THE SUNSHINY SUPERWARRIOR GODDESS SPEAKS!

I expected worse. 

I had heard that radiation was awful, and 11 sessions of it was more than I'd bargained for. I had heard that the chemo I was getting would be brutal, too. 

But knock on wood, rub a lucky rabbit's foot, catch a glimpse of a ladybug, pick a four leaf clover, praise the Lord, and thank my lucky stars -- so far, so good. 

It ain't perfect, mind you -- but like I said, I expected worse.

Right now I'm getting pumped full of a ton of fluids, more than I've ever gotten at one time: anti-rejection drugs, anti-fungal drugs, hydration, potassium, blood products... all in preparation for the transplant in two days. That's really soon!

How am I feeling about it? 

Incredibly excited. Slightly nervous. And unbelievably grateful to have found a match. 

But as you can imagine, it's still a little daunting. 

Meanwhile, here's a fun fact. Once I've gone through the transplant process, I will no longer have female blood. Since my donor is a male, I will have male blood. If I commit a crime and leave some blood, they'll be looking for a dude. How cool is that?! 

I've also learned that many people celebrate their "new birthday" on the day they get the transplant. Until today, I've thought my new birthday was June 7th (which I liked since my real birthday falls on a 7th) but they moved me up a day, so it's actually June 6th. 

Not as poetic, but I'll take it.  And in honor of my new birthday, I'm getting a new name!  

What do you think of Nancy NEWCELL Callaway?!

It's been a long road getting here, and as much as I'd like to say I'm nearing the finish line, the next part is the probably the most challenging. But I'm ready for it! 

Once again, thanks for all your support. Mostly though, thanks to Trey for his unending patience, support and love. 

-Nancy