In My Own Words: Recovering from My Bone Marrow Transplant

Aubrie, Children’s Hospital Colorado Patient Ambassador

Aubrie:

My recovery has been difficult because since my transplant we have had many complications. I had high blood pressure, I got a deadly virus that had me in the hospital even longer than I was for my transplant, and one of the medications for the virus was poisoning my kidneys. I had to use the bathroom every second.

My daily life has been affected in many ways because I was unable to do the things I enjoyed due to my weak immune system. For example, I couldn’t go swimming during the weekend like we used to. I loved digging in the dirt to look for worms, nope, not anymore! And I was not allowed to attend school or any in-person events. I’ve been able to attend a few events like my school’s debate competition, and the Children’s Hospital Gala.

But the most exciting thing I’ve done is judged a Halloween costume contest at the hospital. I am so flipping excited not to be in quarantine this year and to attend all the cool festivities!! My daily life is still affected because I still have to wear a mask in big crowds and go to the hospital every month for check-ups and blood work. Also, if I am sick. Lastly, I still need shots in my stomach every week to boost my immune system, eye drops to avoid graft vs host disease, and I still am in online school.

I am feeling amazing but not all the time. Sometimes I feel nauseous and just want to be a couch potato. Other days I am bouncing off the walls driving my family insane.

It means so much to me to be coming up on my big 2-year anniversary of my Bone Marrow Transplant! A wonderful woman from Spain saved my life! November 1st is the day I got new cells. I like to call November 1st my new birthday! So of course I am going to celebrate! I am so thankful to be where I am and so excited to see where life will take me, thank you Children’s Hospital CO!!