Lane 2.0- One Year Later

Day +365!!! It's been ONE YEAR post stem cell transplant! Last year on day 0, counting all the way up to 365 seemed like an insanely long amount of time. Of course, I know how fast life seems to go by, so I knew it would be here before I knew it. And... here it is! Yesterday, I celebrated being ONE YEAR chemo free!! It's been one year since I had that poison throughout my body, and I'm so happy to be this far out already! I laughed yesterday thinking of the 3 hour ice munch that I had to do on that last chemo day. The chemo that I was taking that day could cause some intense bowel issues, so chewing on ice is supposed to help that!

I refer to myself as Lane 2.0 because my stem cell transplant basically reset my entire immune system. The chemo I had for 6 days before transplant wiped every blood cell in my body, so when I was given my own cells back, the stem cells started growing and turning into new cells! Today marks the day that I am allowed to start receiving all of my childhood immunizations again- yeah, betcha didn't know that- I have to get all of those fun immunizations again because my immunity to all those childhood diseases has been compromised. But it's okay because today I am healthy and happy and doing so well!!

My mom and dad sent me a necklace yesterday that signifies the journey that I have been on for the past 20 months. Each bead on the necklace represents a treatment or procedure of my journey, and it's a true testament to it all. I wanted to share what each necklace symbolizes.

The bird: symbolizes freedom and the human soul- representing goodness, joy, wisdom, and intelligence. This bird represents stem cell day.
Rose Beads-stem cell harvest and BEAM chemo.
Gold Beads: port and picc line placement.
Dark green Beads: RDHAP chemo.
Gray Beads: RICE chemo
Mint Beads: ABVD chemo
Dark Gold Beads: Rituxan maintenance treatments
Blue Beads: PET scans
Plum Beads: Radiation treatments

I love this idea and will treasure this necklace always!