Engrafted!

After some time of looking like this:

Yes, all those cords and tubes were in one way or another attached to me. The colored cords are the leads for the telemetry I'm hooked up to to monitor my heart (still am connected to those), and the tubing was attached to my central line in my chest. 

My Tree of meds and fluids going into my central line.

I am happy to say that all that remains of all that is the heart monitor. I engrafted on  day 13, which is pretty much incredible. Engraftment typically happens between day 12 and 20, so Andy's cells (now mine) got to work right away. This is a huge blessing. As soon as my neutrophils started going up, my mouth and gut started healing. My platelets and hemoglobin continue to go up, as well. I haven't needed a transfusion since last week. I'm able to drink again, and am working on eating solid food. The doctors continue to be amazed that I was able to drink my calories and avoid needing IV nutrition. I tell them it was prayers and determination (which determination and strength came from all the prayers).  It makes recovery easier to not do IV nutrition, because it's better to keep your digestive tract engaged. We are absolutely recognizing the miracles for what they are.

We made it through phase 1 of the physical aspect. The hardest part of the past week was to say goodbye to Cory, Lucas, and Gabey as they headed back to Virginia. I would wake up from naps or the night feeling so sad and discouraged. I asked for a blessing from my dad because I can't let myself spiral down. I still remind myself of all the blessings we've seen and will continue to receive. I think it's Ok to say, though, that I still don't like this whole being split up bit.

Clara came down with hand/foot/mouth disease last week, and then Mckay got it (sounds really bad, but it's actually something we all get, usually when we're young).  The doctors won't allow me to go home until they are all ok, which will most likely be this Wednesday or Thursday.  I could go home today, but with sick kids at home, it's better for me to stay here.  But I'm leaving soon - very soon!