Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Giving Thanks on My Happy 1st Birthday

Thanksgiving Day: 11/27/14 – Today I am joyfully celebrating my 1 year birthday and there could be no better day for this to land on than Thanksgiving. One year ago I had my stem cell transplant and it is simply amazing how so much has changed since then. I am healthy, feeling strong and living life as if I was never sick a day in my life. Last year I spent Thanksgiving in the Hospital… this year I will be celebrating this wonderful double holiday with my family.

To date, all my scans are clear and I am down to only taking 3 medications (valacyclovir, pencicillin and sulfameth).  On December 4th I will have a bone density test, a pulmonary test and I will be given a number of vaccination shots. This should take me from an infant’s immune system to one of a big boy.  

My adventures with mantle cell lymphoma has been one heck of a ride. It has taken me many places… it has introduced me to many fantastic people… it has provided me many new experiences… it has taught me about keeping things in perspective… and it has greatly increased my faith and love of God. I truly have so much to be thankful for. Certainly every day is a blessing.

On this Thanksgiving Day I am thankful for my health, thankful for the support and love of my friends and family, thankful for my talented and compassionate medical team, and… believe it or not, I am thankful for the journey. This adventure has had profound impact on me and all those around me.

Going forward there is only one thing I know for sure… it is that I have no idea where life goes from here. With that said it is important that we take life one day at a time and we make the most of every moment.  

May your lives be full of faith, hope, happiness, love and good health.

Happy Thanksgiving!

“With the loving mercy of our God, a new day from heaven will dawn upon us. It will shine on those who live in darkness, in the shadow of death. It will guide us into the path of peace."
Luke 1:78-79

More to come…