3 Year Anniversary of BMT

This weekend marks my 3rd anniversary of my bone marrow transplant in 2009.  It doesn't feel like it's been that long, but it has.  It's been a wild ride over the last few years, but overall, I'm doing quite well.  Thanks to the transplant, I'm still in remission and getting a little stronger every day.  In the last few weeks, I've probably felt better than I have since the start of treatment 3 years ago.  


In April, I started a program called Pulmonary Rehabilitation.  It's basically a fancy term for a workout session, while they monitor my saturation (oxygen levels) and my blood pressure.  It's an hour long each time, 3 days a week.  It's mostly treadmill work with the use of rowing machines, bikes and weight lifting.  I hate exercise and I always have.  But I can honestly say that I do feel better because of it.  My breathing has improved a little, but what's more become more affected is my energy levels.  I feel that when the days go on, I have more continued strength to do the things I want to do or need to do.  


I haven't really mentioned this publicly yet, but I will now.  A few months back, we finally made contact with my donor.  Yes, THE donor.  I will not mention her identity here, but we've shared stories over email and pictures.  We are anxious to meet her someday in person.  She seems like a delightful person and we're looking forward to learning more about one another.  It's amazing how long it actually takes to establish a link between parties, but the hospitals have those privacy policies in place to protect both sides.  And with good reason.  


So...this weekend, sit back.  Relax.  Have a drink.  Or two.  Or five.  Enjoy the weather.  Stop and smell the roses.  Why?  Because you CAN.  We're going to. Because put simply, 3 years ago tomorrow, my donor gave me the ability to continue on with my life to enjoy these times.  And by golly, that's what I'm going to do.