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an interview with John about his bone marrow transplant anniversary
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Friday, January 25, 2008
Subject: an interview with John about his bone marrow transplant anniversary
Time: 11:52:00 AM EST
Author: fisherkristina
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Subject: an interview with John about his bone marrow transplant anniversary
Time: 11:52:00 AM EST
Author: fisherkristina
I haven't done an interview with my wonderful husband John Knox, of too-stubborn-to-die notoriety in a few months, so I figured it was time.
Krissy: So hey there John, how are you doing today?
John: Let's see. Trying to cope with the 14 degree weather outside.
Krissy: Yes, it's horrible. With the wind chill factor it's probably below zero. So anyway, what's new with you?
John: Uhm, I had my 46th birthday a few weeks ago. Uhm... (quit writing uhm! I don't want uhm!)
Krissy: okay! How does it feel to be 46?
John: It feels a lot like being 45 except that I've noticed a number of wrinkles in my face that I've never noticed before! My image of myself is still someone who is 25 or 30. It's unsettling to realize that I am middle aged now.
Krissy: Speaking of birthdays, you have another one coming up on Sunday. How does it feel having two in one month?
John: Sunday is the second anniversary of my bone marrow transplant. Bone marrow transplant recipients call our anniversary dates "birthdays". It's because we got a new lease on life. The anniversary does feel like a birthday because I have changed so much. It's like I have almost become a different person in some ways.
Krissy: How do you feel you've become a different person since your transplant? If you don't mind me asking.
John: For awhile at first I think I became more withdrawn like I was concentrating on surviving. I spent most of 2006 in the hospital. Once I was home again it was difficult adjusting to being out of the hospital and trying to live a normal life.
I think after that phase I became more assertive and creative. I am more willing to take chances now. I wouldn't have tried writing a blog before this.
Krissy: I see a lot more changes than that. I think you're more self-confident. You're more easy going. You're determined to do what you need to do. Your fight to battle the cancers gave you that.
John: I think you are right, but sometimes I have to work on these things. It doesn't come completely naturally to me yet.
Krissy: What's your inspiration?
John: Shortly before I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma I asked God to give me more faith. Dealing with NHL and bone marrow cancer, I did find more faith. I didn't expect the deeper faith to come about in that way, but maybe I needed something significant to happen to give me that deeper faith.
I know that God does not give us cancer, but I also know that God allows "all things to work together for good for those who love Him".
Krissy: If you could, would you change what has happened in your life?
John: (moment of truth here) Overall I wouldn't change what has happened. I do wish there had been fewer difficult complications after the transplant. I think that six months of complications would have been enough of a trial to help me learn, but I trust God to do what was best for me. Maybe I did need a year.
Krissy: You believe God does not bring the illness, but He does sometimes allow it, right?
John: Definitely. God doesn't make us sick, but sometimes suffering can be a growth experience for us. And it can draw us closer to the Lord.
Krissy: So you're not angry at God for your cancer or bone marrow transplant experience?
John: Throughout this whole cancer experience I have never blamed God or gotten angry at Him. I've always known that God has my best interests in mind.
Krissy: Would you like to add anything before we close?
John: I would like to give thanks to God for seeing me through the cancer and complications.
I also give thanks to God for how He has helped me spiritually.
*****
If you would like to visit John and tell him "happy birthdays" then here is the link: it's the 2nd anniversary of my bone marrow transplant
Love you all,
Krissy :)
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This entry has 34 comments: (Add your own)
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Happy Birthday John!!
I celebrate being 4 years cancer free from breast cancer in Feb./Mar. Your so right, you look at the world different after your battle. I have changed so much, hopefully for the better in some cases.
I wouldn't wanted to go through BC again but at the same time it was one of my life's great accomplishments! I found a stronger faith, it made my marriage stronger, and brought me and my kids closer. You find out who your true family and friends are too.
Happy 2nd Birthday! And lots more!
debbie
http://journals.aol.com/browney44/debbiesdiary/ -
Happy birthdays John.
And Krissy I love ya!! :)
You make me smile when I think I just can't anymore!
Your strength still inspires me.
Much love,
Promise -
Happy 2nd birthday to John! I agree with both of you totally. God doesn't smithe us with awful things but will permit them to happen for His own reasons. Many times we don't see them until much later. I just lost the brakes in my car with 28,000 miles on it. I know exactly what lesson I'm learning but don't have the courage to publically state it because I did something very, very stupid. Anyway, much love to both of you. Chris
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Wonderul interview Krissy. Wish I could get my hubby to do that.
Hugs,
D
1/31/08 8:34 PM