I feel moved to share so I am going to let my fingers rapidly type the words that are flowing out of me right now. It is early on a weekday in mid-February, and I am suddenly a wash in emotions over the upcoming milestone in my life. On February 28th, 2021, it will be my 2-year post-stem cell transplant anniversary. This is a huge milestone and with it, so many emotions.
Rebirth
The first year of my recovery was what I would describe as all about rebirth and surviving. I hoped and prayed that no rejection or graft-versus-host disease would occur. That my new immune system would be established. My body was ravaged, and it showed. My body was whittled down to skin, bones, and breath. But I had a new chance. A disease-free chance and I had to be very patient as it ever so slowly produced cells. My energy was so low, so everything took more time. Time to regrow skin, nails, hair. Even my hemoglobin took over a year to inch its way into the normal range. My days were filled with rest, pills, appointments, blood work and being with my immediate family.
Restore
My second-year post-stem cell transplant was about restoration. Restoring my body’s ability. Restored ability to take long walks. Restored ability to run the kids around. Restored ability to do household chores and everyday activities. Restored ability to return to work. Restored ability to exercise. Restored to normalcy. Restoring antibodies to many diseases we were all were vaccinated against as children – Yes, I have to get all those vaccines again.
Rebuild & Transform
As I finish this second year and enter my third-year post-stem cell transplant, it is all about rebuilding and transforming. Rebuilding confidence in my health. Rebuilding and transforming my muscles. For so long it was so hard to look in the mirror. To see what disease and treatments had done. Yes, these treatments helped to kill the disease and save my life, but they took a devastating toll. But I am ready to build transform my body into one that is stronger and more capable than ever before.
More about my Stem Cell Transplant:
Be A Lifesaver: join.bethematch.org/jennifersmission
Acute Myeloid Leukemia: The Stem Cell Transplant
Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Thirty Days after Stem Cell Transplant
Jennifer says
I love you!
Dawn says
I love you to the moon and back! You are an inspiration!!!! My motivator!!! ❤️💜❤️💜