1 year 6 months 11 days after transplant - Thank you GOD!
Dakota is doing great....his last checkup went very well. He had to have another dose of IVIG's (antibodies), but Dr. Megason is not concerned. She said it sometimes takes longer for the body to do this on its own due to the Graft versus Host disease. She even came down more on his steroids and promises him she will try to have him completely off of them by summer's end if he continues on this path.
I know it has been awhile since an update, and I apologize. I would also like to share an update on "My Girl". Just to refresh everyone, "My Girl" is the young lady that I donated my bone marrow to on July 30th, 2008. During the first year, we can have contact with each other, but it has to be edited with no specifics like name, address, etc. I mailed her a letter some time ago to let her and her family know that I knew exactly what they were going through, and told them about Dakota without mentioning specifics, of course. I would like to share with you the letter she sent to me via the National Marrow Donor Program. I cried for days!!!!
Dear Donor,
I'm your recipient. I'm writing this to show you how much I care about others who can step in and change one person's life. It's crazy how miracles happen and this is one of them.
A stranger can become a hero. A hero is someone you can trust. Someone you can depend on and look up to. They help you through anything you might face through your life. People say,"Don't talk to strangers", but I took the chance for someone like you to save my life. You are now a friend and my hero. You'll always be special to me.
I appreciate you for being my donor, words can not describe how much. Because of you, now I'm living a disease free life. You helped me and my family see the light to a new beginning.
It's amazing how life can change in an instant. I live by this saying, " Live life to the fullest and don't let anything hold you back. Keep a positive attitude even though there are still ups and downs." You and your son are in my prayers. We'll keep fighting and never give up. This is what I told myself, and I sure didn't.
I am a 20 year old female with spinabifida and now LEUKEMIA FREE.
If it could ever happen, I would like to meet you and your family someday, but if I never get the chanceto, just remember...You'll always be a friend and a hero. Someone very special I will never forget. "THANKS SO MUCH"
Your recipient
I thank YOU, my heavenly FATHER for the miracle that is my Dakota. I humbly thank YOU for allowing me to participate in the miracle of "My Girl". I pray that you will continue to bless these two individuals who have fought so hard to live. I pray that Your love will surround them, Your arms will encirlce them, and Your power will protect them all the days of their lives. Amen
God bless each of you!
Tammy Dean
