Such a GREAT day today!! Had my first stem cell injections, the same wonderful doctor and assistant from 2 years ago were still here! They were really happy to see me walking in this time and hear about my improvements from the first treatment. I was really happy to hear that they increased the amount of cells administered since the last time, from 9 million to 20 million!!! So even though I am only staying here for half the time, I will be receiving even more cells than the first time I was here a whole month!! I was kind of sad thinking that I would only be getting half the amount this time, so that really made me so excited! The numbing shot they gave me first must be new too, because this time I did not even feel the big needle go into my back! That was a really big relief. The IV stem cell injection I had after was more painful though, the needle was a bit thicker I think and again they gave me twice the amount of cells that I received last time :)

I also had my first visit to the BioFit center today, was happy to see my favorite personal trainer from last time was still there! They changed the location to a different building so I was worried I would have someone else. He even had Gaga songs playing during the session haha. He showed me 2 exercises I can do on my own to really help get my right knee to lift up. I am looking forward to seeing the results from doing these every day on top of the cells doing their work! I've been drinking a LOT of water today so hopefully that will help me not get a headache this time from the back injection.

Had my bone marrow extraction this morning. Some of my own stem cells were harvested and I will be receiving them next week. They gave me anesthesia so it was like I slept right through it!

Afterwards I went back to the room to sleep for a few hours. We then wandered around the hotel a bit more. The gym looks really nice, I will for sure use it on the days I don't have physical therapy!

There are some really nice outdoor pool areas and restaurants here too! One place even has a seafood pizza! SO yummy :)

I will have my first injection tomorrow, I am nervous because I have more feeling in my back now since the first treatment, so I am sure the needles will hurt more! :( I am very happy that the same doctor I had giving me the injections last time is still here, she was amazing and makes the process so much less frightening!

First visit to the Stem Cell Institute was this morning! Love the new location they have moved it to, the views are amazing!!

Filled out all the forms and had my blood work done. I have my bone marrow extraction tomorrow morning, and then my first stem cell injection on Wednesday.

We were lucky to find a small shop nearby so we stocked up on snacks and water. It was just a few minute walk away from the hotel so we will be making many trips here!

The hotel also has complementary breakfast each morning and it was pretty good! Lots to choose from also. Only complaint is that the sausages taste just like hotdogs which I hate haha!!

Made it to Panama!! After a very long day of plane rides, my dad and I have finally arrived to our room at the Hilton Hotel. This is the new place for patients to stay while they are getting treatment. It is very nice!! Only thing is the prices for room service and such, I guess we are gonna starve for 2 weeks haha! We can't go pick up groceries and make our own meals like last time because there is no fridge or kitchen :'( Other than that, everything else here is amazing so far, it will be a very comfortable stay! Looking forward to a nice rest tonight after a long day today.

I begin my second stem cell treatment 1 week from today! SO excited to see the results of this one after the first one helped so much! I am not looking forward to a whole day of flying again but it will be worth it!