Since I was a kid I always have read books, watched movies and tuned into vampire shows. I wanted to name our son Barnabas Collins. All you born after 1980 might need to reference that. The glamour, gore and romance of it all. Interview with a Vanpire, Lestat. Then came Twilight and yes I was obsessed. Team Edward on most days but man I do love me some Jasper. There is just something so magical about them. Perhaps it’s the immortality.

In all my years of chemo and radiation, I’ve never had to have a blood transfusion. I guess that’s weird. I’ve been subjected to many procedures. More chemo than I can count and lots of radiation. My markers are dropping but so are my blood counts. My bone marrow is tuckered out and needs some help. That’s why I find myself sitting in a chair for up to 5hrs getting type A+ pumped into me.

Yesterday was chemo and my doc said no due to my counts. I asked for a compromise. He gave me the option to get a transfusion and then I could get chemo. Deal. Plus it’s standard to get Benadryl and that’s always wonderful. My nurses were not to happy that yet again I got my way! That didn’t stop them from singing an early birthday song and giving me a thoughtful garden gift. I’m a pain but they kind of love me.

Being my first transfusion, I am full of questions. The first was about vaccines being transmitted through blood. Without getting into a debate on this, let’s just say it’s my body and I get to choose what I put in it. From my research last night, thanks steroids, and talking to every medical person I saw today vaccines are not transmitted through blood transfusions. Plasma is different. Another fun fact…they have to coat the blood with saline so it doesn’t clot the bag. The process can take up to 5 hrs. And boo no Benadryl this time because my sassy Dr said I didn’t need it. His way of showing me who is boss.

In literature, blood is sacred and in cases immortal. It is life. Last night Chris thanked me for fighting every day to remain with him. This last year has been so tough. I’ve wanted to fall asleep and never wake up at times. But then I saw his face and knew that wasn’t an option. I had a little boy snuggle me and knew I had to keep going. I honestly thought this last month I was losing it. I am so exhausted and cry at the drop of a pin. My breathing is labored. I thought it was my heart action up but no. To know the reason now, I can rest and let the blood of a generous donor do it’s work. So I can remain here with my family.

Immortality. Do we honestly want that? I don’t think I do. But it’s sure cool knowing that a little bit of blood can offer a bit more life with those I love. I think I’m my new favorite vampire in a grandma sweater.