As I tiptoed through the oncology halls on my last night in the hospital, I couldn’t help but feel blessed. Peeping into other patients room, I can see that some are not as well off as me. Patients on ventilators, feeding tubes, needing help for every interaction. I was lucky, without an IV pole I could slowly walk at my own pace without much help. Although my time in the hospital was hard, I was incredibly grateful to have a staff that cared very much about my health and well being. I was feeling grateful for the nurses who distracted me by talking about tacos when my port was bleeding out. For the night nurse who would hold my hand and tell me stories when I couldn’t sleep at night. For the health techs who helped me on my worst days. For my incredible oncologist- who never stopped believing in me. Most importantly all my family and friends who came to visit and support and love me through one of the hardest times of my life.
It wasn’t an easy decision to make about having a stem cell transplant. At first, I did not want to do it. There are a variety of risks and factors that can come with having a stem cell transplant. Most specifically, Graft versus host disease (GvHD). During GvHD, the body’s white cells recognize the new stem cells as foreign, and attacks them. This can lead to a variety of problems, including: damage to the liver, skin, or GI tract. All this sounded so scary, I wasn’t sure it was worth it. I thought that I would rather live my life out as it played than risk these major issues. Plus, at a 100 day recovery period, I thought it would be impossible to weather through. However, was I doing myself a disservice? It was clear the cancer would keep coming back without the stem cell transplant. At 27, it was a decision I never thought I would have to face. I contemplated my entire life for several days over what I should do. Thankfully, after much discussion with my oncologist I decided that the transplant would be in my best interest. I couldn’t throw my life away over a rough period and other possibilities. It was the best decision I ever made. So on September 11, 2019, I had my stem cell transplant. I was lucky to have my older brother as a donor and things were looking up. I am currently at day 40 of recovery, and feeling better every day. I could not be more supportive of the donation process, which everyone should look in to. Bethematch.com has lots of great information about stem cell donation. According to their website: Every three minutes, one person is diagnosed with a blood cancer. Every 10 minutes, someone dies from a blood cancer. That’s more than six people each hour, or 148 people each day. Patients are searching for a cure. It could be you. Please consider joining the registry and you can help save someone’s life!!
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JennaDedicated to helping you realize your full potential. Spreading smiles and love everywhere I go. Archives
September 2016
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