Dear All,

I must admit, I have dreamt of this day for a looonnnggg time. For some reason, 2 years post DX seemed so important although I know because my med team reminds me, 2 years since DX is not as important as 2 years post treatment-that's in Nov.

Regardless, this day is VERY important to me. 2 years ago my life and the lives of my husband and three precious daughters was rocked to the core. I had absolutely no symptoms other than a wonky CBC, that led to a BMB that led to a call from the Hematologist to come in and "bring my husband". Not a good sign. We arrived for a 130 apt and were summarily told it was AML (I was praying for a C not an A or better yet Lupas) and that a room was on hold at LDS hospital and I needed to be there by 300. I needed to plan on being there for at least 30 days-wait what? The next two weeks are a fog. All I fixated on was getting a favorable cytogenetic-obsessed is a better representation. Almighty God blessed me with Inversion 16. I am forever grateful.

I am very very aware of the fact that many courageous warriors before have posted the 2 year celebration only to subsequently post the dreaded words-RELAPSE. I realize this is a possibility for all of us; however, I choose to celebrate today for what it represents to me-VICTORY!!!

My intent is not to brag or boast but to provide hope to others. I have had a blessed AML journey. I post so that someone who is newly DXD can know an easy path is possible. I have certainly had the easy path-maybe because almighty God knows I could not endure the paths others have journeyed, maybe to show others it does not need to be horrific, I will never know this side of heaven. And even once I see my Savior face to face, I doubt AML will enter my mind. Only the pure perfect love only God can show us.

My definition of an easy AML path is not a single infection or fever. The ability to telework full time after induction. Back to full time work in the office in one year and teaching part time in addition. My only unusual experience is very slow count recovery causing consolidation to take twice as long with lowered AriC dose and BMB between every session-again what I would consider a very easy path.

In fact, I embrace my AML experience. Our life on this earth is a vapor and eternity is just that eternal. Although a Christian for 23 years at DX, this experience completely changed my relationship to my Creator, my Healer, my Savior, my Abba Father. For the first time in my life, I realized, it's not about me. It's about God and His relentless pursuit of His creation to show us His perfect unconditional love. Without AML, I truly DO NOT believe I would have the one thing that is more precious to me than my life, my family, my job anything-my relationship with almighty God and the assurance that I am His. I did nor could I do anything to earn or deserve this relationship or love. It is the free gift no one deserves-God's Grace. The Gospel-The Good News of Jesus Christ.

Every single day I strive to show others the love I have been given. I truly love like never before and have a heart for those I never cared for before AML. I fall short often but try to stay aware of my motives for all I do. It may seem trite and over simplified but it is true-God IS Love. I truly love each of you and pray for you often. You have enriched my life, encouraged me, lifted me up in prayer, talked me off the ledge and been my friends.

Because of many of you, I know I can face whatever AML gives me. So many of you have faced the worst this demon can offer and have more than prevailed. You ARE my hero's! No one can appreciate this journey without traveling it personally or by the side of a loved one. I am proud to call you my fellow sojourners.

May almighty God continue to bless us all

Julie