This last month we have encountered some detours on our road to the bone marrow transplant. Alyssa-Marie was admitted to the hospital twice due to a fever. Because she is immunocompromised, even a slight temperature can land us in the emergency room.  

During a clinic visit before Thanksgiving, Alyssa spiked a fever while receiving a blood transfusion. She received antibiotics immediately and then was admitted for further testing and observation. This time was similar. After we got home this past Monday, Alyssa become feverish with body aches and chills. We went to the emergency room that night and two days later we are still at the hospital. Fortunately, all her bloodwork shows no sign of infection and we should be discharged tomorrow.  

Although extended hospital stays are not foreign to us; these recent stays have made us think about what life will be like living in the hospital. During the transplant process we will be in the hospital for roughly two months. Everyday life is quite different in the hospital. The constant interruption of sleep during the night by nurse visits and noisy medical equipment. Meeting with doctors and other team members throughout the day. Chronic boredom accompanied by cabin fever and homesickness.  

This journey will for sure be challenging. But if it leads Alyssa-Marie to health and wholeness then we are up for the challenge. God has blessed us with this opportunity and we will make the best of it. We believe Alyssa-Marie’s transplant will be a success! As a community, you all are a part of Alyssa’s health journey. Your donations to COTA have helped to provide the resources that Alyssa-Marie needs for transplant. THANK YOU!!!  

If you would like to consider donating to COTA in honor of Team Alyssa-Marie you can do so at: 

www.COTAforTeamAlyssaMarie.com