My yearly check up for bone marrow tranplant...
 

My first yearly follow-up check up for my bone marrow transplant finally happened. I was supposed to go in December, but had to have the biopsy of my lung. Now, you must understand, getting to this appointment is no easy feat. I live on Long Island and had the transplant 8 hours away in Buffalo, NY. I once again flew to Buffalo with Angel Flights American. If anyone ever needs their services, please let me know. This is a GREAT organization. Private plane owners donate their own planes, gas and time to fly patients to appointments/treatments for free. The planes are small (4 passenger), but it is a lot of fun. I even got to fly one of the planes for a bit!! :) Once I got to Buffalo, I stayed at the American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge (also for free).

I saw the hospital's dentist and had to have another tooth pulled (they pulled 3 for the transplant) - ouch!! To save the tooth, I would have to have surgery on the bone. It would be a huge procedure and my counts and pocketbook just aren't up to it right now. After that fun morning, I saw almost everyone that took care of me including my physical therapist. The therapist said she wasn't billing me because there wasn't anything for her to do. All the doctors were happy with my progress. My counts are a little low, but I am on chemo for the bc. It took everyone a little while to recognize me. Last time they saw me, I was bald and about 40 lb heavier.

I filled out an application to contact/meet my donor. I just have to wait for her to answer...I did learn that she is from Germany. I was told that a lot of donors are from there. I would have never guessed...

After a full day of appointments, I met my dearest friend Ursula for dinner. Ursula and I met on the AOL bc support site. When she heard I was going to be in Buffalo for the transplant, she adopted me. She came to visit and called all the time. It was very nice to have a local friend.

On Saturday, I crossed the border and visited Niagara. I love America, but must admit the Falls are much nicer on the Canadian side. I flew home on Sunday. It was snowing and I was a little worried I would get snowed in. We flew through the snow and rain, but all in all it was a great flight. I slept through Monday....glad to be home!!!

Hi Maryann,

Sounds like you had a wonderful day and all went well. I'm happy for you. I really amhttp://www.her2support.org/vbulletin...cons/icon7.gif I've never told you this before but I love your avatar. You look like such a fun, loving girl who is very pretty.

God is good..............

Mary Jo

Maryann,
Thank you for the update, can't believe it is a year already - yes you have come such a long way. You are truly our hero. I hope you are
still holding my green lady....please do.

So happy for you and Congratulations on your first year bonetransplantversary....whew that is a long one.

Love and Hugs,
jean

Maryann
Time has flown...it doesn't seem like a year already...what a great milestone and one of many you will celebrate.....you always make sweet lemonade out of whatever life hands you.....you amaze me! What a role model you are for all of us....congratulations and many many more to you~~~~~~~

Hi Maryann,

I am glad things went well for you and that you even got to do a little site seeing. Good for you. You are amazing.

Tonya

Maryanne,

Glad it was a good day for you and so many are there for you. Happy days!

Maryanne,

Time sure does fly by - it doesn't seem like it's been a year already! I'm sure if I were in your shoes I'd be saying yes it's been a year, a very long year. Glad that everything went so well for you. You are a true warrior and an inspiration to us all.

Wow Maryann, you had a really busy two days!! I can't believe that it has been a year since your transplant. I am happy that although your counts are a little low that all and all they are happy w/ how well you are doing. I hope that the bc tx is kicking cancer bootie to the curb.

That would be terrific if you are able to meet your donor. I know that the donor will feel so blessed to make your aquaintance. You are an incredible lady who has lifted so many of us up with your strength. I am thankful for her, too.

Hugs,
Lexi

Maryann, It's seems like you had the royal treatment. Good for you! I'm glad the day went well and you are doing well also. Joan

Hi MaryAnn,

Thanks for posting this update. I grew up in a town 20 minutes from Niagara Falls on the Canadian side - St. Catharines. We would go to Buffalo all the time. Glad you made it over to "our" side - because as you say the view is really prettier from the Canadian side.

Glad your check-up was good. I hope you are doing well.

all the best
caya

Oh Maryann,

What wonderful news! And it sounds like you had a blast and you so deserve it. I am so glad for you! All my best my friend.

Whewww!!
 

MadameD, you made me tired just hearing of your adventures. Ed's best friend does these flights and gets so much joy doing so. He has saved so many people grief by donating himself to this good cause. I am so happy that you received help from these 'special Angels'. Have not been to the Falls in a while but my favorite is the Canadian side too! I also want to mention my thanks to that donor for unselfishly giving of herself to you. To help someone she has never met that is not just purely beautiful, it is priceless. I did not get the chance to PM you with what you need from me but I will do so soon. Did I mention how I thank you also for unselfishly giving to us here. Thanks for your personal help MaryAnne, I love you. >>Believe51

PS: Your friend is lucky to have you so close 'cause I had plans to adopt you!! LOL

.....and I do so hope you will be able to do the New England get together!!