The Big Day!

Where do I start!! We found out Tuesday Megan had to be at the hospital at 6:30a. For those of you that know the Koemans, that is EARLY!! We are not morning people. So Ashley and Macy slept at my brother and sister in laws house and the rest of us stayed at the hospital. Spectrum has the Renucci house attached to the hospital, so the girls got to stay in a "hotel" sort of. Megan got to walk to the out patient surgery in her PJ's. Her big sister took the day off school to support her and help. I am so proud of both of them!! Megan never wiped the smile off her face. And Leah only left her side when she was told to. What a blessing to see as a parent. Megan went to sleep happy and woke up happy. She looked a little pale but that was because the MD took 217ml of bone marrow. She might be sore tomorrow, but we'll wait and see. After Megan was done and recovered we went to Brooke's room and awaited her turn. We ate lunch, Megan got presents from the hospital and the girls went to see some animals that were up here for a visit. Once the bone marrow came back from the blood bank, they infused it into Brooke. It took about an hour. The MD sat and watched Brooke and her vitals. I got to ask the doctor how rare is Brooke's condition. He said since the 1960's he estimates there have been approximately 200 cases of this. He is thinking he will write up her case for a journal because of the way it presented itself and it's rarity. Obviously we need the outcome 1st, which will be great. I can't wait to read that article. Today was a day of firsts. Megan's 1st time having surgery. Spectrum's first time with this diagnosis and first time doing a bone marrow transplant without doing chemo/conditioning first, and the nurses first time doing a transplant (she use to work nights), and of course, Brooke's first time having a bone marrow transplant (and hopefully last).

Megan waiting!! Megan recovering with Leah

Grandma's, grandpa and Megan.

I'm not sure what to say! Spectrum seems to have this down to a science. Everything flowed so smoothly, all questions were answered, Meg had the best care and was such a great patient. We are so blessed. Thanks for the wonderful prayer service on Tuesday night. I heard such great things about it and about everyone there. I even got a text message just before it started telling me about it :) We feel all the prayers and love. There is no way things would have gone so smoothly without all of you!! You and your faith are all the biggest part of our girl's healing and bravery. We are all learning the value of putting our own self aside, believing in the Almighty and caring for others. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!! Bone marrow engraftment usually take 2 weeks to start to see. So we will keep you all posted with Brooke's progress and Megan's recovery!

Megan, her dad and her bone marrow!

Megan and Brookie.

(There are MANY more pictures! Megan and Leah will have them in a book to show you.)