Dear Friends,  

Throughout my cancer journey, “How are you doing?” is the most often question I’ve been asked. So, how am I doing you ask? Well, … I’ll tell you.  

It’s been over 5 months since my leukemia diagnosis. During that time, I've experienced several rounds of chemo therapy, continuous nausea with plenty of throwing up, extreme fatigue, dry eyes, mouth and throat sores that prevented me from eating, swallowing and even talking. My skin became drier than the desert, the first layer of my nails on both hands began to come off. Talk about PAIN!! I wore latex gloves for several months to prevent my nails from being torn off, and as expected, all my hair fell out. Sorry to be so graphic but, I’m not sugar coating anything here! 

Then … as many of you know, on June 19th I became a Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation (HCT) transplant recipient where I received a total of 11 million life saving HCT from my brother, Steve. 

Once again, people asked … “How are you doing?”

Well, … as a Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation (HCT) transplant recipient, I take 15 medications every day.  There are also side effects from the Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation (HCT) transplant … why of course there are!! These included severe rashes on my face (I looked a fright but the Lord saw me as beautiful), scalp rashes that itched Iike nobody’s business, lower G-I problems caused by some of my medications whereby I was prescribed yet another medication to heal the gut. I developed a blood clot near my carotid artery and because of it I had to have the central line (a line used to give me treatments) completely removed. Thank goodness I still had a port on the other side of my chest. I’ve had CT scans, Ultrasounds, X-rays, and EKGs. I’m happy to report that the result of these tests were all good. 

I wish I had a dollar for every person who told me to “think positive” or “stay strong”. If that were the case, I’d have no outstanding medical bills! Oh, and just for the record, thinking positive thoughts did NOT diminish any of my side effects. LOL 

You may ask … was going through all this worth it??  You bet it was! I am in remission! The Myeloid cells where my Leukemia was present is free from any risidual cancer. Praise the Lord!! 

I experienced days without sunshine but the light of the Lord was always present. I anticipated God’s goodness and he flooded my heart with His love. He is greater than any temporary shadow that cancer casts so I have not been in despair. Though my body needs to rebuild it’s immune system, it is well with my soul. Make a joyful noise and sing praises to the Lord with me for He has done marvelous things for all of us!

It will still be some time before I’m able to resume activities and return to work but rest assured, as soon as I’m able, I’ll be back! I’m so looking forward to that day. Until then my friends, walk and live in the light of the Risen Lamb.

God’s Blessings!

Sandy