Recovery

5:50 PM Dressy_Daisy 0 Comments

Hello lovely readers.
As the days go by, my recovery is getting better and the whole transplant is less of a reality and more of a blurry horrific memory. Nightmares seem so long when your having them, but when you wake up and realize it was only a dream there is relief, peace, and all that is left is a memory. That is how I feel. I am in this awful dream and I am on the verge of waking up. Soon this will all be nothing more than a conversation on my tongue. There will be no more appointments, no worry, no more needles! No more infusion and transfusions, no more pain. All the physical changes will pass and everything will be back to normal. The confidence and security, the strength and the energy. Honesty the only way I got through all this is from prayers. How is it that so much damage can happen to a person and they are still positive? Well God gives us hope and faith. Of course I haven't shared everything that I went through or am going through with the whole world but there is more than whats visible to the eye. More personal things. Only people who have gone through things like this can understand the things that cloud my mind. But I wanna say thank you for the prayers. Every day is getting easier, and I believe I will be back to normal in no time! The transplant is in the past, thats already a big step. Some people can't even find a donor for years. I had mine within the first 3 weeks of being diagnosed.  My brother was a donor for a reason, and that alone is another story. Where God brought him today, after the transplant. It was all for a reason, and that was for the blessing of his soul. I can see how this was all part of God's plan and he knew it would lay out this way. He knows best.
As this is a new chapter in my life, I can start making plans. Plans with my husband, plans for my future. I can actually leave town now! I don't need to get a blood test done every other day now like I did for so many months before. Now it is just once a week and I have been needing blood every 2-3 weeks. Before it was weekly. I am also tapering off of my medications slowly. Thank God. I started taking vitamins also. I have been trying to stay active and I am praying that I will be able to exercise soon. Like jogging!! Oh boy. I haven't been jogging since September 2014. My body just wouldn't allow. I can barely make it up the stairs without my heart beating crazy. So I am praying for that to come quickly. I will probably have tears of joy when I will finally feel sore muscles LOL. It's the little things. I am eating and drinking everything I want, no more gluten free! No more restrictions. It's the best feeling. I am sorry to those who don't have this luxury. I really am. My heart aches for the sick. Especially for those with lifelong health or body issues. It's just devastating. But it is a good reminder when I think about the freedom in heaven one day. No pain, no problems, just perfection.
This whole journey has taught me so much. I can see how God has poured so many new friends into my life. And the ones that were there also were brought closer to me. And he has showed me other types of people and friends that weren't really friends. I still have to be thankful. Take everything away from someone and what is left of them? I always loved that statement. The best thing we can invest in is ourselves. People want to surround themselves with people that make them feel good. People that are kind, don't gossip, aren't arrogant or rude. People who are genuine and actually care. I can always see through people who are real and are not real. But God lets his light shine on us for a reason so that we can be a good example. Proverbs says, "As iron sharpens iron, so should we sharpen the minds of others." I love this. I love friends that mold me to be better. I encourage you all, be the light. Anyways, just wanted to give a little update, yes I am doing well, and everything is still going very well. Love you all, and thank you for the prayers. xoxo

Welcome to New York

9:04 PM Dressy_Daisy 0 Comments

They say that New York is the city of lights. I would have to agree that this is a very busy city that is full of life. I was there for 3 days back in 2014 and I really loved it. Yes its intimidating with all of the taxis, subways, and busy streets but we were able to get around. We did however make it to the airport late so Julie and I missed our flight and had to stay an extra day which was a blessing in disguise. Yes some of the places there aren't so luxurious and nice but I am sure it is expensive to live in a place such as this. We stayed at the Wall street Inn and we really like how cute and clean it was. There was even a super cute room with breakfast that was offered in the morning. It was april so it was chilly but it was still nice to get around and get some fresh air. We did some shopping, ate some good pizza, and did a lot of walking. We got to know the subway station, the famous streets, and the populated attractions.  Here are some picture, lets start off with some of the famous Brooklyn Bridge.










 Grand Central Station


 Times Square

Travels to the Caribbean

8:38 PM Dressy_Daisy 0 Comments

One of the things that I love most os to travel. I started traveling when I was 17 and am so grateful that I was able to make those memories. The best things in life are the things that are free, like seeing the beauty of God and the things that he has created. I love blogging because I can write things down that I can come back to later to read or look at. I can also add pictures that help tell the story. I want to share some of the places I went to in some posts. This post will be on the trip I took to St. Martin in April 2014. This was a very fun trip. I went with 3 of my friends Zhanna, Julie, and Marina. The island is fairly small, around 33 square miles, and is divided into two parts. A dutch and a french side. This was very interesting because its one island and the two sides have a lot of differences including language and currency. Of course it is all very beautiful but I really liked the beaches. I really like mullet bay, Friars Bay and a couple of beaches on the french side. Here are some pictures of the beautiful beaches














 This picture was taken outside of our hotel:













 Last day in Paradise

The big day, Day 100!

1:04 PM Dressy_Daisy 0 Comments

Hello everyone!
yes, can you believe it is day 100 already? I am so excited that everything has been so good so far and I pray it will stay that way. Many have been asking how I have been doing, I know I haven't wrote a blog in a while because my labs were up and down and I wanted to wait until I hit today. So much has happened also, we moved from Portland to Vancouver into a house right after transplant. So that kept me busy for some time while I was unpacking and decorating. We also got a chihuahua puppy and names him louie, he's the sweetest. The commute is much easier for my mom since she lives in Vancouver and she has been my caregiver while Yan is at work. Yans work office also moved to Vancouver so it all worked out for the best, thank God. I won't be required to have a caregiver 24-7 starting today so I can finally be on my own! I can drive now, eat whatever I want, and start taking vitamins I wasn't allowed to before. They say severe GVHD (Graf vs Host disease) usually occurs in the first 30-60 days. Thank God I passed that, but I am not in the clear yet. I can still develop acute GVHD from now to the rest of my life I believe? They said I can't ever get sunburnt and have to wear spf 30 for the rest of my life. I love the sun and I love to tan so that sucks, but the bright side is that I will help prevent skin cancer since many people don't realize the damage a little sun can do. We really need a vacation and doctors said we can go as soon as 6 months after transplant, but the further away the more safe it is for me.
Since I've been home from transplant I have been going back to OHSU 2 times a week. I would be there for about 2.5-6 hours at a time depending what I needed done. Every time I would need magnesium because the cyclosporin made it drop. I would also still need a unit of blood every week. Every time I met the doctors my responses were the same: I feel great, no nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue or weakness. These are the side affects people have after transplant. Thank God I did not have any. The power of prayer. So thank you to those who prayed for me. Doctors always said I was doing great.
I had a third bone marrow biopsy done at the end of October. It was the most painful one so far. Of course Yanik was there with me holding my hand while I almost broke his lol. I was sore for a few days but I am back to normal now. The results showed that my body is slowly producing cells and 90% of them are donor cells (my brothers) and 10% mine and that is great but they want more than 90 so they might change up some of my meds or taper me off some faster. I have been on a lot of antibiotics and that slowed the process a little. Also my white blood kept going up and down and so I would get the neupogen shot. Last time I got it the same time as I got the pneumonia vaccine and I seriously thought I was gonna have a heart attack and die in my sleep lol. Well its not really funny, but when I think about it I know thats probably very unlikely. Just with every heart beat I felt pain as if it was beating so hard and I couldn't move my left arm and shoulder for 2 days, and the other shot made all my bones hurt especially my hips. Lets just say I needed to take strong pain meds to sleep.
Aside from that I didn't have too much pain until this week. I had my line in my chest removed! So excited I wont have those weird eyes looking at it in public haha. Well also I can take a bath now. For the last year I have been taking showers anyways. And I take them sitting down since it saves energy which I don't always have. The removal of the port didn't take 20 min like usual, no it took a whole hour. Since Im young and my body heals fast, it built a lot of tissue around the port so the doctor couldn't pull it out. Lots of pulling and tugging left some bruising and a very tender chest. Thank God they got it out and now it is just healing. The hole is smaller than dime size so I'm hoping for very minimal scarring.
I am still taking most of the same meds but will be tapering down eventually. Some of the size effects are annoying and make me feel self-conscious at times, but I have so much more to be thankful for, like my life. I transition to Kaiser this week so I will be going there now instead and only once a week. Any treatments I will need will have to be done through a needle in the arm again. Can't say I've missed it.. I actually have not been back to church yet, I almost did but it didn't work out. I think I will be going back this week or next as soon as I get an okay from my doctor. I really miss it!
As for now, we are just waiting for full restoration and healing. I am healed like God said, and I do get to testify, now its just a matter of time while he is still doing his work.
Love you all, be blessed!

Day 21 after transplant- I AM HOME

2:49 PM Dressy_Daisy 0 Comments

Hello everyone, yes I got released from OHSU on day 17,  a few days ago and I have just been soaking it in. My counts went up from 470 to 1,800 over night and so the doctor was like okay missy, your out of here lol. Since I was doing so good when I was discharged my appointments were switched from every day to twice a week. Woohoo! It was the best feeling even though I knew the battle wasn't over. A part of me didn't want to leave because I wasn't fully healed yet. God said there will be a miracle and people will be amazed but I realized that God is still still doing his work. I will be fully restored and I believe with all of my heart that God is with me and this is still part of the plan. I do not know what will happen or how but I trust him completely that whatever happens, he is in charge and holds the world in his hands. My total healing will come and I believe I will testify, it's just a matter of time while he works on me, my family and friends, and others who have been touched by my story. I am thankful for the new friends I made there with the cna's and nurses and you can see they were excited for me to be going home. When I was leaving my heart hurt for the ones that had to stay behind in the hospital. Especially the ones who wouldn't ever walk out of there. Sickness can rob a person of everything, but to us believers it can't rob us of our faith if our roots are planted in deep. It can't rob us of salvation and hope, and it defiantly cant change that fact that HE who is in us is stronger than he who is of this world.
It's interesting how we humans think this and that and then we are humbled because God is like, no, I'm not done yet. Or he does things in a way we don't expect, he works in mysterious ways. The best thing you can do is say, LORD, I trust and believe in you, and thank him for everything. When I got home I was very glad to have my freedom. Sleeping on your own bed at night is something people shouldn't take for granted. A roof over your head is a wish some people can only dream of. I slept so good at night :) And the next day was just as great, time started to pass at a more steady rate, I got to cook and do easy cleaning. My mom has been with me while Yanik is at work and so she is my caregiver for now. I had my first check up yesterday, my white blood count went down to 1,000 but I got another shot to help increase this number. I got a unit of red blood cells and platelets since my body hasn't started producing them yet. My magnesium is kinda always low because of the cyclosporin but thats okay. My hands and my feet are very sensitive after the chemo. My feet hurt more, and what I mean is that when I bend my feet like to squat or bend them they hurt pretty badly. It's a weird sensitive pain I can't really describe. Feels like the top layer is not there and they are dry. So even when I was walking today the numbing effect had me back on a chair in a matter of seconds. But it can be so much worse, I can't complain. I have so much to be thankful for, I am alive.
And I can prove this, because my best friend Krestina has been with me this week and she got sick the other day in my bed. Her heart kept stopping, she kept dying. Her brain tells her to wake up, and she gasps in a deep breath finally after not breathing for up to 15 seconds and her body starts to seize and shake and all we can do is hold and shake her and make sure she wakes up, breaths, and stays awake and doesn't go unconscious. When I think of suffering, I think of her. I mean how is my sickness suffering? I'm not in constant pain, I can eat whatever I want, I can sleep and still enjoy life. I will be fully healed and restored. She has been battling these attacks for 3 years! Mayo clinic sent her home and told her she had 3 weeks to live. Well look how big our God is. He is the one who decides that. Not people who are made by him. With him the impossible is possible. But please keep her in your prayers, she needs this healing, but it's in Gods hands and he is doing his work. So please keep us both in your prayers, so that our faith wont be shaken, and for God to do his work through us. As best friends, we are here to pick each other up as we go through the same battles in life and I know that God will be using us both after we finish drinking from this cup of suffering. Then he will put everything into place like he promised. I see it as a puzzle, he will bless us both in every way. This includes our health, beauty, having children even when doctors say otherwise, great blessings and the rewards he said are waiting for us. Love you all, thank you for reading.
xoxo

Day 22, +16 after transplant

9:25 AM Dressy_Daisy 1 Comments

Hello friends.!
I am happy to say that I can say that I am still doing very well. No matter what, I am on the road to recovery and God is with me. I am in his hands and he is carrying me. Since the day that I have been here, he has helped and protected me. Compared to most of the patients on this floor, I am just cruizing it, waiting for Gods work to be done. As I have mentioned in the beginning, chemo has barely had an effect on me. My best friend Krestina surprised me yesterday and walked into my hospital room in comfy clothes holding a care package. Of course I was in shock to see her, she drove for over 3 days with her husband just to see me! And she's the sick one I mentioned before, I mean her doctors told her not to go anywhere but she was like nu-uh, I have to see my reggie. We had a blast, she made the day fly by and she will be with me for the next few days. I am very, very happy she is here with me.
Well here is some more good news! My white blood count has been slowly going up. This means my immune system is getting stronger. On my previous post it has gone up to 130. Well then the next day it stayed the same, it didn't go up or down, and then yesterday it was at 220. Today my doctor called me a super cruiser and said my counts are at 470. Well he said they are at 700 but out of the good cells they look at its about 470. I just need a little more, they are saying I might be out of here tomorrow, Sunday the latest! Oh I can't wait. But I will not forget Gods promise, he will not be late, he will fully restore me. I am so thirsty for that full restoration, for that freedom. Health is so important friends, take care of your bodies.
Today they wanna slowly start taking me off the iv medications that go into my body through the port and start giving me oral meds so that when I leave I can just be taking oral tabs. The fight might just be over soon. For those who do not know what aplastic anemia is, its a condition where there is a deficiency of all types of blood cells caused by failure of bone marrow development. Doctors don't always know how it develops as it can be different for many people. It can leave you fatigued and with higher risk of infections and uncontrolled bleeding. Symptoms can include:

Fatigue

Shortness of breath with exertion

Rapid or irregular heart rate

Pale skin

Frequent or prolonged infections

Unexplained or easy bruising

Nosebleeds and bleeding gums

Prolonged bleeding from cuts

Skin rash

Dizziness

Headache

Aplastic anemia can become chronic, it can be very severe (as mine was) and can even be fatal. Krestina said she did research and saw that many people with aplastic anemia don't even make it through the chemo because it is so hard on the body. Patients with severe, chronic aplastic anemia that does not respond to available treatments have a 80% chance of dying within 18-24 moths. On top of that, people with this condition are at higher than average risk for developing leukemia. As you all can see now, this isn't just a walk in the park but this is a scary condition. And God has been with me the whole time!!! His hands have been holding me. Even when my counts were super low, when I didn't have many platelets or red blood in my body, when I had no immune system, he was always with me. I am very blessed that I can even share my story and be so positive about it because I know that I will be okay. And you know what, I am thankful for it all. It hasn't been easy always mentally, but it could be so much worse. I just don't allow the enemy to give me thoughts that would be scary. Always keep a positive attitude about life's circumstances, as this can lead you out to a path that is better for the salvation of your soul.  Wanna say thank you all for praying, God hears prayers. Let me know if you would like me to keep you in your prayers, as I would love to. God bless you all!
xoxo

Encounter with the Good one and the evil one

10:56 AM Dressy_Daisy 2 Comments

Hello my dear family and friends! Today is tuesday august 18th, day +13 for me at OHSU. This means that I have been here for 19 days now. Boy do I want to go home. It doesn't feel this long though, as the days seem to be going by faster. I am making more friends, growing closer to the nurses and CNA's, and having visitors left and right and I am able to tell them about all the great things that the Lord is doing in my life. A couple updates, I AM DONE with chemotherapy. I had my last dose on day 11. It's a very very small dose, but still knowing that poison is not going into my body any more, Praise the Lord! Doctors say I am doing very well, constantly telling me I look great, to keep up the good work. I stay active, I walk, still no nausea or vomiting or any other side effects. The only thing that kind of hurts is my hands and feet are really sensitive. Also yesterday my legs were hurting and come to find out, that my white blood count is finally going up from 0.! It went up to like 160 the doctor said in 1 day (<0.1 to 0.13). They usually release people to go home when the counts are at 500-1000 (.5) and I hope to go home soon! That can be in a few days. I also started on a new shot last night to help boost the white and so they will come into effect also. I just really miss the sun, home, normal life, and freedom. Anyways as a believer I believe there is a spiritual warfare going on. I know the enemy isn't happy with me. I mean who is this girl that thousands of people are praying for? God said he will use her to save people. People all over the world are getting inspired and affected. I forgot to mention that when I was getting my transplant and I was in so much pain, my blood pressure was 170 over 111. That is very very high. That was just from the pain that I was feeling. My nurse was scared that I was going to have a stroke! Well God was with me then, he is with me now. Three nights ago I was sleeping and out of nowhere I get this dream and my body starts shaking like lightening is going through my body again like my previous 2 dreams that were just like this. Expect this time I heard a loud yell and it was saying while my body was shaking, in russian, MY MERCY IS GREAT!!!!!! I know it was from God. He came to comfort me. While I was waking from the dream I was still shaking/ twitching and I woke up and started crying from such a dramatic effect. I know God will heal me, possibly in a similar way. He did say he will shock many people and many will be shaken. Maybe my healing has already begun, but I believe there will be a miracle and everything will be okay. Well I woke up and called my nurse. She is a believer also and she said she couldn't do another blood test for me but there was blood on my sweater, its never happened before, and it wasn't from my port, as there was no proof of blood oozing. She got a little scared and said she would do the test again. She came back and said my counts were still low but something happened. My red count did go up. Well I knew it was another dream but God is with me, and it gave me so much peace.
Well like I said there is a good one and evil one. The next night while I was sleeping and around 12am I knew my nurse had just left my room and I was just snoozing and I heard someone in my room on the right side of my bed. I turned my head to the right and I saw a black figure standing there looking down on me. It was very creepy and I tried to force my eyes open to wake up and when I finally opened my eyes I was alone in the room. I started praying and saying, devil be gone in the name of jesus! And started to sing, 'what can wash away my sins, nothing but the blood of jesus' and immediately I felt the weight coming off my chest. I prayed and went back to bed. As soon as I feel asleep he came back to torment me in my dreams. I dreamt that I was here in this room on this bed and he was torturing me in every way. He was pushing me and shoving me all over my bed, there was a spirit under my blanket almost like air pushing me. I couldn't escape. I cried out to jesus. I tried grabbing my phone to text someone to pray for me, but as soon as I did the phone broke in half. He was laughing and tormenting me. It felt like forever. Finally it was over and I forced my eyes open to a dark empty room. It was only a dream! Thank you Lord. But it was the scariest encounter I have ever had. I know he wants to attack and destroy me. Especially when things are going so good for me. I know he hates me because God is stirring so many hearts. And I am glad that he can use me. The thought of having God not with you is the most dreadful thing people will face in hell. And I thought God, why would you let that happen to me? And I can only think of this: so that I know what it's like without God. So that when I will testify and tell my story, that I will also want to convince people to repent. My heart goes out to all the unsaved people. This was a dream! But in hell, its forever torment and suffering. There is no end. Its so much worse and so much more pain. People I beg you, make your paths straight with the Lord. You don't know when your last breath is. And we all think we are "christian" but by who's standards? Sinning now has become such a normal thing. Don't forget that God is a jealous and strict God. He hates sinners and loves his children. Always confess your sins, and do whatever you can to follow his rules and to love others as much as you love yourself. Be thankful for what you have, with cheerful hearts give thanks to the Lord. Thank you all who continue to pray for me, your prayers are keeping me strong. God bless you all, love you all.
xoxo

Day +9

1:11 PM Dressy_Daisy 2 Comments

Hello everyone,
just want to update you on everything. Today is day 15 for me, and also day +9 after the transplant. I know God is with me, he always is. Doctors told me I would feel crummy around day 7 and guess what, I still feel great. Still no nausea, no mouth sores, no weakness. I have a full appetite and eat a lot every day. My amazing mother and mother in law are constantly bringing me yummy food. How can I not eat? hehe. I still have my energy, I do many laps around the floor every day and I even exercise. Getting my body ready to get out of here! I know its prayers that reach to God and that is why I feel so good. Chemo hasn't been hard on me. And I know this because God said he is with me, not to be afraid, and that he cares so much for me. No more than he cares for you :) I still have a small dose of chemo scheduled for day 11. I get infused every day with things like antibiotics, cyclosporin, anti-fungals, and other things as well as red blood and platelets when needed. But not much is new. Everything is the same if not better. I'm sleeping better through the nights, the days are going by faster. I mean day 15!? Feels like its like day 6. Even though I am so ready to go home. I miss my home so much, my bed, my freedom, my health. Most of all I miss being with my husband without this burden on this shoulder. When I think about the healing that is coming, I get emotional with happiness and thankfulness to the Lord that he is so good to me. He is doing something big and unlike many sick people, I am very lucky and fortunate. Things can be so much worse! I feel so bad for cancer patients. They suffer so much it breaks my heart. They are in this place for months at a time. I can't imagine. They say aplastic anemia with a sibling donor is the thing to have since it's so much easier to recover than cancer. I met a girl here named Jen, she is so sweet. She is battling with leukemia and I got a note slipped under my door this morning from her. She is going home, I am so happy for her. I know its a friendship from the Lord and I know that I will be in contact with her and she will find peace in knowing that God can help her like he is helping me. My testimony is for her too, she is my age and getting married soon.. I was so happy when I found out she's leaving. Just the thought of freedom curls my toes. Soon Regina, soon your blessing will come and everything will fall into place the Lord said. Oh I cannot wait.! God is good. I love seeing people go home. Theres another patient who is paralyzed and is laying in here bed here all day long. Maybe one day I can find the courage to pray for her. All I know is that the Lord can and will continue to speak through me to people. All I have to do is open my mouth and let my heart pour out whatever he has to say. Oh the hours I spend laying in bed at night not being able to sleep. Not wanting to sleep because my thoughts run wild. Happy thoughts, hopeful thoughts, thoughts of a better time and place. I just want to say thank you to those who are praying. God hears and he answers. He is so good. Cast your burdens on him, always be thankful, and don't ever get upset at him. He want you happy, its the enemy that is the deceiver that comes and steals away. God is our father, whatever we go through is for the blessing of our souls. We might not see it on this earth where there is always pain, but we will get our reward in heaven, stay strong, hang in there. Also my best friend Krestina is very sick. We have gone through a lot together, and I love her very much. Please keep her in her prayers as she has been struggling for years with an auto immune disorder that is wearing her out. Please pray for her healing, her faith, restoration, and happiness. Be blessed, thank you for reading.
xoxo

Day +6

10:28 AM Dressy_Daisy 2 Comments

Hello friends,
today is day 12 for me, and day +6 after transplant. You know, I feel great! They say that day 7-13 is usually hardest but thank Jesus I still feel good. I haven't been having nausea, I have been sleeping, keeping a big appetite, and I am still very active. Usually when your white blood count is at 0 is when they say you start to experience the hardest times. I am already at that point with nothing to show for it but a smile on my face because I still feel good. I pray the chemo won't come out at me and smack me in the face, I am hoping for things to remain good. I have lost almost all of the water weight and I am almost back to my normal weight.

The days seem to be going by faster and faster and I just love when my mom or my husband are here. With mom, she washes me (I have the energy but its almost like being pampered) and we hang out. She gives me massages, makes me tea, keeps me company and is a great support system. Also, when my husband is here, it's almost as if everything is ok. We still hang out and have a good time together. I am so blessed with him. Best husband ever. He loves me so much.
I have a couple more doses of chemo I will receive including today and then on day 11. On the brighter side, to those who believe in God, something crazy is about to happen.
Almost 2 years ago I had word from a prophesy from God that I will have a trial I will go through, that I will testify, and God will use me to help get to people and he will save them. A year later he told me my trial is coming up, and eventualy I got sick. After I got admitted to the hospital, another word came that he will heal me and I will feel healing like lightening running through my blood... before I even found out I had a blood disease! God is so good, I get all overwhelmed whenever I think about it. Anyways, over the months I had more word come to me..."daughter don't be afraid I will help you," "I will send you dreams," "I will use doctors," "proclaim victory, for I have given you faith that will reach the heavens and your prayers will be answered and it will be for my glory," 'the situation of which you are praying for will be changed." These were all prophesies that I have collected and still have recorded on my phone and let me tell you, they are keeping me strong! When ever I need a pick me up, I am reminded that God will NEVER leave or forsake me, for he said the care over me is great. And since God said he was gonna use doctors I was very afraid because I didn't want too receive chemo or lose my hair, I didn't want the chance of infertility even though God said he will still send us a blessing. At first I refused treatment and tried the natural way and nothing helped. And so when I agreed to the transplant, it was like saying, Okay God, my life is in your hands now, let your will be done.! Whatever is it, if i do lose my hair, its ok. You give and take away, so you can take away whatever you like. But God said he will give me peace about the things I am praying about, and I pray these 2 will be the ones he considers to grant me for being his servant.. I believe! I also had a couple of dreams I believe are from God. The very first one was that there was a snake at church and it was hiding and everyone was trying to catch it and I found it hiding and I choked it and killed it! That means sickness in my body and I will overcome i believe. The other 2 dreams I had were the same exact dream. They were very short but it was a feeling a felt. A rush of blood rush through my body. Like goosebumps x100! With a loud such in my ears, and I believe this is how I will be healed. My husband just had a dream also about snakes attacking us and a big one coming at us and he killed it with a stick and the little one scattered. I believe this is another reassurance of victory. God is so good! So after I had my transplant I had the question in my head, God didn't you say you will heal me? What was the point of the transplant if your still going to heal me? And I asked the prophet to come and pray for me. Guys, my life hasn't been the same since! I am looking forward and making plans with my husband on all the things we will do when I get out of here as well as testify. God told me, daughter don't be afraid for I am with you and I will come and show you how much I care about you. I will impress many people at this place. Many will praise me, many will be blessed, but many will be shaken, for there needs to be repentance. And I will create an enormous miracle and give you mercy and peace and cover you with my love. Guys imagine hearing this word when your sick with the incurable disease that only goes away from treatment. I believe God will take me and completely restore and heal me! I will testify, something big is gonna happen, there will be a big bang. God will shock people, people will be amazed, people will praise him! How honored am I that he is using me! Life isn't about us, we aren't here for ourselves, we aren't here just to live. God placed on this earth to spread the good news about him. And this will be my purpose, to testify that he is alive and that he lives. He brought you to this page because he loves you, he wanted you to see this. He loves you! He's trying to get to you, please don't ignore his love for you. Our God is real. Stick around for more updates, and soon you will see that everything that I wrote, it will come true. It wouldn't hurt to believe would it? What do you have to lose. Love you all, thank you for the prayers. Blessings!!
xoxo

Day 1 after transplant

5:23 PM Dressy_Daisy 7 Comments

Hello my dear family and friends.
I am so sorry that I haven't been keeping many people updated. Oh boy has it been some week.... And not the best I have ever had. Lets just get started off by saying I was admitted friday the 31st and had to wait half the day just to get my port in because I needed to get a platelete transfusion first. The port in my neck is a scary looking thing. It comes through my neck and calmest in the bottom holding 3 lines where lines can be placed.
 Well I am praying that the scar won't be big :( anyways after I got that put in I was sent straight to my room, on floor14k (yes the oncology section). Most of the people here are battling with some kind of cancer, bone marrow issue or blood related reason. I am the only one with aplastic anemia up here at this time. So i spent the first 4 night receiving chemotheraphy and let me just tell you, anyone who has ever had to go through with it, no one will ever understand how you feel. The nasty feeling of chemo is indescribable. After the 1st couple of days its tolerable, but eventually it was just nauseous and food tasted like nothing to me. I had points were fevers would strike, or where I would just have the shakes. The chemo wasn't what really had an effect of me as the water weight. I came in here at 104 pounds. To my great surprise, when they weighed me the other day I was at 122.! like where can that much water even go?! Well, thankfully, I finished my chemo and they stopped adding in the liquids so things have been easier. Let me tell you what has been happening.
A day in the hospital is like a never endinnnggggg minute. Time just does not move (i've learned to keep myself busy). I can make laps on this unit, but I am not allowed to leave. I have met many other AMAMZING patients here, I praise Jesus because I know he put us all here together at the same time to shine his light. Most of our conversations are like...."but I'm feeling better Praise God...I'll be praying for you....God is good all the time...Our God is here with us... and so on. Lets just say, God is here and everyone knows it! he is holding each one of us up, we are all going on strong and are doing well, considering the circumstances.
So while I have been waiting, I have been mostly laying around. I can't focus, I can't read, can't watch tv, and can barely function so I have been laying around a lot 'snoozing.'  I don't now if its from the water weight or the pressure or the drugs, but I could not see. I wear contact lenses and so I have been in glasses because I was told to, and my eyes were just blurry for the past few days. I couldn't see 2 feet in front of me, it made things so much harder for me as well as stressful. Thank you jesus, today I was able to pick up a book... and this laptop ;) I am excited to say for the first time I am not terrified of visitors, I knows its recovery from here. I can't wait to see my husband, who by the way is the most amazing, most loving, biggest blessing in my life. After this is all over, my life will be dedicated to serving him and the Lord most high!
So lets talk about the transplant. My brother alex was the donor, he's 23, pretty well built, and healthy. They brought him in yesterday, and his procedure was so short and simple, I cannot thank God enough! He said all he did was close his eyes and then wake up! He actually was able to go home the same day, he even stopped by my room for a few minutes, here he is. He's such a sweetheart, my husband and I want to repay him in everyday that we can!
And he was so willing and happy to help, can we say thank you Lord for amazing siblings!?
So by the time they got the marrow from him and spun it or did whatever they needed too, it was like 9 hours later that it finally came to me. They pre-medicated me and it started. Within seconds I felt like my brain was going to explode. Guys, I am not sure why this happened, and I know it doesn't to most people, but it hurt me so badly. I felt like I was having the biggest headache in the world, it was like a burning almost inside of my head. It made my blood pressure shoot up, and they had to slow it completely down and then eventually sped it up again. The whole process took 3 hours my mom said, she was in here with my husband, with such worried looks on their faces praying for me and sending out texts and calls to anyone and everyone to pray. They also kept everyone updated. They are both so amazing. So is my pops. here are my parents yesterday while they were waiting for my brothers procedure to take place, they are so cute :)

So since my head was hurting so badly, they kept giving me morphine, and other meds to stabilize my heart. I don't remember much except telling my mom to tell everyone to pray and that my head hurt. My poor husband was holding my hand, I can't imagine the pain he felt for me... I miss him so much just writing this...(I'm gonna see him very soon I CANNOT WAIT!!! hehe)
after everything was all over I was able to sleep even thou with a minor headache, I still felt like I didn't get my sleep. I did throw up a little this morning too..its ok. I woke up this morning, kissed my hubby goodbye and waiting for my mom to come. After she showed up, I was put on lasix to pee out excess water, and I showered, and you know what guys, I feel great!!! I can see, my eye sight is back to normal, the water weight is slowly going down where I can walk and do everything normally. Praise you jesus! just the difference those things can make, even a shower, being clean, what a blessing. Thank you God.
I have been able to write this whole post while sipping on some tea, I was able to take down a cup of soup earlier, and I am drinking plenty of fluids. I know this isn't over yet, I still might have 2-4 weeks in here and maybe more. But i know that eventually I will go home, I will be renewed and made whole. I will be healed and healthy and this will be my testimony. Even during the trials, the throbbing in my head, my thoughts were, this is for your Glory God and may your will be done. You give and you take away, I can't ask for anything from you. I can only pray for your love and mercy. Be blessed friends!!
xoxo

Admitted, T-6 days

9:00 AM Dressy_Daisy 0 Comments

Hello dear family and friends. I would like to update you with my recent condition. After finishing taking some tests and blood work this week, as well as packing, cleaning, and cooking, I have finally admitted into OHSU. Since this is a blood issue, I am staying with many cancer patients and other blood related patients who are getting treatment. I haven't seen of them yet, but I pray I wont be discouraged and that I will be the light to them that God says he shines on me. Honestly, without God I don't know where I would be mentally right now, probably in despair and depressed? The doctor had a talk with me the other day. He told me that this procedure has a severe mortality rate in case of problems, that I might die in the process, and that because of all the meds I will be receiving, I can eventually have problems with my kidneys, liver, pancreas, heart, infertility and other scary things. You know what i did? I REBUKED those words in my mind in Jesus name. I actually came out happy, I had peace on my heart. Why am I so lucky that God is showing me his grace mercy and love. I am a sinner just like everyone, and here he promised me complete restoration, LIFE, blessing, and healing. How can negative things that doctors say effect anything that God has already done. Earth is in his hands, he is in charge, he makes the impossible possible. I said a temporary goodbye to my work and told them I will see them sooner than they think. I really can't wait for my world to be shaken and the people around me to see that God is the one and only GOD. We were placed here to serve him, not the other way around. He gives and he takes away so how can I ask him to not take away anything that is his? Even if it's my hair, I'm praying that I will still love him as much and that I wont be disappointed or angry. I know God is trying to get closer to some family or friends through all of this, and Praise him, I already see it. When you have health, you can get through anything. Yet all the big problems seem so small when it's taken away from you.
Anyway, on wednesday the 29th, I had a platelet transfusion and I had a very severe allergic reaction after about 20 minutes. After the nurses stopped it, it was already too late. Hives spilled out all over my body and face, swelling up and became irritating. My throat started to swell and closed a little to where it hurt to swallow. A mild fever hit me and after a lot more benadryl, my nose felt kinda numb as well as my whole body eventually from it being so strong. After 4 hours I slowly finished getting the platelets and went home. Since the reaction was so severe they took blood cultures and the results came back positive, and so yesterday they redid the test i case of contamination to double check. This can mean there is a bacteria or infection in my blood and that can be very dangerous. I know everything is in Gods hands so whatever happens now is part of his plans.
I have a cute little room with a window and a nice view of the hillside behind downtown. They started me on chemo last night, I haven't felt nauseous yet, but my heart and tummy have been kind of hurting. At first they were checking my vitals every min minutes, then 30 minutes, and after 2ish a.m. they would just come in once an hour. I have to get up to release my bladder also about every hour so it kind of works. These pains on the inside make me miss my bed, my home, my health. I miss the sweet freedom of being able to do whatever, whenever. Most of all, I miss the joy I shared with my amazing husband before he got all this weight on his shoulders. But, this will pass. I just know it will. Please continue to pray for my faith, healing, and Gods mercy as it is the only things that will get me out of here. Thank you all so much for reading, be blessed!
-xoxo Regina

Moving forward with bone marrow Transplant

7:21 PM Dressy_Daisy 2 Comments

This week has been full of appointments. I believe 8 from tuesday - thusday, 3 days? Monday I was told that I would be admitted to the hospital by the end of this month. 31st of July to be exact. And yes, that day will be the day that I get admitted and start chemotherapy. Transplant is scheduled for August 5th. I am so thankful for my brother who is willing to be a donor, as well as any friend or family member would do for me. I am very blessed with the best people in my life. Since I have agreed to transplant, I lay my life down and it is in Gods hands. What ever happens from here is up to him. I believe he is with me, he will help me, he will protect me. He says he loves his children, and I know healing will come and I will be restored.
Doctors say I will be in the hospital for 3-4 weeks after transplant and then will be home for a few months. Total this should all take 6-12 months for full recovery. I can't wait for life to go back to normal :)
I had another bone marrow biopsy yesterday, that really hurt the first time so I asked for extra medication. I ended up getting 3 ml's of morphine and some lorazepam for anxiety. My husband of course was holding my hand the whole time. He's the best.
Today I had 19 tubes of blood taken from me for tests, as well as a platelet transfusion since my count is down to 11. I had bleeding in 3 parts of my body that just hasn't been able to heal. And this canker sore in my mouth is driving me crazy for the last 2 weeks and it wont heal. Hopefully this biopsy scar will heal and fade. By next friday I don't think I will be getting anymore transfusions for a while.. not sure, need to ask. I will miss all the nurses I have become friends with. All the labs techs who see me every other day know me very well and they have become close to me. The transfusions nurses too are all so sweet and have always been so caring and helpful these past 8 months. I do plan on vising them after this is all over.
So after all of those pokes and transfusions can you guess how many times I have been poked in the arms in the last 8 months?
lets see..... about 110-1130 lab test... 35-40 transfusions, so ya, about 160-170 pokes. My poor veins! :/
But thank you God for these veins, they are beautiful and don't look abused. They have healed and will heal.
So yes, now you can see why all of these nurses know me so well. And I hope I leave a mark on their lives. Whats the point of knowing them without spreading some love to them, especially since I receive so much love from out heavenly father. I am so thankful that I have been able to still enjoy life this past year. I got to live with stability off the transfusions. Thank God for doctors, technology, modern medicine. I actually just got my diploma this last week for finishing my second year of Bible College, Yes, I was able to go to school 2 times a week during all of this! Thank you God. Also got to see One Direction perform last week (hehe). That has been a dream for a while since they are my favorite band, yes I sound like a little girl haha. And I get to celebrate my husbands birthday this weekend, he will turn 24. I love him so much, I cant wait to make him feel as special as he really is. Coming back to treatment, I am worried about the chemo and loosing my hair, but this needs to happen and it will if it's Gods will. It will grow back more beautiful... Have to stay positive!
I will lose weight and muscle. At about 104 pounds now I hope I won't look too scary lol. I pray for fast recovery if everything goes as planned. But I am still praying for God to cover me with his mercy, to come out to meet and help me. He is the healer, I trust him. Please pray for my faith, strength, healing, recovery, and hope.
xoxo

6-26-15

11:56 AM Dressy_Daisy 3 Comments

This picture was taken after I got released home after being in the hospital for 3 days 7 months ago. I just got poked a lot, it was't as bad as it seems. Looking at my hands now, they are beautiful as if they have never been poked. Thank you Lord. So as I have told my doctors that I am going forward with the transplant, one thing remains, do I want to harvest my eggs?

My Closet

12:45 PM Dressy_Daisy 0 Comments

Instagram posts of some of my most favorite outfits.