This truth has not changed: Recovery from my mid-June bone marrow transplant is a 12-month process. In November one Tuesday it was as if a switch had been flipped and all of a sudden I could breathe easily, something that had not been true for months. Intuitively I understood I was finally making my new blood type, that of my donor. It would take a few weeks to verify that since I was on a medication for a virus that minimized blood production. Exactly on my six-month transplant anniversary my PICC line was removed. No more daily flushing lines and wearing a protective shield to shower. With overcoming the virus it was the first time since my transplant I felt I had energy. Each day I continue sunrise beach walks with my dogs, weekly hospital lab draws and bi-weekly provider visits. The holidays were a lovely time to share good food with family and friends despite continuing to keep a social distance.

Mostly I continue to feel lucky every single day.