The Transplant....

I've been in hospital for about 10 days now and so far so good (all toes and fingers are crossed!)

The first few days I was at Peter Mac having some pretty intense radiation treatment.  I was then moved to the Royal Melbourne Hospital to have chemotherapy and I will stay here throughout the transplant process.

I had the transplant today and to be honest it is a bit of an anti-climax. It is really just like having a blood transfusion (no big operations!!)  It is mainly after the transplant that the hard slog starts but I am hoping everything will be ok...

I will be in hospital for the next few weeks while my new marrow grows and starts producing new healthy cells for me :)

Hopefully these pictures will give you a bit of an idea of what it's all about..

Day -6 pre transplant @ Peter Mac

Day -4 pre transplant

My shiny new stem cells (from a spunky 32 year old male in WA)

Me receiving the transplant - 8am Tuesday morning (didn't even have time to do my hair!)

The Next Step...

The hardest thing I've had to deal with whilst having cancer is that my life has come to a sudden halt.  It has been put on pause while everyone else's continues to move forward.

When my doctor told me I would need to have a Bone Marrow Transplant I was devastated because I knew what it meant for my short term future. What I wasn't thinking of though was what the transplant would actually give me...a long term future.  Now I am thinking about not what I am losing, but what I am gaining!

A Bone Marrow Transplant is a serious procedure with many risks and side effects. However, I keep being told, I have 'youth on my side' and I am currently as 'fit as a fiddle'.  The most positive thing about a BMT is that my donor isn't losing their life to save mine.  Out of the goodness of their heart they are giving me the greatest gift I could ever be given.

Today I am going into hospital to begin my treatment before the transplant takes place next week.  I didn't know how I would feel at this stage, but I feel calm and relaxed.  Maybe that's because apart from my family, I have the best friends anyone could ever ask for.  They have gone above and beyond what friendship means.  They are truly amazing and I know whatever happens I will always have their love and support and they will always have mine.  Last night they gave me a special dvd with photos, videos and quotes to take into hospital, to look at when I am down.  Here is my favourite quote that not only applies to me, but is great advice for everyone...

'Laugh your heart out

Dance in the rain

Cherish the moment

Ignore the pain

Live, laugh, love

Forgive & forget

Life’s too short to be

Living with regrets'

So now I am ready to take on the challenge to get my life back on track. See you on the other side!

My 7 besties & sis before the Warwick Foundation Ball.

Australian Bone Marrow Donor Registry