 I still feel good if a little less peppy. We had a most relaxing few days in Forestville where I was waited on hand and foot by the family ( my leg was acting up so was a bit hobbled). Reading, Úna gazing and eating and drinking were the main diversions. 

As always I want to thank all of you for the incredible amount of help, love, and support you have all been providing me with. I truly appreciate it enormously.

Happy New Year!

Xxo

Síle

Dr Cecchi and I in his office where I discovered he has bought a harp. ( Wants to play w/ me when I return)

My first selfie wearing the scarf I had just finished. 

Transplant in 2014/Síle's life at the Cancer Center

After long conversations with Drs Cecchi and Nakamura, we decided to start  the transplant process in January 2014. So Frank, donor Convery, as he is referred to in my medical files, and I, will make our appearance at the City of Hope on January 6 to begin the process. (I did win my tussle with the  insurance company and could have gone sooner. It was a saga which would bore the socks off you were I to recount the details. Trust me)

My counts have been slipping which has meant that I have been at the Cancer Center every day this week--- including today Saturday-- for pokes, prods, transfusions and of course my almost daily encounters with the wonderful Dr Cecchi. But this has meant that I have not had time to return calls etc, so trust me when is say I would much prefer to have been chatting to all of you!

Amazingly I feel pretty good and have been out and about ---mainly listening to music. And I  am enjoying the Christmas  fuss. (Yes. I do like Christmas)

Úna of course continues to be the star and even Lola is getting on the Úna adoration train.