It is the close of Kathy’s new second birthday – let’s mark our calendars for June 6 as an annual event.

The transplant went smoothly today. The staff is now busy helping Kathy to rest and create a new immune system. She will be staying at Moffitt for approximately two more weeks, give or take a couple of days if all goes well. For now, she is strong and feeling pretty well.

They tell us the side effects kick in between days 5 and 9 after the chemo, and it is not really possible to know what effects she will experience. There is a lot of monitoring and supplementing (fluids, nutrition, drugs to counter drugs) going on, and hopefully the side effects can be minimized or kept at bay. Of course sleep is a premium.

I am in awe at how much strength and grace our dear friend has. She seems well equipped for the healing process. Please continue to send moral support and loving thoughts.

Mark will be coming to Moffitt this weekend for a quick visit and care taker training, and then again when Kathy is discharged (around the 17th give or take a couple of days). They will be staying in Tampa for approximately two more weeks while Moffitt monitors the progress of Kathy’s immune system.

Hopefully Kathy will be home by July 4th or sooner.

It has been a privilege to support Kathy through what is truly a journey, and to share the love of the Albanese and Tognino families for their daughter, wife, mother. Her friends have also been an amazing support network.

I will be leaving Tampa tomorrow to start the trip back to NJ. My heart will be here with Kathy, and with her family.

I am going to leave Kathy the password just in case she wants to continue to post messages for us.

Hugs and kisses to all.

Anne

photo below from girls trip to Miami 2016.  Kathy and me with the alligator statue at The One, South Beach