I am feeling great so far after all they are throwing at me! A tiny bit of nausea at times, a bit fatigued and I’m being poked and prodded and injected with things. The good news is that I am walking 1 mile a day (11 laps around the halls of the north wing) and feel strong enough to ride on the bike in the fitness room for 45 minutes to an hour as well! Sheri and I have done this regime every day. I have had lots of family and friend visitors so I have not been bored at all. As a matter of fact, I’m enjoying writing this while alone for the first time while Sheri is doing our laundry. I am hooked up to a Prograph infusion which I get for 4 hours 2x a day.
So far, Bloodwork looks right on target. Prograph is working to suppress my immune system and I’m now on anti-fungal, antibiotic, antiviral, liver protector, fluids to keep kidneys safe, steroids, etc. More good news is that the steroids make my cheeks nice and rosy. Bad news it is supposed to make me irritable! Yikes! Nurses and attendants are top notch and also nice and fun. The doctors on call are on top of things and friendly. Dr. Lechowicz has come by, I got a sweet note from my internist Dr. Fryhofer and Dr. Waller’s (my transplant doctor) office is 90 seconds away. I haven’t seen him yet but his partners are on it. I have his email and cell phone if I need it.
The room has been “dressed” and is fully functional and now homey and comfortable since we brought lots of the house with us: ottomans, battery powered candles, aromatherapy diffuser and essential oils, healing crystals, throws, yoga mats, painting supplies, puzzle (in progress) and unique “mermaid themed” duvet cover bedding for Sheri’s bed and for mine! Sheri has been my amazing, super star caregiver soon to become germ Nazi! Looks like a college dorm room! and best of all…. my painting of Watson straight ahead of me in his “staring at me” pose:)
I am looking at this as an adventure. Chemo is now finished and I’m at day -1. Tomorrow is transplant day 0! It’s my new birthday! On Wednesday I will be 1 day old! I am getting the real deal bone marrow cells vs peripheral stem cells! My stay at Emory will be longer but I am thrilled with my 10 out of 10 match, 26 year old angel donor with A- blood type (I am A +) who has so graciously agreed to have this bone marrow retrieval surgery. They say that my next phase after transplant will be the basement phase but I have re-named it as the “wine cellar phase” … has a better ring to it!
Thank you to Humana …my insurance savior. I am also so grateful for my strong faith in God, my incredible parents and sisters, my extended family, my amazing office team (who are holding down the Sims Patrick fort) and my gift showering friends. A big shout out for Caroline Yost who has spearheaded this blog and pushes these blog entries out to you from me. I have never felt so much love in my whole life unless you count my marriage to Carl or the birth of Alex.
I love you all! Thanks for the constant love and support from each one of you.
Over and out from the Emory transplant floor from the bedroom in penthouse room 947!
You are amazing! Sending you lots of prayers and love❤️
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Libby you are so strong and powerful with amazing faith. That bone marrow is lucky to have found such a wonderful new home. Praying for you to have low side effects and for your care team to continue with their infinite wisdom. Much love to all of the Patrick and Sims family. ❤️
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Sister I am with you in the root system that extends down to the subterranean to all matter under the forest and we have a substantial spotlight when things get dark around here. Your faithful ally, Edith in Omaha
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Edith,
I love your amazing use of words sister!
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You are amazing! I agree! God is right there with you , holding your hand. He is upfront and present! Love you Libby !! I have more puzzles if you want some!! Hugs and kisses!!!
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Thanks for your constant love and support! Btw, we finished the puzzle yesterday! 🎂🙏👍💪😘❤️💃🏻🏃♀️🎉😷
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Isaiah 43:19
Behold, I am doing a new thing, now it springs forth, so do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
Libby, He will make all things new! Good bye cancer cells, hello new healthy cells!
Soooo many people are praying for you Libby! I know you will do great! You are an amazing, wonderful person and friend (my “bestie” from 5th grade) and I am there in spirit rooting for you! See you soon. Lots and lots of love from me and many others and more importantly, HIM!
Cynthia
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Libby, I continue to be amazed by your strength! I LOVE the mermaid comforter! It is the best! So you and Sheri! I will be thinking of you all day today and will wake up tomorrow knowing you are on the road to the cure! 1 day old….wow! Tell Sheri if she needs clorox wipes, just to say the word!!! LOVE, LOVE!!!!!
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Onward!! Oh I love you! I read this with tears! Love the power of love, prayer and a good attitude. Let’s go Libby! I am cheering for you from the beautiful lowcountry! I love you!!
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I was awakened in the night by a dream that you and I were in. I can’t remember much about it but I know we were laughing. . (God thing) It reminded me in the night that today is the day for your transplant and so the prayers started. I just want you to know how much you are loved by all who know you, and I have no doubt you will make this the adventure you say it will be. I also know there has never been a hospital room that has been decorated with so much style. Loads of love and prayers to you! SuEd
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LIbby & Sheri, I am praying fervently for success and a full new recovery! I am praying for all of those who are caring for you, praying that your family and friends will all provide the love and service you need, praying for your emotional strength and that the best medicine of HOPE surrounds you at all times! I was just at SPS this week and they have got you covered! Fight strong as always! With love, Patrece Julian
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Happy Birthday, love. I’m still here, loving you and praying for you from afar. I love Sued’s words. Ditto Ditto! xo-k
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Libby I want you to know that I love you! You are truly one of the most inspiring person I have been blessed to know. In the words of my Kaitlin when she first saw you: “Mama, she is a princess”
You are!
Jessica Marro
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Awe Jessica! It is so great to hear from you! Kaitlin and Lindsey are so precious! Thank you for your kind words of support and love. I feel the same way about you! I miss you! God is great! 🙏👍😘👌
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As soon as you are well enough to have visitors I am heading your way! Can’t wait to give you a huge hug and reminisce about our trip to New Orleans. I was laughing so hard last night remembering that hotel room! We didn’t even want to put our bags on the floor. And then our trip to Fort Lauderdale when my pump broke. Oh my goodness we have had some laughs. I miss you so much. We are all praying for you here at the Marró house. Love you!
Jessica
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Libby, I just learned about all of this from Laura Lamb Patrick seeing it on Facebook, I immediately messaged Kathy and she sent me your blog! Please know I am praying for you and can’t wait to see God show up in your time there!! Love you girl!!
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Thanks Debbie!
I am seeing God in everything! My anonymous angel donor’s cells have been flowing since 11:30 this morning. It’s 7:15 and still going strong. I am fighting strong and ready for the cure! Love you!!! Lib
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To clarify she saw on Facebook a prayer request post from I believe your beautiful niece… ❤️❤️❤️
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Libby, you are such an incredible, strong, inspiring and beautiful person and I hope you hear us all cheering for you. Praying for you and wishing you strength on the road to recovery! ❤️
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Hello dear Libby,
You are kind, strong, brave, tough, resilient and inspirational. And, you are supported and loved by everyone who has ever met you, because you are amazing!!!
I am praying for a cure and an easy recovery. Can’t wait to see you up and at ‘em again soon!
Hugs, love and a kiss~
Sherry ❤️
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Hello dear Libby,
You are kind, strong, brave, tough, resilient and inspirational. And, you are supported and loved by everyone who has ever met you, because you are amazing!!!
I am praying for a cure and an easy recovery. Can’t wait to see you up and at ‘em again soon!
Hugs, love and a kiss~
Sherry ❤️
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Hi Libby! I just learned of all this from a facebook post. Sending lots of prayers and love your way! You are such an amazing, beautiful person (inside and out). I was thinking of you the other day when I was sorting through old pictures for Frances’ senior slide show — ran across some of our Sarah Smith Fifth Grade trip to London/Paris. Wonderful memories! Hope we can make more together in the near future
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Happy One-day birthday!
How are you feeling?
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Libby, I’m at KU right now. I think of you and your journey throughout the days, but ALWAYS, when I walk thru the door here you are on my mind. How you are so strong that you continued to come here, with a positive attitude and smile on your face and kick and punch the #!+* Out of the bag! I’ll do that for you every time I am here over the next few months. I look forward to seeing you back here 👊! In the mean the meantime you’ll be in my prayers!
Xoxo, jamelle
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We continue to be with you on this journey and only wish we could be closer! Thankful to know the Dream team is by your side. We are rooting for you from Omaha! We love you! Go Team Libby Go!!
Love,
Kristy and Peter
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