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As scheduled, i underwent my ASCT on September 16,2010 - but not without some complications unfortunately. That said, i did receive my stem cells back and now i wait to recover...

The complications, mainly as a result of the high dosed chemo before hand and a number of unpleasant side effects in combination with a plummeting blood pressure (with fainting) during the actual procedure. This caused allot of excitement and about 15 doctors and nurses in my room during the procedure and for sometime after. Thankfully most of this is a blur to me.

Unfortunately, it did land me in a two week hospital stay that was not expected and eight straight days that I was unable to see or talk to my children.

A little over 2 weeks later I am home now but incredibly weak. I am able to do very little physically. Regardless it is nice to be able to see my children, even if it is just a couple hours each day. I wish i could play with them more - but that will come....

I have to return to the hospital this afternoon, but hopefully only for blood work, some hydration and a visit with the doctors. I suspect i will be officially discharged and that means only weekly (not daily) visits to the Mod L clinic for followup. I look forward to the small breaks from the hospital where i can work on getting my strength back and slowly returning my life to normal.

Sometime later this month i will consult the radiation specialist again and come up with the final plan. Most likely the month of November i will be receiving radiation.

I`d like to comment on how amazing my husband has been holding down the fort and taking such amazing care of our children. It is obvious since i`ve been home how close Brad and the girls have become the last couple weeks. He is and excellent husband and and amazing father and for that I could not have chosen a better life-mate. Thank you babes.

I also need to thank everyone who has stepped up to help us...with the house, the kids, sending cards, sending food and treats - we really can not express how much we appreciate the generosity.

Of course we owe special thanks to our parents especially for making sure that each of us is taken care of as well as our children...thank you.

Each day going forward i pray for strength and hope to get stronger each day...it will come, i just need to be patient. Please continue the prayers on our behalf....

I will update more as I can and this week i`ll work on getting some new pics of the girls up :)

Love the O`Neil`s xo