04/19/2025
One year ago I reluctantly went to the ED because Janis’ intuition (from years of being an incredible physician) said something is not right. He headed off to Nigeria and I to his Emergency Room. Feeling silly that I was going to the ED for some random bruises on my body I joked the entire time - that was until the staff came back in and said it looks like Leukemia! Well s**t!!
Worried about how I would tell Janis and my mom I first texted my bestie Emily and said “well f**k it looks like I have leukemia and I have literally binged every possible show there is to watch already” (or something close to that). Turns out I have approached the entirety (or close to it) of this process with humor. I haven’t really gotten angry and strangely I haven’t really cried. To the point where I have thought something might be wrong with me. But I’m not in denial and have my eyes wide open. Maybe it’s because all those around me have cried so much that I just need to balance things out.
Fast forward - It was infact AML, induction chemotherapy, no remission, second line chemo, remission, potentially Tālis as a stem cell donor but at the last minute some amazing young woman from Europe (who I still don’t know yet) was a better match, more chemo and radiation followed by a stem cell transplant in Aug/sept. My 6 month check up in March showed no residual disease. I don’t feel lucky (as one friend pointed out not to say) but I feel grateful.
To ALL those that came out to support me - with meals, gardening, visits, cards, gifts, money, gift cards to my kids, helping with my kids, helping with my husband, fun games at the hospital, wigs, countless care packages, prayers, thoughts, vibes, hugs and a million other small and large things that aren’t coming to me in this moment I THANK YOU ALL so very much. There are too many of you to name and that in itself is something I will be forever grateful for. Wait a second I think I’m actually crying now! 😳🥹
Here’s to the future. I have no idea what it holds -none of us really do. But by all means do not wait to enjoy life because life may throw you a curve ball.
