Day +22

Finally made it home. It’s so nice to wake up in our own beds.  🏡✨

Teddie was so excited to see her toys, her space, her animals and to just be home. We’re all soaking it in. She has become so much more like herself. She just keeps randomly saying “I’m so happy to be home” and “I’m so excited”. 

But while we’re home, we’re very much still in the thick of transplant recovery. The journey continues — just with a more comfort from home. 💛

Here’s a glimpse at what this next chapter holds:

🩸 Frequent labs & monitoring

We’ll be in clinic at least twice a week for labs and check-ins. These tests monitor her blood counts, organ function, and how well her new immune system is developing — and reacting.

💊 Medication management

It’s a lot. Teddie’s on a very specific regimen of medications — including immune suppression to prevent rejection and GVHD, antivirals, antifungals, antibiotics, and gut support. It’s a full-time job, and every dose matters.

⚠️ Biggest risks ahead

• Infection – Her new immune system is still in its infancy. She’s at high risk for viral, bacterial, and fungal infections. We’re continuing strict precautions at home: masks, no visitors, lots of handwashing.

• Graft-versus-Host Disease (GVHD) – This is unique to bone marrow transplants. Unlike organ rejection (where the body attacks the transplant), GVHD happens when the donor’s immune cells (from the new bone marrow) begin attacking the recipient’s body. The donor cells see Teddie’s tissues — like skin, liver, and gut — as foreign. It can be mild or serious, and signs include rashes, GI issues (like vomiting or diarrhea), and liver changes. We’re watching closely every day, and her team is ready to act at the first signs.

• Fluctuating counts – Teddie’s ANC jumped beautifully after her booster shot, which shows her new marrow is responding — but that medication will wear off in the next few days. So we may see some dips again before her marrow consistently produces on its own. This is normal but still nerve-wracking.

• Nutrition & hydration – This continues to be a work in progress. Even now, eating and drinking enough is a daily goal. Thankfully, her taste buds are coming back, and we’re taking it one strawberry at a time.

🙏 Prayer requests

• That Teddie’s counts stay strong and stable

• No infections, fevers, or setbacks

• No signs of GVHD — protection for her skin, gut, liver, and lungs

• Continued healing of her gut and appetite

• That our family would feel peace, stamina, and joy in this new (very scheduled) rhythm

As we step into this next stretch, grateful but aware of the road still ahead, we’re clinging to the reminder that we are not walking it alone. In every scan, dose, count, and night watch, we trust that God is already ahead of us, preparing the way.

Even here (especially here) we are not alone. Taking things one day, one dose, one miracle at a time. 💛