Y’all. January 2025 did not start out promising health and prosperity for our family. We’re praying February will be a bit more kind.

It’s finally here! Collection Day! The technology is so fascinating. Check out the pictures below.

Mike had to get a new type of port for the stem cell collection tomorrow.

Today is yet another travel day. We had this down to a science in the months back and forth to Duke. That is, until we had to pack for three months! Shew!

Today was filled with family time, packing, organizing, and errands. We’re going to miss our oldest’s birthday next weekend, so we made some time to celebrate early. It was a good day.

Mike started his growth stimulating factor shots today to boost his stem cell production.

Last Monday, Mike got his transplant workup testing. We finally have dates on a calendar. Things just got really real. Mom is in rehab regaining her strength after getting a rude Christmas gift - Covid. Blech!

On our anniversary last year, Mike was in the hospital with extreme back pain and was still undiagnosed. Looking back, that was the moment things got real, and the valley started sloping into greater depths. This anniversary, we will begin the process that will bring us to the mountaintop.

Good News! I’m thrilled to finally be able to report some excellent news in Mike’s cancer journey.

On Monday, Mike went to start Cycle #3 of his current regimen. He had been feeling pretty weak and lethargic with some stomach pain pretty much since he was discharged from Duke the week before. We just thought it was his low blood counts and his typical post-chemo stomach discomfort.