Theresa fights MDS Cancer as Wonder Woman

My name is Theresa - and most likely I will have other people managing this site from here on out, but I wanted to be able to tell you my story in my own words.

When my son was about 5 years old, he received a gift of several superheroes which included one Wonder Woman figurine. He told me then, “You should keep this one, Mama, because I don’t need girls; and she looks like you”. I love my babies so much! I now carry this special little Wonder Woman figurine with me inside every MRI machine, at every chemo infusion, and now at radiation.

Up until August 2022, I had been very healthy. I worked out regularly and really watched what I ate. I was sometimes given a hard time for the way I guard my sleep habits. I lifted weights, went to yoga weekly, practiced meditation, EFT Tapping and prayer regularly. Everything was going well in my life! I started getting headaches and they became increasingly worse. I was given a clean bill of health in February 2022, so at first, I wasn't too concerned.

I was diagnosed with COVID-19 on September 18th and was in the ER every week after that for headaches, bleeding around my optic nerves, ear infections and general fatigue. All of my CT scans were clear during these visits. I was subjected to many tests, including MRI, ultrasounds, spinal tap and bone marrow biopsy. On October 13th, I went to the ER again. This time, I was admitted to the hospital after a blood draw revealed all of my blood counts were low - my hemoglobin, white and red cells.

On October 21st, I was diagnosed with “Myelodysplastic Syndrome” (MDS), which is a pre-leukemia in my bone marrow. Basically, my bone marrow has stopped making healthy blood for me and I needed treatment immediately. I received aggressive chemo for over a week to get me into remission. During that time, we sought bone marrow donors.

Since then, I have had blood draws every Monday, Wednesday and Friday to determine if I needed blood transfusions and/or platelets. I travel to Rust Medical Center Infusion Center on the days I need blood or platelets (sometimes both). I can be in the Infusion Center anywhere from 2-5 hours. Most days, that means not being able to plan very much. On the days when I don't need blood or platelets, I feel like I have been given a reprieve!

In early February, my transplant coordinator in Denver called to let me know both my kids could be considered for half matches in the donor process. The way science can manipulate the HLA markers now is astounding! We found out my daughter Sabrina was to selflessly be my donor! How miraculous is it, that God would create her, I would give her life, and years later she gave me back mine?! I’m really overwhelmed by her sacrifice.

On March 21, my daughter and I were subjected to many tests (we each had 22 tubes of blood drawn). I was given brutal chemo and radiation regiments. My immune system was knocked out completely, never to grow back again. I viewed this as an opportunity for a spiritual cleansing in preparation for my new immune system I was to receive during Holy Week. I received my new stem cells from Sabrina on Good Friday. My wonderful, amazing daughter spent nearly 8 hours in a chair while a machine separated her stem cells to be donated to me. Only God could have orchestrated such a meaningful date for me.

I was reborn on April 7, 2023, at Presbyterian St. Luke's Hospital in Denver. I was hospitalized for a week prior to preparing for the transplant, including chemotherapy and 8 rounds of total body radiation. After the transplant, I needed to be in isolation for 30 days. My doctors told me to prepare for 45-100 days post-transplant in Denver. That is a long time to be 6.5 hours away from family, friends and your adorable cat who can bring you so much comfort!

So far, everything has gone as expected, including the side effects and general overall malaise. I am still very weak and have "chemo brain" on top of that. When I am allowed to come home, my immune system will need time to rebuild, and I will most likely also be confined to my home for anywhere from 3-6 more months. These factors are also dependent on not having complications, developing secondary cancer, and/or the transplant being successful.

My oncologist feels that because of my age and health, I am a good candidate to receive this treatment and be successful. Interesting fact, this is same cancer that Robin Roberts of "Good Morning America" had. She is 10 years post-bone marrow transplant and is doing well. I am hopeful for the same outcome!!

I have recently been unable to work and will continue to not be able to work for the foreseeable future. I am also an entrepreneur and was getting ready to open a new business before all of this took place. It really would take a lot off of my mind if I knew the financial side of things are taken care of. I appreciate all of the wonderful support I’ve had so far!

Items from this fundraiser will be spent on:

• Loss of income for up to one year

• Everyday expenses not covered by insurance

• Specialty items related to cancer care such as chemo skincare, wigs, hats, medicines and SPF 50 clothing

• Food and drinks for Theresa and her caregiver(s)

• Cleaning services to keep the environment super clean and prevent infections

• Travel expenses to and from Denver and also clinic appointments

Any funds not used for the above purposes will be used to give back to cancer research, and the comfort care of other cancer patients.

How else can you help?

• Prayers - I BELIEVE in the power of prayer!! Good vibes, good energy!

• Donate Blood - My blood type is B Positive and I always thought that was so great! It doesn't matter what type YOU are because so many people need blood and I have already received 5 blood transfusions.

• Consider being a donor for bone marrow on Be The Match. The testing is easy, and they just swab your cheek to get you into an international registry! You could save a life!

• Write letters or send cards to me. Words of encouragement mean SO MUCH!!!

• BE POSITIVE! I need positive energy/words/encouragement.

• LIVE LIFE! Take chances, travel, love, laugh and be happy as much as possible. I have been incredibly blessed the past few years that my hard work has allowed me to build a beautiful life and experience so many things I had always wanted to do!

Thank you to everyone for continued prayers, well wishes and for your generosity. Love you all.

- Theresa