Dear Friends and Family,
Over the past many months of illness and uncertainty, Nancy’s disease has given us many new dates to celebrate.
Her new transplant birthday.
The one-hundred-day post-transplant milestone.
Our joyous return home.
Each and every negative bone marrow test.
Tonight, however, when I looked at the time and date—I didn’t know whether to celebrate or cry.
Last year on this date and at this time, give or take several minutes, the emergency room doctor at LDS Hospital confirmed my fear that Nancy had leukemia. Tonight, Nancy has made it to her “one year out” tests and she has passed all her tests with flying colors. A year out, there is still no sign or hint of leukemia recurrence. Her new, infant bone marrow is maturing nicely. And her lungs are working just fine, recovering from the damage caused by the many toxic drugs.
Despite the bumps, the overall picture is crystal clear: Nancy is remarkably better than two months ago and light years different from this day one year ago.
Summary: Last May 29, I was told Nancy had leukemia. The cancer doctor told me he doubted Nancy would survive the holiday weekend. I have not forgotten that fateful night even though a full year has passed. I feel blessed and in awe. And I want you all to know something else that is very important, too—we couldn’t have made it without your support.
Warmly,
Winnie