Take These Broken Wings And Learn To Fly

I'm going out on a limb, taking a leap, turning my back on leukemia, and flying off to who knows where. Before you accuse me of false bravado, wishful thinking or serious delusion, let me explain.

Yesterday I went for bloodwork and saw my doctor at Dana Farber. I was last there in November. My labs were all normal, and we had nothing of a medical nature to discuss. I told him I feel as good or better than I'd felt pre-leukemia. He was very pleased and said I didn't have to return until, get this, September!

No lab tests, no meds, no nothing. I'm leaving the nest. Goodbye.

I've now been in remission for 19 months. I know I'm not considered "cured," but I've decided to go with the premise that I am. I've had enough of leukemia and I hope it's had enough of me.

Before I left Boston, I went over to the hospital where I had my transplant to visit a friend who had a transplant there last week. She looked great, and I know she's getting excellent care. Then I went to the wing where I spent a month back in September 2007 to see if any of the nurses who cared for me were on duty. Mona was there, and was she happy to see me. I told her all the good news, but probably didn't need to say a word. I am the picture of health, not a picture she sees very often. Most of the patients on the floor are quite sick, as I was some 17 months ago. I thanked her for her fine work and asked her to let the other nurses know that I'm doing well.

I'll have to land soon, but right now I'm soaring.