It’s summertime. That means vacations, cookouts, swimming, outdoor shenanigans, and having an excuse to wear little to no clothing. However, for the very young, old, and people who have health conditions, we have to be very aware of the heat index. Falling under two of those categories, you can imagine that I am not able to participate in the fun typical summer activities. If you’re reading this closely, you may be wondering why I said that I was two of those things. Well, obviously I’m still battling health issues but I’m also a baby. I was “reborn” on 7/31/14. Which brings us to the biggest milestone yet…
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| Dr. K. going over my progress after the transplant. |
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| Incredibly weak but I remember being very excited to go home. |
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| So hairless. |
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| The New Michele. |
I’m Turning 1 Year Old!
My “re-birthday” is July 31, 2015. It will have been a year since I had my cord blood transplant. So much has happened. (Such an understatement) I’ve been next to death on multiple occasions and yet I’m still here. The reason it is such a huge milestone is that for a transplant patient if they make it to their year mark, then the odds of leukemia coming back are slim . It’s certainly something to celebrate and be proud of everything that I’ve overcome.
Last week I had mentioned to the hubby that all I wanted was to feel special that day. We can’t travel, be around a lot of people, and I’m doing good with the food my mom cooks right now. Me and restaurants are not a good mix just yet. So as you can see we’re pretty limited. I would be happy with just a few Mylar balloons…and maybe a rainbow chip cupcake and maybe one million dollars.
It Just Got Worse
– Everything happens for a reason.
– You have to stay strong and positive.
– God doesn’t give us more than we can handle. (I do actually like this one but please not right now.)
– It could always be worse. (Another one that I liked up until yesterday.)
These are a few sayings I would prefer to not hear once I get out what I’m getting ready to say. So many people struggle with finding the right words to say to those who have faced and are facing tragedy. I’m here to tell you that at times…there are no words. There’s only the truth and the truth sucks. “I’m sorry. That is awful.” That’s better than searching for words of wisdom. Don’t get wordy or flowery, just be honest. You can give words of inspiration if the sucking passes.
Picture it; 1992 a 2-story white house in Henry, Va where I grew up. My mom comes home one day and has something she needs to tell me. She sits me down and with much care says, “Mommy has breast cancer.” Nine year old Michele started bawling and said “I don’t want you to die.” (What?? I was 9! Definitely not what you want to do in that situation though.) Well, that nine year old girl re-emerged yesterday when mom tells me for the second time in her life that she has breast cancer.
My mother, my best friend, my sister, and my full time caregiver. My everything. We’re all asking ourselves, after everything that’s happened, “now this?” The house is filled with sadness and my heart hurts more now than ever before. I’ve been both blessed and spoiled by everything she has done since my diagnosis. She has taken the role of caregiver to an entirely different level and I know that without a doubt, I would not be here today if it wasn’t for her.
Trailing Winds are Coming
Now here we are. We go to a Breast Cancer Dr. next week to talk about what the next steps are in her treatment. So I’ll still be a recovering leukemia/transplant patient while my mom has to go in for surgery, possible chemo, and radiation. You may be in shock as are we. It’s unbelievable. How much more can this family take in such a small amount of time?
With me still on the road to recovery and as weak as a duckling and now my mother having cancer, we will need all the help we can get. Mainly around the house. If you feel compelled to lend a helping hand, please let us know. More than anything and more now than ever, we ask for your prayers. For my mother to beat breast cancer…again. For me to heal quicker now so that I can do as much for myself and her as I possibly can. And for us to all stay strong for one another. She’s been strong for me these past 19 months. Now it’s my turn to be strong for her.
Reminder: Camp Mann 2015 is coming up on August 9, 2015. The silent auction items that will be available are pretty awesome in addition to live music, a “chill” lounge/tent, food trucks, and a dunk tank.
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