@alive, I’m so sorry for the loss of your new friend. There is a special bond that develops between BMT patients. Without even having to go into details, we silently share the battle scars that allowed us to accept our second chance at life.
To lose someone with whom you had these moments of hope and healing it feels like a gut punch of unfairness. I went through similar with a new friend, Shary, I met while we had our transplants. Our husbands became close friends while we ‘gurls’ faced our daily challenges. Shary had a host of comorbidities that made the transplant risky but she opted to try for it anyway. Tragically, she passed away during her early months while we were still in residence. The range of emotions, on so many levels, was a rollercoaster.
It’s rare to have this happen and most SCT’s are successful. But I don’t think any of us take our lives for granted anymore after having a SCT. And quite honestly, when Shary passed away, I felt survivors guilt for a long time.
Her husband was so gracious, and continued to check up on me…wishing me full speed ahead. But dang, the tears still come when I think of the life Shary should have had.
I’m so sorry that you lost your friend. She was a valiant warrior and it’s wonderful that you and she were able to meet. I’m expecting that you were an enormous comfort and life line for her and her family. Sending a gentle hug.