I Am A Survivor…
NEW BEGINNINGS
Today is a huge, gigantic, momentous day for me. Wow, that’s an understatement as there are not enough adjectives (superlatives) to describe the importance of May 12th. This day represents a “new” beginning for me, and actually, words really can’t define or explain the meaning of this day. I woke up today with a sense of joy, gratitude and thankfulness. As I wandered into the kitchen to make coffee (gotta have coffee) I experienced a surreal feeling that required a few minutes to comprehend the (reoccurring) meaning of May 12th. As I began to put this day into perspective, I was humbled by the realization that today is my 14 year stem cell transplant birthday. This day is a “BIG” day for me with so much glorious, awesome significance.
CANCER JOURNEY
Eight months prior to my stem cell transplant, on September 14, 2005, I heard those three words no one ever wants, plans or expects to hear in their life, “You Have Cancer!” More specifically I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). A diagnosis that surprised me and shock me to my core. At first I didn’t truly understand what having leukemia meant. I knew it was some kind of cancer, but not much more. All I knew (and could feel) was this sense of urgency by the nurses and doctors caring for me. I remember thinking, ‘I am getting way too much attention! Why?’ It didn’t take me long to understand the WHY! I had a 25 – 30% chance of surviving this type of cancer.
In an instant my life’s journey had changed and I was fighting for my life. I endured 5 rounds of chemo over 8 long, trying months and was ultimately blessed with a stem cell transplant that saved my life on May 12, 2006! This was my new birthday. A birthday I’ve celebrated every year since May 12, 2006!
NEW BIRTHDAY!
I remember the morning of May 12, 2006, like it was yesterday. The day was bright and sunny. I woke up early and prepared for the day ahead for me. I arrived at Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center (Dallas) and followed the same low-key routine I had many times before at the infusion center. Yet, there was something very different about the start of this day. The atmosphere was charged with an intensity I’d never felt before. I was fairly calm on the outside, but inside my heart was racing. I had waited eight long months for this day.
In the week preceding my stem cell transplant, I endured my fifth round of chemo to prepare my body for the donated stem cells. This was by far the most demanding chemo I had experienced. During the previous four rounds of chemo, I’d had side effects – an upset stomach, not wanting to eat, an aversion to certain smells, and periods of fatigue. But it was nothing like I’d heard about or expected. I was prepared to be sick all the time, so I considered myself fortunate, which sounds strange to think or say, when I wasn’t. Don’t get me wrong, my experience was far from pleasant, but I knew others who went through a lot worse than I did.
The pre-transplant chemo was a different story. It was tough. I recall feeling awful from the moment the chemo started coursing through my body. My stomach was violently upset, and I vomited more than enough times to make up for my previously mild side effects. So, needless to say, I was relieved when it was over.
When it was time for the transplant, an oncology nurse I had gotten to know very well came into the room with what looked like a bag of reddish/yellow oatmeal (my recollection) and hung it on the IV pole next to my chair. She attached it to my central line, and for the next forty-five minutes, the stem cells slowly dripped through the IV into my body. Every now and then, a nurse would shake up the bag to keep it from clogging up the line. When the last stem cell entered my body, I had a very surreal feeling. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but I knew something very different was going on inside me. I had this vision of stem cells darting all over my body searching for a new home. I’d learned that the transplanted cells travel to the appropriate bone cavities and begin replacing old, damaged bone marrow almost immediately. In some extraordinary way, I actually felt this happening and I wasn’t just imagining it.
SECOND CHANCE AT LIFE
When the transplant process was done, several nurses came into the room and congratulated me by singing “Happy Birthday.” This was such a “cool” feeling! May 12, 2006, would become my new birthday. I knew immediately that the transplant was my second chance at life. ‘How many times, I wondered, do you get one of those?’ In that moment of great joy, I was immensely grateful to the anonymous donor who selflessly made this second chance possible for me. That person made the momentous decision to make a difference in my life by giving me the opportunity to survive. This was a significant gesture! I knew it, and was grateful beyond words! On that day I became a “Survivor!”
Every step of my journey with leukemia was a learning process, and at times the learning curve could be pretty steep. Each new milestone in my progress presented new and unique challenges. I didn’t have a game plan, and there certainly wasn’t a cheat sheet to get me through every new stage. Now, hopefully on the road to recovery, there was only one goal ahead of me: to complete my fight with cancer and get back to normal.
I am humbled by the significance of my stem cell transplant birthday. Because of this birthday I am a “Survivor”! This was my second chance at life! I promised myself that I would not let this chance be wasted. I learned so much about me and life in such a short span of time. ! Most importantly, I learned that life is short and can change in the “blink of an eye.” I am thankful that today is just a normal day for me. Something I will not take for granted.
I have been blessed with so many remarkable experiences and moments over the past 14 years. Here are just a few of the highlights: Discovered The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Team in Training campaign in 2007 giving me the opportunity to train for 26 endurance events (22 marathons, 2 triathlons, 1 hundred mile cycle ride & 1 unforgettable hike) to raise awareness and money (over $200,000) for blood cancer research; Became an outspoken advocate for LLS, Be the Match & Carter Blood Care; Co-founded a non-profit race (Honored Hero Run) to raise money ($150,000) for blood cancer research; Met hundreds of inspiring, encouraging individuals, along the way, who I am proud to call friends.
THANK YOU!
Thank you to my family/friends who’ve supported and loved me over the years. To the special people in my life, I love you & appreciate your patience! Thank you to the doctors and nurses at Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center (Dallas). You are all “Rock Stars!” Thank you to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for the breakthrough research. You make a difference (every day) for patients and caregivers looking for hope & encouragement in their cancer journey. Thank you to Be The Match for connecting me with my life saving stem cell donor match. You are in the business of saving lives. Thank you to my stem cell donor who gave his time and effort to save my life. Words can’t express my gratitude and thanks for your selfless act to help me see another birthday.
Finally, I thank God every day for my second “chance”!
Have a terrific day! Finish YOUR Race!
Happy birthday Don. You have inspired me and many others during the past fourteen years!
Thank you Steve! I’ve tried to make a difference. Hopefully by sharing my story I can inspire someone to keep moving forward!