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

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

rinaina · 01-04-2007, 01:51 PM

I can't thank you enough Maryanne for being such a strong inspiration to all of us. I tell myself daily, "If Maryanne can make it through all she has, then I can keep going and appreciating everyday that is given to me. I am a very fortunate woman to have been diagnosed early on however we all know the quirkiness of this her2 thing. I am so happy that you are doing as well as can be expected and that so many came through for you and your family during this time. Please take care and do not over do...sounds like you are doing so much already. You truly are incredible.