After going to the lab a few weeks ago, for what I thought was my final big blood draw before the surgery, I found out was really just a dress rehearsal. After my blood draw, I actually didn't have the best reaction. They sent me a package in the mail with everything I needed to collect the blood, overnight itback and all of the paperwork needed .... well so we thought!
I not only had to get blood drawn for my upcoming surgery, but I also had to have blood drawn for my regular Dr. as well. I decided instead of going twice, I would just knock everything out in one trip. I had to fast for one set of the blood work so I went in the in the AM. It ended up being 8 vials they needed and they said that was a lot after fasting.
As the day progressed, I started to feel some side effects like: Drained, achy, foggy and could not regulate my temperature for a few days. Once I finally started to feel stable again, my transplant coordinator called and said there was a paperwork snafu and I had to do it over .... sigh. This time I didn't have to fast though so I wasn't too worried about it. I guess this is still the easy part right? So back to the lab!
This time they only had to draw 4 vials and I didn't have any kind of side effects. Being overnighted to Detroit with love :) I've given more blood over the past 3 months then in my lifetime! Amazing how the body can regenerate and heal itself. To know that you can remove half an organ and have it completely regenerate itself is fascinating to me. Even more a reason to donate!
Haven't gotten any calls yet that there are any issues with this sample so here's hoping all is good! One week from Sunday I'll be flying home to start this epic journey! Be sure to follow along :)
Happy new year to all of you! I hope this post finds everyone reflecting on the year they just had and setting your goals for the upcoming year. I have certainly been reflecting today, and WOW what a year! If I had to sum up my year in one word it would growth! I did more personal development this year, than anything else, and it brought so many blessings into my life.
I remember years in the past where I would look back and 9 times out of 10 I would say, "Wow that was a hard year!" Those hard times are often what stick out in our minds when we are reflecting but this year it's different and I know why. Not only was I highly invested in my personal development but I was also taking part in my daily gratitude project. Last year, at the start of 2014, I made a commitment to myself, that everyday I would choose one thing I was grateful for and keep track of my journey. It's hard to believe that this is the last day of that commitment to myself and I have documented 365 things that I am grateful for. It's no surprise that at the end of this year, I feel so unbelievably blessed and it's because I'm living a life of gratitude. My glass is not half full it's always overflowing :)
Setting my sites on 2015, I am so pumped to see what's in store!! I know I'll be kicking off the year saving a life, so it doesn't get much cooler than that! I am living a life that I have designed and it feels amazing!!
A very happy new year to all of you and whatever you are doing tonight please be safe :)
