Let the Journey Begin!

I am very excited to announce that I will be leaving for Chicago to undergo Stem Cell Replacement Therapy at Northwestern University on January 3, 2012.  I believe that this will arrest my Scleroderma and allow me to begin to live my life again.  If you don't know much about Scleroderma you can go to http://www.sclerodermafoundation.org/ .  It has been a long 4 years but through my faith and belief that God has a plan for me, I know that this procedure will be successful.  I will use this blog to update family and friends as to my progress.  I know not everyone uses the computer but hopefully this will at least reach most of you.  Please feel free to pass the Blog along to those that I may not have email addresses for.  I will attempt to give a brief schedule of my upcoming trip.

January 3, 2012  Fly to Chicago
January 4, 2012- January 12, 2012  Begin extensive testing to make sure my heart and body are strong enough for the procedure.  This will include many tests like a Cardiac Cath and MRI of the Heart.  Though I have already had preliminary testing, I must still have the extensive tests.  I know they will all turn out great so I am not worried about not being able to undergo the treatment.
January 13  Line placement for Chemotherapy
January 16  Chemotherapy  1 Day to release Stem Cells into my blood
January 17 - 26 Some daily shots and Laboratory Testing - My friend Tanya will be there to help:)
January 27  Harvesting of the stem cells from MY blood.
January 28  Fly home with Tanya and be home for 10 days.

February 8  Fly back to Chicago
February 9- ???  begin 5 days Chemotherapy and in the hospital until my stem cells are given back to me and my blood counts come up enough for me to come home.  During this time Danny will be with me and also hopefully my sister Lynda.  If you are interested in coming to Chicago let me know and i will tell you the approximate best time.  Remember its COLD there and I will be in the hospital and some of the time I will be in complete isolation.  I really don't have many details but as I get them I will post them in this blog. 

Yes I will come home bald:)  I will try and have some form of communication like Skype.  Salome will stay with my kids but they may need some help with rides etc.

My request from each and everyone would be that you pray for my family, that we are strong and use our faith in God to guide us through this difficult time!

Through Faith in Jesus Christ!