When I was hospitalized for neutropenic fever after my first treatment, I was feeling really down because the road ahead seemed so long and terrible. The morning after I was admitted, I met two sisters while waiting to be picked up from x-ray. Mary was there visiting her sister Rose who was there to have a stem cell transplant. They saw how down I was and were very kind to me. We soon became friends and would hang out in the recreation room. Thank God, Rose is doing well two years later. Mary never fails to keep in touch with me to ask how I am and give me updates on Rose. Here is an email she recently sent to me.
Greetings Jackie, you have been so much on my mind lately ( and more often than you know), hoping all in well in your world, and that you continue to get stronger and stronger with each passing season. Rose is doing very well -- progressing to the point of getting vaccinations!! Though as you know the new you is well just a different you. We speak of you often and I always tell Rose of your updates and your progress. This is a special time of year for you and your family, so here's just a small note to let you know we still have you in our hearts. A wonderful holiday to you and those you love. Maybe someday we will have the same checkup day A MSKCC> As always, the best of thoughts coming at you and of course Steve. Remember 
Mary
I wanted to share this because it reminds me of all the good things that came out of being sick. The best of all is the friends I've made and have kept to this day. So remember, every experience, even the though ones, can produce good things. You just have tochange your way of thinking and they will be easy to find.
