My Friends,
Well, it’s hard to believe, but the day has arrived!! Tomorrow I will be admitted to Cedars-Sinai Hospital and will begin what I hope will be the last leg of my journey towards a complete recovery from Aplastic Anemia. This last stretch may be challenging, but I am going into it with confidence and high spirits. No matter what awaits me, I am ready and I know I can handle it.
Packed and Ready!
Am I scared? You bet. Sometimes there is nothing to do with fear but face it head on. I will push through and I will recover, whether it takes two months or two years. I will get better.
When I need perspective, I think about our men and women in uniform, and how they must feel while on their tours of duty. Their sleepless nights, lack of control, and constant feeling of danger are something to which I can relate in a small way. Now it’s my turn to move out towards the front line of my disease. Luckily, I am going in heavily armed. I am a super-soldier and I will defeat my opponent.
The strange thing is, I also want to take this opportunity to thank my enemy. Aplastic Anemia has deprived me greatly, but at the same time, it has really given me some important, valuable gifts. I have learned vital lessons about myself, others, and the world around me. I am a better person because of my disease. While I would rather not have contracted my illness, I am grateful for it and I don’t wish to simply be cured and never speak of it again. I want this experience to continue to help me and give me perspective long after I’m well. Aplastic Anemia has become my teacher, and while I won’t miss it, I will always respect it.
Aplastic Anemia Blog - Marrowly Rolling Along 
Sep 15, 2011 @ 13:41:22
I love this latest post = I work with war veterans and I always tell them that I am in a permanent battle in which there is no way the enemy will win and that if they could face the enemy and carry on so can I. I am too old for a bmt at 52 but I will beat this devil of a disease and you are right, i have come to appreciate life so much more than i did before and to appreciate all those people who you thought would be beside you and then promptly disappeared and then those who you thought were just acquaintances who have turned up trumps in your darkest hours. I won’t wish you luck because you won’t need it, like me you have a fantastic positive attitude, something which research has shown gets you better. Hope your ride over the next few months is not too bumpy, but just grip tightly and you will get there to be greeted with us all waving flags. take good care and keep up this blog! xxx Karen in the UK
Sep 15, 2011 @ 13:52:53
Love your perspectives Anne. Very honest & evolutionary! My yoga teacher just went through breast cancer (both breasts were removed, hystrectomy, chemo, the whole 9 yards) and she viewed her experience in the same kind of way you’re speaking about at the end of your post. It kept her inspired and helped tons of people around her. Goodluck!
Sep 15, 2011 @ 14:16:51
Kick that house guest out the door– derby style! Great attitude will serve you well lovely.
Sep 15, 2011 @ 14:47:04
Thinking of you
Sep 15, 2011 @ 18:07:28
I’m holding my best hopes and prayers for you, Katherine. Crossing all my phalanges that your experience is as trauma free as possible.
Sep 16, 2011 @ 08:38:26
Hey Cuz, you make the family proud! Go get’em
Sep 16, 2011 @ 15:40:45
Katherine you’re missed, but in great hands at Cedars. Love you blog and look forward to reading about your victory!
Sep 16, 2011 @ 19:58:09
Love the short hair–I didn’t realized how much you looked like your Mom–that haircut brought her image back to me!! Good luck on Sept. 22–we northerners are all rooting for you! Love, Gerriann