Janine Hewitt

Update: On November 26, 2018 it will be five years from my bone marrow transplant! This journey has definitely had it's ups and downs; however, I am now officially a "Cancer Survivor". In my last post over two years ago, I mentioned the thought of writing a book. I had no intention of it at first. However the thought just wouldn't leave me alone. I believe it was God nudging me to do it. So, I decided to go for it. My book is called "Strength to Survive- A Story of Facing Death and Finding Life" and it should be available in early December. I realized that there is more to the story that I wanted to share. I also wrote it because I believe in the power of sharing a personal testimony. If my story can give someone else hope, or help someone during a difficult situation, its worth it. So, stay tuned and I'll have information on here very soon.

Update: June 2017: I am still in remission and doing well. I am 3-1/2 years from transplant! I still get my blood tested monthly and am struggling with Graft vs. Host Disease (GVHD) of the liver and eyes. It is important to keep it under control as it could become serious. This causes my liver enzymes to be elevated and inflammation in my body. However it is stable and treated with medications and it has not stopped me from working and living life. I am so thankful for that. This health battle has definitely been a marathon! I am hoping and praying to be able to clear 5 years which is the goal, although I will most likely be a lifetime patient.  

Update: I had the bone marrow transplant on November 26, 2013. My brother Ed was a perfect match. He came to Fl from Connecticut to save my life. The transplant and side effects were very involved and the hardest thing I've ever been through in my life. I am remaining optimistic that it is going to cure me once and for all. I understand there are no promises, however with God on my side I know I can't lose no matter what happens. 

My Story: One minute I was sitting at my desk at work and the next I learned I had an aggressive life threatening blood cancer. I was diagnosed with AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia) in December, 2011. I was admitted to Moffitt hospital in Tampa, Florida for a month to receive induction chemo and went through an additional 4 months of consolidation chemo and sustained a remission for approx. 15 months. Sadly, I relapsed in September, 2013. I fought for my life once again and thankfully achieved a second remission but I was only given a 20% chance of long term survival without a bone marrow transplant.

If you leave me a message in the guestbook I read every single one even though I can't respond back. Also If YOU have a prayer request, please leave it and I will pray for you! I believe in "praying it forward". Thank you.