Continuing a Legacy

Thank you to everyone for your kind wishes and thoughts throughout my entire ordeal with Mr. Leuk/Luke. It’s been a while since I have blogged! Here are some pertinent updates -

It continues to baffle me that I have completed 8 rounds of high-dosage chemotherapy as of late June! My health care team and wonderful friends have celebrated with me during the most crucial and joyous moments. My body is recovering diligently, but slowly. My immune system is still quite fragile.

I am now transitioning from consolidation treatment into maintenance therapy by essentially taking oral chemotherapy pills (methotrexate and 6 mercaptopurine). This will last 18 to 24 months roughly as an important preventative measure to ensure that I will never relapse again. Luckily, my health care team will be watching and monitoring my dosages carefully so that I can maintain an excellent quality of life.

Speaking of life … I will be resuming my plans to become a licensed teacher. I am on my way to pursuing a dual Master’s degree in Education with teaching credentials in one full sweep!

At the same time, the tone of this blog will change in the upcoming weeks and months ahead. I’d like to continue writing for other patients in need by introducing their stories to the public. I’ll be sharing information about tips and suggestions I have learned along the way to maximize patient advocacy and care. I am looking forward to working behind-the-scenes with the Asian American Donor Program (www.aadp.org), Asians for Miracle Marrow Matches (www.asianmarrow.org), and the Cammy Lee Leukemia Foundation (www.cllf.org) to encourage as many university students and other young adults to join the National Marrow Donor Program registry.

I am extremely proud to say that Team Janet has collectively recruited 4,537 new donors to the registry. Only 10, 463 more people to go! While it may take several years to reach 15,000 donors, it’s a goal that still remains of utmost importance to me.

Even though I’ve gone through a harrowing experience that has changed my life completely, I’d like to think that I’ve emerged from it with a new perspective. You have a whole new appreciation for everyone and everything when you’ve nearly had it all taken away from you. Thanks for indulging me; I am ready to crumple up my sleeves and advocate!