5 Months Post Transplant

It's hard to believe that I was receiving my new stem cells 5 months ago today. And even harder to believe that my journey with MDS started one year ago on Sept. 6th. It's been quite a journey which I couldn't have made without the hand of my Lord leading me and giving me strength to overcome each new obstacle. Jerry, Stephen and Nathan have been my cheering squad. And all my friends and family have been my support system. I am feeling extremely blessed.

I feel strong and my side effects are minimal. I continue to receive physical therapy for my frozen right shoulder. At this point my range is almost normal and I mainly need to strengthen the muscles that got so weak by none-use. I will start my third cycle of chemo on September 29th and will have another bone marrow biopsy that day.

Below is a photo from the summer issue of the MD Anderson Messenger magazine. The stem cell floors have a Pole (IV poles) Parade each Easter and this issue discussed the parade and several photos of the patients. The photo below shows Jerry and me at the Parade.  I'm the masked and gowned person standing next to Jerry with the pole that says "He is Risen"! I wanted to convey the true meaning of my celebration of Easter! So there you go!