McKindree Marie: August 2015

August 23, 2014, was the day I received a bag of precious bone marrow that would potentially save my life. The day was quiet. I had already finished my high doses of chemo to completely wipe out my cells and immune system, so that the new marrow could take its place and start doing its job. It was an emotional day. My family was there, my granny, my best friend and her family... it was peaceful. We watched literal life being infused into me drop by drop, from a generous donor who we do not know. I remember watching my sweet nurse, Aida count every single drop of marrow that entered my body. It was a surreal moment; life was flowing into me.

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Here I am exactly a year later on August 23, 2015 thanking the lord that I am here. Bone Marrow Transplant brought on so many tough and unbearable challenges that some days I just didn't know how I would get through. The hair loss, mouth sores, extreme nausea, extreme pain, headaches, infection after infection...the list goes on. The past year has been the hardest, scariest, most challenging thing I have ever been through. The infections seemed to be never ending and the pain was constant, and there have been more days of not feeling well than feeling well. I've been on many hospital visits, scary ICU stays, sepsis...and the list goes on. It's safe to say I went through hell and back many times, and to be honest...I didn't know if I would return home at some points. I would plead to the lord for strength, for comfort, and for healing, And I know without a doubt he is there and he hears us each and every day.
The support I got through this past year has been incredible!! It's blown me away! Not only from right around the community, but around the world. "Kin Can Kick It" has gone crazy and I LOVE IT!! It's been amazing!! Keep spreading it guys!!

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The time I spent in the hospital was not fun to say the least. Many tears were shed. I went through some of the most unbearable things, and unfortunately I'm still dealing with some of the nasty side effects of the BMT now. Thankfully I have my sweet momma & daddy and siblings who have never left my side. I'm still dealing with GVHD (graft vs. host disease). It's been affecting my skin and gut and I go in every other week for a process called ECP. My marrow is still not where we'd like it to be a year out of transplant and I'm still going to the clinic many days a week. Getting blood transfusions, platelet transfusion's, IVIG, etc. My hearing has declined, and my organs aren't doing great. This isn't where I wanted to be at this point in my transplant journey and it's hard not to compare yourself to someone who is doing so well. BUT...I AM ALIVE. I made it. Even though I'm not where I want to be, I'll get there. I can promise you that. It may take another year...or 5 years...But I will get there!

In this moment...I'm here, & I'm living. And that's an accomplishment!

Happy 1 year transplant Birthday to me!!!!

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Here's to many more birthdays!