Remembering Susan

Well guys, I have had a rough week since I last wrote. I think I am better now and can talk about it. After our wonderful celebration of my one year "birthday", Gina and I (Gina is one of my bone marrow buddies who had her transplant one week after me) decided to call our other buddy, Susan, who had her transplant the same day as I did to arrange a "birthday celebration" for the three of us. We became very close during our stay at Cleveland Clinic and we are all nurses, so the bond was strong. Well, when I called Susan, her son answered and told me Susan had passed away. She never told me her leukemia had returned. I hadn't spoken to her in a few weeks, but I felt like someone punched me in the stomach. I called my nurse at Cleveland Clinic, who was also Susan and Gina's nurse to talk to her. She told me how sorry she was that she could not tell me at my appointment, but with HIPPA now her hands were tied. I completely understand, being in the nursing profession...she could lose her job. But, since I now knew she could talk to me about it and she told me Susan did not want Gina and I to know because we may think that this was going to be our road also. I just wish I had known to be a comfort to her in her final days. I'm told she went very quickly and peacefully. She only lasted a few weeks after they discovered the leukemia had returned. So, even though you don't know her, please say a silent prayer for her family for me. She has a son still in high school, whom I spoke with, and a daughter in college and a loving husband, whom I'm sure is having a hard time. Thank you all. There, but for the grace of God, go I.