Five Years and Counting

March 13th was the 5th anniversary of my leukemia diagnosis and I must say, I've been doing pretty darn good for an old broad. I reflect back on that fateful day in 2009 when I received the news--I had Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia in blast-crises stage. I was scared and exhausted from all the poking and prodding that commenced. The only thing I was able to control was my thinking, so, I chose to hold onto the notion that I was going to be okay; that I wasn't going to die. I believe that positive attitude made all the difference.

Today I live a normal, happy, healthy life, at least for the most part. Having leukemia probably aged me a bit; I know it definitely changed my thinking about life's big questions, so whose to say I wouldn't have encountered the same minor health issues I'm facing today even if I hadn't gotten leukemia. Geez, I'm not getting any younger! Everyday I count my blessings, cherish my friendships, and love spending time with my family - they are what's important.

My next oncology appointment is April 10th, 2014 when I meet my new oncologist, Dr. Doug Smith. In a previous post I wrote of my heartbreak of my beloved Dr. Carraway moving to Cleveland - oh, how I miss her. I still go to JHH every 4 months for blood work even after 5 years. I am hopeful that this time my appointments will jump to every 6 months. God Bless All!

Look for more news of my upcoming Leukemia Lymphoma Team in Training Fundraiser to take place this summer.