message from madubois63

madubois63 · 12-25-2006, 08:43 AM

It has been a while since I've posted (sorry). I killed my daughter's laptop while in the hospital (she doesn't know yet) and I've been really tired and also crazy withthe holidays. I hope everyone is as healthy as they can be and is enjoying life to the fullest. I know how hard that can be. Today, I am 52 days POST bone marrow transplant!! I have done very well so far. I have had minor reactions due to some of the MANY medications I am on. My body can't keep magnesium. I take these huge mag pills 4 times a day, eat pumpkin seeds and soak my feet in Epson salt (mag). My body shakes and I get terrible Charlie horse cramps, but this is doable compared to what I could be going through if I didn't have the transplant. My blood is still B+, but I have A+ characteristics - the war in my body has started. This is a good thing. I do get blood transfusions every week (normal at this stage in the game). I drive myself (freedom - yeah), I do light cleaning, food shopping and cooking. I have to rest a lot and do take naps every once in a while. A nurse told me I should be getting more energy after day 60 or so. I got a LOT of financial help for Christmas this year and was able to get almost everything the kids asked for. Roswell Park's Pastoral Care sent me a HUGE shippment (3 big boxes) of food and gifts for the kids. A local grassroots organization sent me a huge check for gifts and a local church gave me gift certificates for food and Wal-mart (my favorite store because they have those electric carts - look out). This Christmas would have been special even if there were nothing under the tree, but it is especially wonderful knowing there are such GREAT people out there to help. This has been a very hard 2 years for me, but it has also been very special. I have gotten such GREAT support from the ladies regularly soon. January 12th marks my 7th year of survivorship!!!! It's been a hell of a trip, but somehow I've come out of this a better person. I wish you all the most joyous wishes, dreams and life. I wish I could hug you all and tell you each how special you are to me.
with all my love....

-:¦:-Maryann -:¦:-´´

Karen W · 12-25-2006, 12:29 PM

Maryann,

Your message brings tears to my eyes because of your courage and strength.

Thank you for posting and letting us know how you are doing. I pray for peace and strength for you and your loved ones during this holiday season and the new year.

May all your dreams come true.

Hugs and healing prayers.

Karen

Sandy H · 12-25-2006, 02:37 PM

Maryann it is so good to hear from you. Glad it is finally behind you and you are moving on. Hope this new year will bring you peace and comfort as well as new energy and healing. Thanks for updating us during such a busy season for you with so little energy. Sending you and your children a big hug. Sandy

Mary Anne in TX · 12-25-2006, 03:32 PM

Maryann your news is so good! And your blessings are so deserved! Your great attitude about your transplant was such an encouragement to me! May you be blessed 7 X 7! Enjoy the day! God bless you!

tousled1 · 12-25-2006, 03:51 PM

MaryAnn,

So good to hear the good news! You have been and continue to be a true inspiration. I admire your courage through all that you have experienced. Wishing you a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.

lindaw · 12-25-2006, 03:55 PM

Dear Maryann

So good to see your post. I am glad your Christmas went well. Rest and enjoy the holidays with your family.

love
lindaw

sherri · 12-25-2006, 07:19 PM

Maryann,

Thank you for your post. You are such a brave woman. What you said it's so true about being a better person;I feel it too, I have more compassion and less arrogance.

We all love you and wishing you a better Xmas for next year.

Big hug,

heblaj01 · 12-25-2006, 10:49 PM

Maryann,

There is quite a number of courageous women on this board but I think that if Time magazine had nominations for cancer patients you would be Woman of the Year.
Best wishes to you & your family for the new year.

tricia keegan · 12-26-2006, 03:15 AM

Maryann

I'm so glad to hear you're coping well and had a good Christmas.
You deserve every good blessing in '07!!
Tricia

R.B. · 12-26-2006, 05:42 AM

What a journey !!

AND a great deal of credit and respect to you for the positive way in which you have dealt with it all and turned negatives into positives.

Humbling.

RB

TriciaK · 12-26-2006, 10:18 AM

It's so good to hear from you, Maryann---and it's good to feel of your tremendous spirit again. I believe that this life is like a school, but unlike most schools where you learn the lessons and then have the tests, , here we get the tests first and then we learn the lessons. The kind of tests we are going through either make us bitter or strengthen us so we learn to be more compassionate and humble. You have certainly earned an A+! It is my prayer that 2007 will be a great year for you, and you will continue to feel all the love and support around you as you grow stronger every day. You have been through so much, and yet we are all humbled by the great spirit that shines through your posts. Remember, we are all praying for you! Hugs, Tricia

kimber · 12-26-2006, 01:15 PM

I set up a post a week ago asking if anyone has heard from you! I was worried since you have not posted in a while.

I am so happy that you are doing so well Maryann!! You are like the energizer bunny! I pray that your batteries stay charged!!!

I will be toasting you wonder woman on this New Year's Eve!! God bless - kim

sarah · 12-26-2006, 01:21 PM

Great to hear you're terrific news! You such a brave and wonderful person and so inspiring.
thanks for hte update. It's also good to hear about nice people getting help. You deserve it and it's great that so many people felt that.
Keep getting better and keep that wonderful, optimistic attitude.
hugs
sarah

Bev · 12-26-2006, 08:49 PM

Hi,

I have a longer fuse these days. I never get angry anymore and I like that. I just really have a different perspective.

Glad to hear you're improving. Praying for a happy and healthy 07. Bev

Jean · 12-26-2006, 10:31 PM

Maryann,

So happy to read your post and glad to know that you had a wonderful
Christmas. You are in my prayers each day. Please keep us updated
as it is always so special to hear from you.

Hugs,
Jean

Barbara H. · 12-27-2006, 05:47 AM

Hi Maryann,
First of all I want you to know that you have been in my thoughts and it was so good to hear that your family had such a positive holiday celebration. I so admire your courage, and it sounds as if you still working with the long recovery of this transplant. You are truly a hero to us and I am hoping that 2007 will bring a truly year of real healing for you.
Best wishes,
Barbara H.

Diane H · 12-27-2006, 08:15 AM

So glad to hear that Christmas was good for you. Wishing you the best New year ever, love to hear your continued recovery. You are a special woman. Hugs to you and your family, Diane

Tom · 12-28-2006, 12:44 AM

Glad to hear you are progressing so well Maryann. I must admit that I was a little disappointed with news of you lounging around all day, taking cat naps, soaking your feet and eating rabbit food. Sounded a bit laid back to me. But then I was reassured when you described getting back to "womanly duties" such as grocery shopping, cooking, and cleaning. Before that, I was afraid that you were on the fast track to becoming an American princess. You know how we males get excited at the sound of a frying pan of a vacuum cleaner. It's music to one's ears...lol.

I considered applying for a position on the palace guard, so I might have access to some of the home cooking being done nearby. Not bad work if you can get it...lol. Seriously though, I am thrilled to hear you are doing so well. You are a constant source of joy and incouragement to many on this site. God Bless you and continue to provide for your complete recovery.

Fondly,
Tom

Leslie's sister · 12-28-2006, 11:16 PM

MaryAnn:

I have been reading your posts and looking forward to hearing that you continue to do well. You are an incredible human being, having been through so much. You continue to fight with a strong spirit and are an inspiration to anyone, even those of us w/o cancer. It is so wonderful to read that things are going so well for you. Please continue to post with updates. I pray for all the best for you and your family.

Her2nSue · 12-30-2006, 07:29 PM

Maryann,

I'm in agreement with every post I've read saying that you are beyond courageous, you give me and others strength through your courage with all that you have been through. It was wonderful to know that you were able to go home for Christmas and enjoy your family through the holidays. May your strength continue each day in the new year and enjoy your foot soaks, naps and seeds! A congratulations toast will be in your honor for being a strong 7 year survivor when I ring in the New Year at midnight tomorrow.

Sue