Apheresis/Stem Cell Harvesting
I’m working on a longer post with more detail, but the short version is that Geraldine checked in on Thursday to MCV in Richmond, where she will be for two weeks. She received a high dose of chemo to kill her existing bone marrow, then the next day she received her stem cell transplant. She is very tired and doesn’t answer the phone or texts or emails much right now. If you come to see her, please do not be sick in any way, don’t bring flowers, plants, or fruits, and you have to have had a flu shot – no exceptions. I’ll post more details as soon as I have finished gathering them.
Friends of Geraldine 
Hello Beautiful,
Just wanted to tell you I love you and I’m thinking about you. I’m looking forward to seeing you this weekend. I’m bringing the Exxon Nativity to help keep a smile on your face. I want you to display it proudly every Christmas. Bubba-Christ said he misses you.
C.
Hey my Giga!
I wanted to let you know I am thinking of you everyday. I read I cannot come see you unless I have a flu shot and my silly self has not gotten one. I tried to get an appointment to get one and my dr does not have any appointments this week. BOOO HOOOO! I will see you as soon as you get back. I cannot wait to tell you what I have for you! 🙂
Mare
Hello Geraldine,
I hope that you are making good progress after the transplant. Malcolm said that you were often tired; I can well imagine that the transplant process is a shock to your system. Getting plenty of rest is probably a good thing. Hopefully, the postings from your friends out here in hyperspace are a source of strength and encouragement. We all wishing the best for you.
The whole tandem transplant process is a remarkable thing. It is working on a very fundamental level to change the way things work in order to beat the cancer. Once it was explained, the idea makes a lot of sense.
Since I am far a way, I cannot see you in person right now, but be assured that I am with you in heart.
Love,
Harvey
I know this part’s no fun, but hang in there – love ya sis.
Hi Stinkerbell – I hope I can see you this weekend. I know it will be a popular time for your fans to come. It would be fine if I could just give you a hug or see you smile. I just think you’re so special and conquering so many battles most of us can’t imagine, and you, without batting an eye. I love you!
Allie
The same thoughts from very different times:
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Love is all we have, the only way that each can help the other.
Euripides
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There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved.
George Sand
I love you my dear Geraldine. I wish I could be there with you. I think about you often and smile because of it. You are so wonderful.
Bonjour, ma petite chou! I think that means cabbage. Haha. Oh well. I was just in Richmond last weekend for a wedding and I wish I’d known you were there! I would have loved to see you. I’ll be home for 2 weeks at Xmas, though, so I will visit then! I am also working on a very special present for you… Stay tuned! I’m thinking of you. I miss you and le oiseau fou. I probably spelled that wrong. My French has suffered greatly without you around! I will come see you soon and speak bad French that will make you laugh.
xoxo,
– L
Hey Geraldine!
Libby just e-mailed me your website and I’ve been reading about all your trials and tribulations and reminiscing about playing hide and seek and making grilled cheese sandwiches with you. I will also be back in VA for x-mas and hopefully I’ll be able to head up with Libby to see you. I was a French major in undergrad so we can make fun of her French together. Alas I am still a poor student, but I still wanted to contribute a little bit to your fund. Health policy in this nation is a disgrace so I’m happy to help however I can. You also might be interested to know that I’m in the middle of an MD/PhD program with plans on a career in biomedical research so hopefully one day I can contribute some actual knowledge as well. Hope to see you around x-mas and in the mean time you and your family are in my thoughts.
– Sarah
PS to Libby – *cough* l’oiseau. Don’t forget the elision. Sorry, couldn’t resist.
Dear Geraldine,
my positive and loving thoughts from Provence. Yesterday I visited the impressive and beautiful Notre Dame de la Garde’s Basilica in Marseille
I was truly touched by the large number of ex voto left by many people which received the Virgin Mary’s Grace during the last 150 years and I thought about you.
I am not a religious person, but I will ask Notre Dame de la Garde to assist you and I promise that as soon as you will be able to come and visit, together we will add a new ex voto on her church.
Bon courage!
Vanda