Still Kickin' after all this time :-)

I get weekly stats on how many people still come to my blog, even after I haven't written a word in almost 4 years. It amazes me to know that, whether intentionally, or unintentionally, people still stumble across my experience with my stem cell transplant. Hopefully, those who come here find something of value while they browse the different posts. Whether "that thing" they are trying to find is a little bit of humor, information, brutal honesty about what it's like to fight for your life, or some other "thing", I'm hoping they (you) find it when you get here.

Like I said before, it's been almost 4 years...which means I'm almost at the point where I can say I have four years of remission! February 12th, baby! I'm thrilled to be able to say that! It hasn't been the smoothest of rides, but I definitely have been fortunate. The long term side effects I deal with are frustrating at times, but I know life could be a whole lot worse than it is for me. So, no complaints about it! Maybe I'll spend some time on here discussing some of the issues my "survivorship" has produced for me, in case someone out there is looking for information or just someone who can "relate".

I've been tossing around the idea of starting to write again, even if it's mostly for my own benefit. I haven't decided. While I love talking about my cancer experiences with anyone who wants to know more about it, I have mixed feelings about sharing how well I'm actually doing. There have just been so many of my fellow warriors who aren't as lucky as me, and sharing publicly how I've been able to stay cancer-free feels almost arrogant. I know what my profession calls it--"survivor's guilt". It's hard to feel completely free of this disease when so many other people I know end up relapsing or never getting to say they have reached a remission. So, I will ponder a while longer before I decide whether or not to become active on here again. I just wanted to check in and acknowledge my gratitude to all those who have followed me in the past and who still come looking around here wondering if I will show my face again!

For now, know that I am doing well, my family is doing well, and that's about all anyone can ever ask for in this life, right?!

Love to all