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Thank you for your kind words! The woman I wrote about had other comorbidities as well. She knew that she would have challenges after the transplant, but no one ever knows what the experience would be like or what would actually happen. Like all of us, she could only cling to hope, but knew that there were no guarantees.
I used to feel survivor’s guilt when I lost friends I met during and shortly after my transplant. Now I am no longer experiencing survivor’s guilt, but gratefulness to be alive and living a fulfilling life. I’m am also reminded of the fragility of life and the need to help others who are dealing with AML diagnosis. Meeting a 5-year SCT survivor was a very powerful experience while I was getting ready for my transplant, and now I want to give others hope as well.
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Like you, I no longer experience survivor’s guilt. But there were a few instances where the passing of an acquaintance sure hit me. Anyway, now we have the opportunity to use our experiences as a survival guide for others.
It’s interesting that you met a 5 year SCT survivor and the impact they had on you. I had a similar experience about 1.5 months post transplant. I was back in general pop for labs by that time and was sitting in the large lab waiting area. It was pretty crowded…before Covid. So I’m sitting there with my Vogg mask, bald head, dark circles under my eyes. Haha you know the look. Anyway, the lady across from me complimented me on my shoes, bless her heart! ☺️ We got to talking and then she asked if I had a bone marrow transplant. “I asked, what gave that secret away?” 😂. Anyway, she replied that she was there for her Two-year followup. Wow, she looked fabulous. Full head of hair, gorgeous skin, a little tan…picture of health. Then, next to her a man said, “No kidding, I’m here for my 5 year!”
The conversations were priceless and their impact was powerful!! I will never forget that moment. They gave me hope!! And that is why, @alive, you and I are here. We had those seminal moments of understanding…of how it important it is to have mentors. To be able to speak with someone who has walked the same rocky path before them. Thank you for being such a positive and encouraging lifeline within our community and beyond…you help give hope.