The 29th: always a day of reflection

January 29th, 2014 was the day of my transplant so the 29th remains a day that is etched into my brain so to speak. Today marks 14 months post transplant.

The big health news is that I am finally off the " damn steroids". Phew. Mind you they are a miracle drug when you need them but I am immensely relieved--- after 3+ years of almost continual use--- to be steroid free. Eoin commented that my energy was more " Sile energy" as opposed to " steroid energy" so I am assuming that that  is a good thing. ( you never know with your children...!). And my huge cheek bruise has finally faded to an acceptable hue. In other words I don't look like a prize fighter anymore. Despite minor aches and pains I feel very good. Drs Cecchi and Nakamura remain happy with my progress and joke that my counts are so good that I can donate blood!

On the work front, in addition to tutoring, I am also doing a spot of teaching--- 3 hours per week to seniors in Chinatown. It is enormous fun and it is refreshing to be back in front of a group. I have also been doing some Skype tutoring which is magical in a way.  For me to be sitting here in California and teaching someone in France or Pakistan is kind of amazing.

Donor Frank and wife Janet were visiting 2 weeks ago and one of the many fun things we did was visit Pixar for a preview of Eoin's latest movie "Inside Out". We all loved it. Make sure you go to see it when it comes out--- June 19th. And cheer when you see Eoin's name in the credits. His name appears twice no less. 

The famous Úna is talking up a storm. The only problem is that we don't always  understand her. Last week in Carmel she demonstrated that she knows our names--- well a version of them anyway.

O E for Eoin. OG for Gershwin (dog) and both Jim and Ralph are " Raf".

As always I remain incredibly appreciative of all of you and of the many ways you keep me afloat! Thank you. Xxo

Eoin and Ainaté with friends Colin and Steve on their way to the Inside Out wrap party

Eoin and I on Mother's Day ( of course we coordinated our outfits)

Úna taking her job as Jim's helper very seriously 

Nóra and Úna enjoying the beach in Carmel

A series of unfortunate events....sort of

Well that is a bit dramatic but I couldn't resist the urge to use that great phrase.

In fact I have had a number of issues in the last few weeks: a blood clot in my calf. But Jutta pointed out how amazing it was that my blood was actually clotting. And when you think of how long I survived with a mere 5k to 10 k platelets, it is miraculous. ( Platelets were 107k last week). Then I had a 10 siege of a truly debilitating stomach flu necessitating many days and hours of infusions.  And for the dramatic one. A face plant. Apparently it is very difficult to literally fall on your face but since I am so brilliant, I managed it with no problem! The result. A huge bruise on my left cheek. But I was very lucky as I broke nothing. And honestly when you see me, you will realise how amazing that is. ( I tripped on uneven pavement on my morning walk). Finally....And I have decided that this it for medical mishaps, I have joined as a friend says " the cold club". Two weeks of sniffling, coughing and hacking. I have a big box of face masks and they are getting a workout both as cover ups for my bruise and to protect others from my germs. But despite everything, I feel really good. Cecchi and his team have been taking fantastic care of me and he points out that recovery time will always be longer for me than for ordinary mortals who don't have their brother's immune system!  

In other news.  The newish biz English Over Easy is picking up and it is fun to be teaching again.  I would love to build up more clients online and so if you have ideas or referrals, I am all ears. 

 I have also been sewing and below is my latest project. It is perhaps the never ending item as I keep making another little tweak here and there. The latest being a line of Sachiko stitching to prevent the "white" part from fraying. God daughter Bridget has volunteered to give me some coaching on sewing with knits which I look forward to. 

Úna continues to delight and and she is babbling up a storm. Her clearest word is " goodbye". My niece Sheila finished her chemotherapy --- a huge milestone. The next step is surgery. 

As always, my spirits are buoyed by all of you and the continued love, thoughts, and good cheer you send my way.  Thank you.

And now for the only reason you read this.......

My niece Aileen with Aoibh on her right ( Sheila's daughter) and Shona on the left. Shona is the newest member of our extended family)

Examining Gershwin 

Helping Ainaté work out

Waking up

Neighborhood walk

January 29, 2015: one year

 I had my one year visit with Dr Nakamura on Tuesday and he pronounced everything " great". Never mind that I am on blood thinners for a clot in my leg! Details. But I feel really good and extraordinarily grateful and fortunate to be here. I have said it before but honestly it really does take a village. I would not be here were it not for the extraordinary care and love of my family, friends, doctors and various nurses and medical people.  Thank you all. We will have a big celebration in May or June when we can gather around the pool in Forestville. In the meantime, I would like you all to send good healing thoughts to my niece Sheila who,at age 39, is undergoing chemo for breast cancer. Xxo

Dr Nakamura and I on January 27 ( before my bone marrow biopsy!)

Frank and Síle in NYC  Jan 2015

Nóra and Ainaté Dec 2014

The granddads and Úna  Mexico Dec 2014

Úna enjoying  the beach Mexico Dec 2014

Eoin enjoying watching Úna enjoying the beach!