A Year Reborn
From Birthday to Rebirthday
I remember sitting in that hospital bed at Moffitt, talking to Nurse Brandon about the stem cell transplant, and wondering if I’d make it to day +365. The second of two high-dose chemo sessions was dreadful, yet not worse than the first. My body was left to fight the destructive-yet-life-saving chemo drugs until my stem cells could rescue me, replenishing my red & white cells and platelets. The doctor and staff would visit me in the morning, noting my progress (or lack thereof) and trying to encourage me. I was open, candid, and honest with Brandon. His no-nonsense positivity was music to my ears. He got me to realize that all I could control was my attitude. I focused on positivity and vowed to do whatever I could to keep on living.