Today marks 17 years since my stem cell transplant. I know I've told the story a million times, but I'll say it again...
In the summer of 1999 I relapsed with leukemia. After radiation and more chemo, I was given a stem cell transplant from an umbilical cord - from Australia! The doctors were unsure of it's success rate, and gave me 6 months to a year at best.
It's now 17 years later - so that is some extended warranty!
Of course the radiation and chemo have left extensive after effects, such as organ problems, bone problems, diabetes, eye problems and increased susceptibility to other diseases - including my recent go round with breast cancer. As Dr. G. once said, it's just the 'gift that keeps on giving'. But I've also overcome many of them. I was told I'd have learning problems and motor function problems - but I knocked those out of my way!
A year ago marks the end of my last round of chemo and soon I'll have my last reconstruction surgery. Something to celebrate now and something to celebrate later ^.^
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