Stem Cell Transplant: Today

Side note: For those new to Rob’s blog, welcome! Feel free to read Rob’s journey on this blog, from diagnoses to stem cell transplant, to living with Mulitple Myeloma through the 1 year anniversary of the transplant today, 2/27/20!! 🙂 🙂 Please don’t hesitate to contact us at KeepPoundingRob@gmail.com if you’d like to talk with another Multiple Myeloma patient and/or caregiver. 🙂

Rob, 1 year post stem cell transplant, February 2020:

Message from Rob:

Today is an emotional day, marking the one year anniversary of my stem cell transplant.  

I would like to thank everyone, who follows this blog.  I appreciate your prayers, friendships, and reassurances over the past 18 months.  I couldn’t have made it without you.  I cannot adequately express how your friendship and outreach helped me.  I will forever carry a deep appreciation and unbounded gratitude for your acts of kindness. 

Multiple myeloma is a rare form of cancer.  With multiple myeloma, the body produces too many plasma cells.  This leads to weaken of bones, fatigue, and increased vulnerability to infections. Like any cancer, multiple myeloma is a barbaric invader that attempts to overtake your body.  While wearing a “cancer fighter” button, a kind stranger whispered in my ear to “fight like a beast.”  These few words made a lasting impression on me and encapsulate the “keep pounding” mindset. 
Alone, I would never be able “to fight like a beast.” 

Without the expert care and compassion from the cancer team at Levine Cancer Institute, my myeloma would not be under control.  They are some of biggest encouragers and supporters. Without each of my friends who reached out to Brandii and me, I would not have experienced the same level of healing. 

My friends have been encouragers, prayer warriors, and diversions from cancer.  Without my family, I could not have made this journey.  Brandii is amazing and is a constant source of love, encouragement, and support. Every family member has contributed in countless ways to help me fight like a beast.  Without people reading Keep Pounding Rob and sending thoughts, friendship, and prayers, I could not have made the same progress. Without the kindness of strangers, multiple myeloma might be winning the fight. There are countless people who donate for research, participate in 5k walks and runs to bring awareness and support, and pray for healing and cures.  Finally, some strangers will see you and smile or share encouraging words. These small acts lift my spirits. 

Again, thank you.  Each of you have enabled me to have the strength, the faith, the resiliency, and the persistence to keep pounding.  

“Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart” – Eleanor Roosevelt