Editor, Smithfield Times

As Christmas Eve is almost here, it is another milestone for our son, Andrew. This year will mark the second anniversary since Andrew had his bone marrow transplant at Massey Cancer Center in Richmond. This transplant saved his life but also changed his life. He had to move from North Carolina to stay at our house so he would have a full time caregiver. It is difficult to explain everything that occurs for these patients. 

You are admitted to the hospital for the beginning rounds of chemo and then you have a variety of testing to see if you are able to have the transplant. There are picc lines in your arm and then a port surgically placed in your chest for additional chemo and medicines required to sustain your life. There are good days and bad and visits to the hospital change from 6-8 hours daily to having a day off. Eventually months have passed and you are able to go home for a visit.

The trips to Richmond now are usually every three months but there are more tests and other issues involved with the toll chemo and radiation takes on your body and mind. Additional doctors are added to help with problems associated with the cancer treatments.

We are so thankful that we are one year closer to the 5-year mark every cancer survivor strives to achieve.

Danielle & Ronnie Gray
Smithfield