Four years ago at 10am, I was hooked up to IV bags, a ventilator and with tubes (connected to my heart)  hanging out of my chest.

I was on the tenth floor of the UCLA medical center having just finished my last week of intensive chemotherapy that brought my blood count close to zero.

At 10am the medical team performed a bone marrow/stem cell transplant.

They call it “Day Zero” – the day you are literally “reborn” from a cellular level. They call it your “re-birth” day — and even give you a cake. (I didn’t eat the cake. Too nauseous from the chemotherapy still).

Today is  “Day 1461″ — my “rebirthday”. My reborn cells have turned four years old.

It’s been quite a few years. I was back exercising about a month after the transplant (I was discharged just over one week after the transplant which at the time was the fastest recovery in UCLA history).

Until last year I still had a hard time with energy levels — and the struggle back to fitness has been challenging most of the time. I’m not complaining though, it is an enormous privilege to be able to even exercise at all after my diagnosis. It can get depressing at times, but only for a second — as the alternative is much worse :)

I’m now aware every day of how amazing life is. I don’t know why I was given these extra days on this planet. But I can assure you that I recognize each one of them as a gift and I don’t take any of it for granted.

As Lance Armstrong says:

“I take nothing for granted now. I only have good days and great days”

I can relate completely. For me, the glass will always be half full from now on. People who have had cancer or other illnesses understand that you don’t have all the time in the world.

Thank you all for joining me on my journey over the last four years. It had it’s ups and downs and it has been both challenging and grueling at times.

Three years ago I launched LiftSTRONG

All the proceeds raised go to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Thanks for your support but we need to raise more! Make sure your friends know about the site.

Thanks again.  Today is a special day for me.

–
Alwyn

Comments are closed.