I'm leaving on a jet plane...
 

Actually, it's a small 4 passenger private plane...I am off on my next adventure!! I am leaving Monday morning for Buffalo. Taking an Angel Flight (free) by myself. Got labs and then a dentist appointment to do that day. Staying at Hope Lodge (also free through the American Cancer Society) until I get admitted on Saturday. On Tuesday, I have to get an EKG, chest x-ray, see a social worker, nutritionist and the physical therapist. Wednesday, my sister is coming in for the family meeting. Thursday, is the caregiver meeting. More labs and they are replacing my Hickman catheter on Friday (I am NOT happy about that!!!). I get admitted on Saturday and chemo starts and goes until my sons birthday on the 26th :( The transplant is scheduled for the 27th. I'm freaking out a little, tears come easy when I look at my kids (ugh - I wish that would stop). My mind is racing about all the things that need to be done before I leave...I have been meaning to write everyone, but I run around all day like a chicken without it's head and then pass out the second I sit down. I had to get my car inspected so it would be ready when I get back and not illegal, I had to bring the dog to the vet for his shots, I replaced ceiling fans (one sparked/went on fire the last time I was in the hospital), I have to shop, cook, clean and pay the bills, cancel deliveries and appointments...ugh!! I'm going to need the hospital stay just for the rest!! I will try and stay in touch. I expect to be in Buffalo about 2 months - ugh!! This is 8 hours away from my home and I don't expect to see my kids, dog or many friends during this time. Please pray for my mom to hold up through all of this. She is taking care of my kids, the house, my dog, my nephews when my sister comes to visit and her own life...Thanks for all the prayers and well wishes!! I could not get through this without all of you!!!

I am praying for you and your family. I don't post much but I read a lot of the posts and you are a strong, beautiful woman and I am so glad you have the family support you need. Wishing you the best from my heart and soul.

Best of luck Maryann. You have struggled for this and God has placed this for yu to get well. I am sure of this.


Lots of thoughts for your transplant and recovery

MCS ( maria)

Maryann, as I've said many times, you amaze me! I am so very proud of you even though we've never met. You deserve the absolute best of everything, I wish I were closer to you, I'd tag along and do anything I could to help you. There are a lot of cancer sisters and a lot of cancer stories here, but you, you dear sweet woman, are my inspiration. I pray for you constantly and I will keep your mom in my prayers as well. I'll be praying for you every step of the way and I'm sure when we all start storming heaven with our prayers, He will hear us.
I love you as a sister
Susan

Maryann,

What you go through, we all go through. Truly, we are all bonded together in our collective fights. I join the others on the Board in wishing you strength, peace and great success with your procedure. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Cynthia

I wish you well..."Let go and let God" is hard to practice, but there are times when you need to sit back and let others help you. I will pray for your mom, your sister and your children. I will pray mostly for you though. You are a strong and courageous person, and you've handled everything so well. Although at a distance, we'll never leave your side! Be Well!

Maryann,
Dear beautiful lady..... I hope you will use these next few days before your flight to TAKE CARE of YOU and play, laugh (cry) with your darling kids. Pack your emotional bag full with these moments and memories... to last you the full two months you'll be away!

Once again, hoping hard you'll be treated with compassion and kindness your entire stay and throughout treatments.
Wrapping you in warm thoughts,
with love,
pattyz

Hi Maryann!

I'm praying for you, your mom, kids, dog, etc. that this 2 months is a special time for them because they know it is a time that is meant for healing you.
God bless you and your family and may you receive the peace and courage needed each step of the way.
You're already blessing me!
mary anne

Maryann, What can I add but my love and prayers! You are such an inspiration to all of us in every way. We will all be praying for you and your family. Hugs, Tricia

MaryAnn,

You are truly an inspiration to us all. I'm so happy that your transplant is finally go to take place. You are truy blessed. Wishing you a speedy recovery. You should be home in time for a real Holiday celebration.

Good luck Maryann, I'm sure the time will fly by and you'll be back with your kids in no time. Just think how spoiled they will be by then!
We'll all be thinking of you and hope you can check in from Buffalo.
Good luck,
Jen

Good luck Maryann
 

and may your transplant be successful and your recovery swift. Huggs. Take care and God bless.

Rhonda

Its amazing how much love and life you have orbiting you... You're special. Hope all goes well and look forward to hearing from you soon.

Maria (MTS)

Maryann,
My thoughts will be with you and I am hoping that all will go well. You are a true inspiration.
Best wishes,
Barbara

Wishing you the best Maryann and a speedy recovery.

Bobbi

Good Luck, Maryann, Take pictures of your children and thoughts of our love with you. I'm glad you're here to say Ugh! We are all your sisters and we will be there holding your hand, keeping watch through the night, circled in prayer around you at all times. Much love, Vickie H

Best wishes...we will all be thinking of you. Kool

Dear Maryann, I will be praying for you and all your caregivers as you travel this journey. God Bless You and Your Family. Love. Lu Ann.

Hi Mary Ann,

I too, will be praying for you and your family during this time. You are a strong and courageous women and I applaud you. You are a true inspiration and I look forward to hearing how this experience went after your sucessful surgery. I will continue to think of you and pray for you during this time. Best wishes!

Maryann, I'll keep you and your family in my prayers and hope for the best during your stay in Buffalo. Wish I could meet you and give you a hug and tell you everything will be okay...I remember when I was at my lowest point during this cancer ordeal and I, too, would look at my kids and just cry...I hope you can feel all the love we have for you on this board --we're all pulling for you!

Dear Maryann,
what an inspiration you are.
You have come through so much and now, are back on this uphill struggle again, yet, you have this terrific spirit, which I know will get you over this "Mountain".
I wish you a very speedy recovery and hope you are back with your family soon.
I am lighting a candle, with you and your family in mind.

God Bless
Geraldine

Dear MaryAnne

All the best - will be thinking of you. Wish I was closer ( am in Australia) so i could help you out.

love
linda

Good luck and will keep praying for a successful recovery. hugs, Sandy

Dear Maryann,
My thoughts are with you and your family and for your speedy recovery. You're so brave and inspiring to all of us.
Take some books on tape with you to listen to when you're too tired to watch tv or read and some soothing music.
big hug and love
sarah

Dear MaryAnne,

Big hugs coming from California. Prayers too for a full recovery and comfort for you and your family.


Love,
Lexi

Dear Maryann


You are an amazing woman. Everytime I read your posts, I am more and more certain of it. I don't think I could handle all you have since your journey started so many years ago. The most incredible thing is that you do not feel sorry for yourself - no "why me's" (at least on this board - I would not blame you if you did - it all seems too much). But your guardian angel is with you. You made it through all the intense chemo and an exact match was found for your transplant and that person was not only not a family member but (if I remember correctly), doesn't even live in the USA.

I will be thinking constantly of you. With your will and determination, you will succeed and be home by Christmas which is your wish. None the less, it will be an incredibly Happy New Year and a new start on life.

With much respect and admiration

Becky

Hang in there girl! God bless you during your upstate NY medical venture. Many prayers,Robin

Once again, thank you for all the well wishes and prayers. A beautiful statue of Saint Padre Pio (a surprise gift) and many religious relics that I find great comfort in will be traveling with me, along with many angels and many of my bc sisters (and brothers) in spirit. I will not be physically alone for long. My sister is coming in on Wednesday and we are working on the schedule for at least one person to be there with me for most of my stay. I have an on-line friend that lives in Buffalo that will also pop in to visit along with her sister, and another on-line friend's daughter/son-in-law that wants to meet me and help out. It is not the best way to meet people, but I will accept any help I can get! I have a busy day ahead of me but just wanted to say thank you and let you all know that I am thinking of YOU and praying for YOU. I look forward to the day that I can devote my energy to helping others and not worrying about me so much!!! There are no support groups for bc survivors that have gotten leukemia from treatment. I am finding that there are more of us than I previously thought. I may have to take an idea from Christine and Joe in the future...My love and prayers to you all...Maryann

You have my prayers and wishes that you remain as strong as you are and make it through this. You are always so upbeat and positive and have such an incredible strength. You have been an inspiration to everyone on this forum and I know you can make it through this. Best of luck and may all go very well.

Leaving on jet plane
 

Dear Maryann,

I wish you only the very best for your recovery. I'm sure things will go well while you are gone with your children and their activities, you sound like a very organized person. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

hugs,

ginkott1@aol.com

Maryann, lots of love and hugs going out to you as you embark on this journey...I KNOW you'll get through this with flying colors, and I'll be praying for you.

<3 Lolly

Good luck from Ireland!
 

Maryann I always read your posts and admire your courage so much.You always seem so cheerful and have so much on your plate right now.
I'll be thinking of you along with everyone else here and praying everything goes well and you're back home as soon as possible.
Take care of you:)
Tricia

Maryann, many prayers for successful treatment and speedy recovery; we are all with you in spirit.

Take care of yourself.

Love
Chris

My Blessing As Well
 

Maryanne,
Isn't it wonderful to have so many friends? And what a great mother you have! Family and friends are what it is all about. You are very blessed in so many ways. I will ask God to watch over you tonight in my prayers.
Warmest Wishes,
Annemarie

Best wishes coming your way, I'm sure that you will come through this in your typical way and be posting good news soon.

Hope everything goes smoothly for you in this new treatment plan.

Maryann;

God bless. You know we are all praying for you and watching your progress through this horrid mess of one thing after another. I do agree with Lolly.....may you be ok by Christmas and ready to celebrate with your family a wonderful, happy, healthy New Year. We are with you all the way.

Best regards,

Cathy

Dear Maryann,

You are such an inspiration. Just heard this quote today about courage. Mark Twain wrote it, but I think you are a shining example.

"Courage is the mastery of fear, not the absence of fear."

You & your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
G.Ann

Best wishes Maryann. We cancelled our trip to celebrate MIL's 80th up due to weather. Oh what a surprise, not. You can do it! BB

I'm thankful to hear from you Maryann and glad you are making connections with others as you take on the next step. You are our eyes in sharing so much of what it is like with us. I hope there will come a time when you can put all of what you learn together so that it can guide any other "Maryann" who suddenly has to handle it all... In the meantime, you are very much in my thoughts.

AlaskaAngel

Maryann

You are unbelievable! You are still running around everywhere, after all that you have been through, and about to go through. My thoughts are definitely with you and your family. You know you can do this. Stay strong.

Lots of love

Lisa