Mary Sansone is a two-time survivor of acute myeloid leukemia. Make amends for all of Mary’s blogs right here!
Little issues are including up. Some conflicts at work. Vacation spending issues. Some loneliness.
It’s possible you’ll be studying this after Thanksgiving. As I wrote this, I used to be making my Thanksgiving cranberry dish for the feast. The household will likely be gathering at my brother’s dwelling. They declare to love my cranberry dish, however I feel they’re assigning me one thing straightforward to make on condition that my cooking and baking historical past is dismal.
Then why am I completely satisfied? The canine present is on Thanksgiving!
I really like canines. I’m excited to see the Purina canine present after the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade tomorrow. After I was first identified with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in 2016, my golden retriever Payton visited me proper outdoors the hospital in Illinois, earlier than I began my therapy. He was like a son and gave me an additional motive to reside. He sadly handed proper earlier than I bought my second analysis of AML and a bone marrow transplant in 2020.
I bear in mind taking a stroll with Payton within the winter climate between chemo and transfusion classes. I instantly couldn’t cease shaking. We circled instantly. I began shivering violently. I put my fingers underneath sizzling water, however my tooth clacked so exhausting that I believed I’d not solely chip a tooth however break my jaw! I hovered over an area heater, however the clacking wouldn’t cease. I couldn’t get the thermometer to remain in my mouth, nor might I dial 911 as I used to be shivering so badly.
It was Payton’s dinner hour when he would usually do a pre-dinner dance. However he wouldn’t go away my facet. He put his head on my lap and simply stayed as nonetheless as doable for what appeared to be hours. Finally, I captured a fever studying on the thermometer and linked with a neighbor who took me to the ER. Payton was cared for by the neighbors and his daycare whereas I recovered. I carried his love via therapy.
Though my coronary heart nonetheless hurts that Payton is gone, I’m grateful for the recollections. I’m so grateful that he helped me take the subsequent step every day in my therapy and restoration journey.
I’m going to do my finest to place any nuisances apart tomorrow. I typically let petty issues fester and neglect that I’m blessed with life and alternative.
Forgive me — I’m taking a detour on this missive…
I’m going to be trustworthy right here. Generally once I write about how nice it’s to have survived most cancers, part of me feels terrible. I need to attain out to those that are dealing with finish of life to allow them to know that they’re in my coronary heart and in my ideas. They’re. So much. I can say that I’m blessed to be a survivor, however that shouldn’t imply that those that are struggling aren’t blessed. I need to hurdle peace and love and luxury via house to sufferers dealing with the unknown. I pray {that a} paradise does exist for the attractive souls at finish of life — and for the remainder of us when it’s time. It’s such a irritating thriller. I’m simply little ol’ me and might’t do a lot. That is why giving to analysis and different highly effective assets is so essential to me.
Could my most cancers group, household and pals discover peace and love this vacation season.
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