Sunday, December 31, 2006

a new year

hello,
it is december 31st and i am in north carolina. whoa, what a year. this time of year is one of hardest and greatest-i guess somewhat bittersweet. i was diagnosed december 3rd, 2003. then last year, after new year's i knew i was feeling sick again-actually january 1st and on january 9th, i started my reinduction chemotherapy. but this year, i am in north carolina with my family and that is what i have chosen to do. alison is here with me. i chose not to stay in new york and to have it be more quiet this year. or louder, but with my family.
we arrived in NC on christmas eve and will be leaving on january 2nd. the longest i've been away since my transplant. the weather has been really great here. mostly in the 60s.
this year started off with reinduction chemotherapy-then having my birthday at home-then having the flu-then having a stem cell transplant. then the recovery that is still occurring. starting my classes online and working with the head of psychology 5 months post transplant-and finishing my classes in december. i received all a's and was asked to be the speaker at the graduation. to having many of my family members and close friends attend the event -which was really special to me. and then here i am...now i have to start paying student loans. i am post transplant 8 months.
the doctor said that 9-12 months typically starts chronic gvhd, so i have to continue to watch how things are going and to not start any work type things because of the chronic gvhd.
it is so important to have family and friends and believe. regardless of what you believe in, it is amazing to have the support. i know everyone's situation is different and there is life out there for everyone. a stem cell/bone marrow transplant really alters your own life and the ones closest to you. and there are things as a recipient of this care you never forget.
i actually have to go take my pills right now. i love you and thank you so much for being a part of my life.
i will post up my graduation speech later.
have a happy and healthy new year.
love
jennifer

Monday, December 11, 2006

checking in.

hello,
last week i had a check up on tuesday and my white blood cells have dropped a little bit. this is room for some concern, so on december 19th, i will be going in for more blood work and i will also be getting a test to see if anything is going on. hopefully it will be okay.
i am also in the middle of finishing up school so i can graduate. i have a graduation ceremony on the 18th of december, which is next monday. The school has asked me to be the graduation speaker, so that is an honor. i have sent them a speech-i have to practice. this of course, makes me nervous, but i think it will be great.
i have been feeling tired lately. i think i am just stressed by the blood work results, finishing up school and graduation.
i wanted to write a quick update to let everyone know what is going on.
i hope everyone is doing well.
i will update more later.
love
jenn