Â鶹ӳ»­

What an exciting year this has been! On April 17, 2017, I celebrated my 62^nd birthday. About a month later, I celebrated my 6^th. Confused? I¡¯ll explain.

This year¡¯s anniversary of the day I actually came into the world began with my phone ringing at 6 a.m. Early calls usually don¡¯t bode well, so I just assumed it was an emergency. Instead, it was my son, Hayes, singing me happy birthday.

That call started my morning off in the best possible way, and I continued to receive birthday greetings from friends and other family members throughout the day. As I did, it got me thinking.

I thought about how I no longer ¡°think¡± like a sick person. I thought about how I have my mojo back. I thought about how incredibly blessed I am to have my health, my family and my awesome husband, Wade. And I thought about how everything I went through to get here was totally worth it.

My stem cell transplant: another chance at life after myelodysplastic syndrome

Six years ago, I was a very sick woman. I had myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and was receiving treatment at MD Anderson. Chemotherapy drugs had done their job and destroyed my bone marrow, and now I was waiting for a stem cell transplant.

My generous donor¡¯s stem cells were on their way, and I would be receiving them the next day via transfusion. Only a fellow transplant survivor can understand that feeling: to be so sick, yet so hopeful. It is truly indescribable.

At that time, the thought of being 10 or even five years down the road from my transplant was unimaginable. I was living my life from minute to minute back then, so even one year seemed like an eternity.

But my ¡°new life¡± began the day I had a stem cell transplant at MD Anderson. And I¡¯ve observed May 24, 2011, as my ¡°second birthday¡± ever since.

Celebrating six years after my stem cell transplant

Neither that birthday nor this one would¡¯ve been possible without one other person: my stem cell donor.

My donor is literally my savior. At the age of only 19, he stepped up and donated stem cells to a total stranger: me. And after the year-long mandatory waiting period was up, he revealed his identity and became my friend, too.

Last summer, my husband and I had the privilege of attending his wedding. We stayed with his parents, and were able to meet his extended family and friends. It was truly an unforgettable experience.

A special gift for my ¡®second birthday¡¯

A few weeks ago, I had my six-month check-up at MD Anderson with . I always enjoy my visits with her, but this time, she had a special gift for me. She said that my blood work was so normal, we had nothing medical to discuss. Then she asked, ¡°Can we just visit instead?¡± Now, how often do you hear that from a doctor?!

I was delighted, of course, so we chatted for a while. Then we hugged, and I thought about how much I love her. I also thought about the wonderful care she¡¯s given me since I became her patient.

People like Dr. Hosing are the reason going back to MD Anderson is not something I dread. It¡¯s actually something I look forward to, because this is the place I was given another chance.

The next time I go back, I¡¯m planning to give a big hug, too, because he knew the absolute perfect time for my stem cell transplant. And I will always be grateful to him and my donor for my ¡°second birthday.¡± I owe every birthday ¡ª of both kinds ¡ª I¡¯ve celebrated since to them.

or by calling 1-877-632-6789.