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Snapshots of hope: Life on the other side of transplant.
My husband snapped a photo of me walking on a beach this morning. I was running through the surf, picking up shells, smiling and feeling on top of the world with unabashed joy for being alive and healthy. So what?
Well, it’s a photo that wouldn’t exist if I hadn’t had a bone marrow transplant. It’s a snapshot of hope!
Three years ago today I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, an aggressive blood cancer and fighting for my life. Prospects of ever being able to walk a beach again seemed beyond reach.
With a lot of chemo, I achieved remission, but my only hope for a future would be a bone marrow/stem cell transplant as the cancer would likely return. Let’s just say, that procedure isn’t a walk on the beach but it gave me a second chance at life and well worth the arduous journey it took to get here!
Along this journey, I’ve been able to help inspire and give hope to others who have faced my same battle. I’m alive, surviving and thriving because of a gift of life from my anonymous donor.
When facing a transplant, whether it’s stem cells, or a solid organ, it can be a daunting prospect. I think a gift we can give, as transplant survivors, is to share our positive transplant stories with anyone who is about to undergo the procedure or is in need of reassurance in their recovery.
Show me your Snapshot of hope! What photo do you have that wouldn’t exist without your transplant?
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@dwolden Great picture! A couple days early, but Happy 2nd Re-Birthday, David! (Aug 22). Of course, after all you’ve gone through, I know every day is a “Cell”ebration! 😃.
I recognize that corner!! Hopefully all the flowers will still be in bloom in a month for my turn!
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1 ReactionYay! @dwolden The 3rd time is a charm!! This is a lovely photo of you and David! You both look so happy and healthy. Much different than when we met in person almost 2 years ago! Your husband was a little more than a month post SCT (stem cell transplant) and you were both a little thread-bare from the experience. ☺️
It’s wonderful to see you’ve both been able to resume and enjoy life again! Sending a hug!!
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2 Reactions@loribmt try try again
Here we are at friends’ anniversary party yesterday
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2 Reactions@dwolden
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5 Reactions@dwolden When you try to post a photo, it can take a few minutes to download. Underneath the box, you’ll see the Add Photos prompt. When you click there it should open to the window where you can ‘drop or download’ a photo
Click the prompt and you’ll see the menu where you can download a photo from ‘your library’, take a photo or download a file. Once you make your choice you’ll see a line under the photo where it’s downloading. Sometimes an X will appear if the photo takes too long to load. Or, if it’s too large.
You have to wait until it is completely finished loading before clicking Reply. You’ll see a green check mark when it’s been successful.
What is happening when you try to do this?
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2 ReactionsHere’s my beloved husband David outside the Charlton building at Mayo Rochester. We were there for follow up visit. His second “rebirthday” after allogenic stem cell transplant is coming up August 22. He feels good and we are grateful for every day!
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2 ReactionsAll of you. Oh my. Life and all that means to each of us. Husbands, wives, grandkids, grandpas. All of it possible today because of our life saving gifts. I often tell people my cougar moment is with me. A 26-year-old European lives with me. I posted I had a blood test by Guardant reveal testing for cancer cells. It came back clear of detectable cancer cells, but it also came back that i have X and Y chromosomes.
The joy of a transplant in unexpected ways. I have my follow-up July 31st. We shall see my blood numbers, get my first live vaccine.
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5 Reactions@dwolden
Wonderful pictures of good times. I forget to check post on mayo. This snapshot one is inspiring.
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2 ReactionsI feel glad for the ones who had the transplant ...but for the ones who cannot have it...we need prayers and hope for the future
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6 Reactions@mary612
Y’all are tugging at my heart strings this week! So many amazing photos from BMT friends! It’s seriously emotionally uplifting to see so many moments of happiness that simply would not be possible had we not been given a 2nd chance by these generous anonymous donors.
You and Dane…awww…such a beautiful couple. The light of happiness and gratitude radiating from those smiles! And the whopper fish with your little grandson! ☺️ That little guy has no idea how close he came to losing his grandpa! 😭
Ok I have to stop…cuz I’m getting tears on my keyboard, I’m not joking! Happy tears of course.
Thank you for sharing these moments! 💕
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