Cleared for Launch!!!!

Hi everyone,
I got the clearance for the stem cell transplant all the tests are in and here we go! Well today I get admitted for overnight chemotherapy called mobilization which encourages stem cells from my bone marrow to enter my bloodstream for collection, at present I am awaiting for a bed to become available.
Well I finally have the picc line I was looking forward to getting as this would prevent the numerous peripheral IV pokes and make the IV chemo easier to tolerate, after two attempts it was somewhat concerning to find my intra vascular circulation is just as problematic as I have a stenosis to my Rt subclavian vein thus they could not thread a picc line through that side and had to place it in my left arm, Four hours later thankfully it was placed successfully. I am now finding out through these tests that scleroderma has been affecting my vascular system more than we realised. Most of my heart tests have checked out fine but upon meeting with the cardiologist, it became apparent that I had some ischemia in one test which is often seen with scleroderma but I have been assured by the cardiologist and Craig that there is nothing to worry about!!! It would be my luck after finally going in for stem cell treatment and end up getting a bypass instead. It has taken a few days to come to terms with this but I say to myself that this is the reason I am having this treatment, to restore my immune system and alter the course of the disease, We will get through this by staying positive, strong and not letting these findings worry us.
Craig and I ventured out from the "miracle mile" area as we were having Walmart withdrawal symptoms. Everything is so expensive here designer this and that, so we took a bus to the nearest Walmart. Which after an hours bus ride we found it to be in a decidedly dodgy area of Chicago, we felt like staying on the bus and heading back to the safer part of town. However we hid our jewelry tried to look less conspicuous which with Craig is very difficult to achieve but we persevered and survived and got our "Walmart Fix".
One thing about Chicago you can definitely get around it with a great public transport system. With all the walking we've been doing its great for my cardiovascular system so Craig's keeps telling me.
As we await for the phone call on my restored state of the art mobile with new sim card to say my rooms ready for my overnight stay. I think of the positive at least Craig gets a night off from my snoring!!
Anyway Love to all our Boys, Family, friends in the US & UK, All at DV Endo & all at Good Samaritan Kidney Center. Thanks for all your concerns and well wishes and helping out back home with mom and the lads.
Cheers Sharon and Craig. x x