So, I was due to be admitted on October 1st for ablative Chemo to clean up my cells (white good & bad) in preparation for my stem cell transplant schedule for the 9th of October. It’s been a second since our last update….

Since the last post, which was the mega event hosted by Chef Jojo and Eliza at FOND Restaurant in Napili Plaza where they hosted local chefs to donate their time and talents for my cause. Although I was secluded back here in the PNW, Kimmi, Brycen & Nicole were able to represent me at the event. The chef event was a success! I stayed connected via Facetime. I wish I was there. Next time.

Also, since then we have a bone marrow/stem cell donor discovery who just happens to be my youngest sister Jasmine (Fernstrom) who’s a 100% match. So stoked. She just recently was admitted to Scripps La Jolla where she underwent donating her stem cells which she started preparing for back home in Arkansas the week previously. While there, she was put up at my old hotel Hilton la Jolla Torrey Pines (formerly Sheraton Grand Torrey Pines) where I had a 3 year stint. She also was able to be visited will old friends and hang out with her eldest & my nephew Tristen as well as my sister Maria, David and the kids Sarina and Kian. Jasmine’s stem cells were froze and have made it here to OHSU criogenically frozen until next week. I don’t have the words to convey how I feel about Mimi’s (Jasmine’s) gift of life.

We arrived here at OHSU (Oregon Health & Science University) late afternoon after packing for the long stay (almost one month & beyond) and hanging out with Malia, Eddie & Mahina our grand daughter. Back to place I started this journey back in June. Infamous 14K. I’m one room over from the last stay 14K 05. It has a beautiful view like last time. Itls slightly smaller but it’s it’s “home sweet home” for a while. As I entered the hospital, I made sure to take in my last breaths of fresh air for a while. It was really nice to recognize and greet familiar staff upon my entry. I was able to meet to meet and was cared for many nurses and nursing assistants and etc. while I was here June/July. Anyway, we arrive to my room, got settle in and then received a whirlwind of testing. Chest Xray, EKg, Meds and bloodwork. I received both Platelets and Red Blood. My ablative Chemo was administered at midnight. Some of my numerous meds caused my drowsiness so slept through most of the chemo. I’m told it took three hours. During and after the chemo, my nurse Cody, did bloodwork to how the chemo was doing and to be able to adjust the dosage.

My goal is to daily update you all. This is my idea to have focus and chronicle my journey for my mental and perhaps anyone else and to stay connected to my friends and supporters. Aloha!