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Snapshots of hope: Life on the other side of transplant.

Posted by Lori, Volunteer Mentor @loribmt, Feb 24, 2022

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?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Transplants Support Group.

myfablife | @myfablife | Oct 31, 2022

Ditto to johnoregon. I just had my 2yr. Liverversary I was 236 lost over 50lbs of ascities exercise, clean eating I am at 172. You r so right I am ❤️❤️ my second chance at life also.
Enjoying working in my yard/flowers I have just rescued a new pup who really makes my heart happy.
Life is great💚 so very happy for u.

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Mentor
Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Oct 31, 2022
In reply to @myfablife "Ditto to johnoregon. I just had my 2yr. Liverversary I was 236 lost over 50lbs of..." + (show)
@myfablife

Ditto to johnoregon. I just had my 2yr. Liverversary I was 236 lost over 50lbs of ascities exercise, clean eating I am at 172. You r so right I am ❤️❤️ my second chance at life also.
Enjoying working in my yard/flowers I have just rescued a new pup who really makes my heart happy.
Life is great💚 so very happy for u.

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☺️ we love seeing pictures…hint hint. 🐶🐾

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abhinav83 | @abhinav83 | Nov 1, 2022
In reply to @abhinav83 "I do hope you have fully recovered by now and leading a normal life. Do let..." + (show)
@abhinav83

I do hope you have fully recovered by now and leading a normal life. Do let me know what restrictions are you following post transplant.

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Hey
For how long were you on the waitlist? was there any nervousness just before taking you to the OT? Thinking about surgeries n all makes me nervous, though i am mentally prepared, but those preparations just before the surgery sometimes give me goosebumps.

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Mentor
Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Nov 1, 2022

Here is a "Golden Oldie" Transplant Discussion about achieving a normal life after transplant that was made into a feature by Mayo Clinic using the tips shared by us, the members, on Connect!
- Living Life after your Transplant
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/living-life-after-your-transplant/

@jackiez, @abhinav83, @arqui02000, @johnnoregon, @loribmt, @myfablife - I'm tagging you to look, read, learn and to share your ideas.

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John | @johnnoregon | Nov 3, 2022
In reply to @loribmt "Hi @johnnoregon! It’s never too late to hear about a successful transplant story. When we share..." + (show)
@loribmt

Hi @johnnoregon! It’s never too late to hear about a successful transplant story. When we share about the upside of our second chance at life it really helps encourage anyone about to embark on the same journey.
And wow, is yours ever a positive story! To have lost 100 pounds over this past year is incredible, especially with 60 of those pounds having been retained fluids! That’s like carrying around almost 8 gallon jugs of fluid! Exhausting.

Your body sounds like it’s functioning perfectly now. Beating able to return to a normal lifestyle after being limited for 10 years has to feel like a miracle. I’m so happy you’re back in the saddle again, whether it’s horse or Harley! Congrats on the liver transplant and the new Harley!

Any road trips in the future? How about a photo to share??

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What is really great is the fact a few weeks ago a switch in my head tripped and mentally I feel 100%. My deep hope for everyone in this community can feel like this. It’s gotten cold in Oregon, so not riding, but here is me and a few of my bikes in my shop.
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Mentor
Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Nov 4, 2022
In reply to @johnnoregon "What is really great is the fact a few weeks ago a switch in my head..." + (show)
@johnnoregon

What is really great is the fact a few weeks ago a switch in my head tripped and mentally I feel 100%. My deep hope for everyone in this community can feel like this. It’s gotten cold in Oregon, so not riding, but here is me and a few of my bikes in my shop.

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@johnnoregon Yeppers, the cold snap this week had my husband put his Goldwing away for the winter, along with his CanAm Ryker. The V-Strom is under cover outside. A kidney transplant recipient, he just had his annual evaluation at Portland's Legacy Good Samaritan yesterday. Like you, he loves to get out on two wheels [or 3 with the Ryker!]. This time of year, he will be doing more in his old Jeep.

I really appreciate your attitude, and how great that you felt that mental "click" of acceptance and gratitude.
Ginger

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Karen51 | @karen51 | Nov 6, 2022
In reply to @abhinav83 "Hey For how long were you on the waitlist? was there any nervousness just before taking..." + (show)
@abhinav83

Hey
For how long were you on the waitlist? was there any nervousness just before taking you to the OT? Thinking about surgeries n all makes me nervous, though i am mentally prepared, but those preparations just before the surgery sometimes give me goosebumps.

Jump to this post

Fortunately I was not on the transplant list long. I received a Hep C positive liver. I already had Hep C and had very little time left. So when they called and ask me if I wanted this liver of course I said yes. I was not too frightened. My life was in the balance. I am now 11 years post transplant with no Hep C and great checkups. Mayo is great.

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l0lag0lag0b3 | @l0lag0lag0b3 | Nov 6, 2022

"My Donor - My Wife - My Life". being in the AKF zone prior to the transplant .. I could attend our only child's wedding post transplant !
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dlovdahl | @dlovdahl | Nov 19, 2022

Hi all,

Just received my kidney gift of life from a dear friend October 27. Here’s a picture of my loving with and caregiver as I got to ring the bell. I feel truly blessed to get such an amazing gift and even more special who it came from. Looking forward to many new adventures in my life.

My personal motto and meaning of it is in the pictures.

Love everyone’s stories!!

Dan
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