1 yr bone marrow-aversary

Yesterday was one year since my second bone marrow transplant.  I didn't post until today, because it was a bitter sweet day.  I have to admit that I'm still bitter about getting sick again.  I remember, after my first transplant, I was so happy and I had a party.  This time, I'm a little angry and sad. I feel terrible, because I wish I could be the old me, but that isn't reality.  I feel like a burden all the time and it sucks!  I can't say thank you enough and I can't constantly feel like I owe people.  It's hard. It irritates me when I'm speaking to someone about my back hurting or whatever, and they say, "Well, at least you're here." Yeah, no shit Sherlock!! I really don't need to ever be told that.  Don't get me wrong, I'm extremely grateful for everything.  I thank God every day for this third chance, but I always fear another relapse.  I might look good and healthy and that's because... as Billy Crystal used to say, "It's better to look good than to feel good."  Does anyone else remember that from Saturday Night Live, when it was a good show? 😆

Enough of all the wah, wah, wah from me.  I'd like to acknowledge this milestone, by reminding everyone to get on the bone marrow registry.  There is an immediate need to diversify the registry!  Marrow matches are not determined by blood type, but by ethnicity and a bunch of scientific stuff (HLA matches).  Minorities, people of mixed race and mixed ethnic backgrounds are desperately needed.  The closer a match, the better the outcome for the recipient.  I know the term bone marrow aspiration can be very scary to most people, but many transplants are done through peripheral stem cells.  Bone marrow donation is done from the hip bone, and stem cell donation is almost like donating blood except you are hooked up to a machine that takes out the blood cells that are needed and puts back in your body what isn't needed.  Most of the time it's done through stem cells.  Mine were both stem cells.  As far as being nervous about the hip bone stuff, it is my understanding that you are knocked out and a sore afterwards. I don't know exactly what that feels like, but I have had 4 bone marrow biopsies in the past year and a half and I'm due for #5 next month.  It feels like a bruise at the sight for a couple days. I don't mind the biopsies and I love when I get good news.

If anyone has questions about donation or the processes, please visit www.bethematch.org
Also, please share this information with family and friends.

GET ON THE REGISTRY AND POTENTIALLY SAVE A LIFE

This is the shirt Lee gave me for my bone marrow-aversary!

Peace out Peeps!