Day Zero: Update

Amazing. Absolutely amazing! Ian has a history of being highly reactive to blood transfusions, all of which have been of the same blood type until today.  We didn't know what to expect, but in spite of preventative pre-medications we were prepared for at least a bit of sibling rivalry. So there I stood, holding my breath as that wine-stained plasma made it's way down the plastic tubing and into Ian's body.  I observed his skin under the bright lights, alert for those itchy hives that inevitably appear when foreign blood comes to the rescue. We waited and waited... and nothing happened. Not a single rash. Not a single case of the shakes. He was just fine, reinforced the whole time by countless prayers and encouraging calls, texts and comments pouring in from you precious people who are walking alongside us on the journey.

We are so thankful and relieved!

*******

Around here, they refer to day zero as one's "new birthday"- I'm not exactly sure why they call it that, but I think I feel it in my heart.  It's the birth canal into a long, vulnerable period of time dependent on others for survival. It's the seed of hope for a leukemia-free future. It's not just a new immune system, it's a new chance of life with a fresh appreciation of each new day.  It's a day to celebrate, and celebrate we did! Here is a picture of Nurse Kristen again, but this time she is bringing Ian a mini birthday cake with a chorus of other nurses joyfully singing "happy birthday" behind her:

Can't you feel the love?  

Nurse Kristen snapped a shot of Ian and I, too. 

And I snapped a close up of the cake, after sampling a slice :)