Jeannie’s Story

Jeannie Ann Stearns. A nurse. A daughter. A sister. A wife. And my mom. She is an amazingly compassionate, hard-working, talented woman. She is also the strongest person I know. That sounds like something you just say about anyone, but I really mean it. I’ve never met a soul who I find stronger than my mom. And up until a few years ago, I only ever saw her cry once. (Unless she was crying from extreme laughter, which happened often).

This is her story:

In 2005, 8 years ago, Jeannie was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma after discovering a lump in her neck. The lump was removed and she was treated with chemotherapy and radiation.

3 years later, she took a fall and badly hurt her knee. This put her on crutches for a few weeks. Subsequently, she developed a blood clot in her arm, (most likely from the pressure of the crutches).

While treating the blood clot, her doctors found more cancer, right next to where the clot was. The doctors said that the blood clot was a blessing in disguise, since we wouldn’t have realized there was more cancer.

After a year of chemotherapy, radiation, and infusions, the doctors started looking into other options. She was sent to the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit. The solution was to have a bone marrow transplant. They said her bone marrow was healthy (AKA- cancer free), so they harvested her own stem cells and froze them. Then for the next month, they put her through intensive chemotherapy. Essentially, whipping out all of her immunity and starting fresh. Much like a new born baby.

When all her cancer was gone, they reintroduced her stem cells and sent her home. For the next 4 years, things seemed to be under control. They said her cancer was in remission.

But in 2012, she started feeling “off”. After months of testing, doctors noticed that her blood/platelet levels were low. Then they started getting lower. And lower. She began the process of receiving blood and platelet transfusions, but her levels only seemed to get lower.

She was omitted to the hospital for 4 days, unable to walk, and in extreme pain. It seems her body was rejecting the previous stem cell transplant.

It became clear she needed a new stem cell transplant, but unfortunately, she could not use her own cells this time, and would need to find a donor.

In March 2013, the doctors diagnosed Jeannie with a non-curable leukemia. (They believe it to be AML – Acute Myeloid Leukemia). Doctors told her it was VERY important to secure a donor so she can have the transplant ASAP. But first, they need to try and control the leukemia.

As of Wednesday, March 6th 2013, she is preparing for a month of extreme chemotherapy, just like she had 4 years ago. And if all goes right, and a perfect match is found, she will undergo a second stem cell transplant.

This has been an extremely long road so far. The past 8 years has been tough for my mom. I know she will pull through this, but the love and support from friends and family is much needed – and of course, much, much appreciated.

5 thoughts on “Jeannie’s Story

  1. susan holtz

    Jeannie,
    Please know that all of our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
    The Holtz Family

    Reply
    1. Patty Sherman

      Jeanne: you have gone this far w/ this insidious horror and please keep your PMA as you continue. You are a great gal who has been admired and we all want to see you in town again. Love is being sent to you via this email. The town is pulling for you. hang in and we’ll we will all see you soon. Fondly, Patty & Doug

      Reply
  2. chris campbell

    I had the pleasure of knowing Jeannie for years. Our girls grew up together. Jeannie made a beautiful graduation party for our girls possible with her generousity, her kitchen and her friendship. We worked togther at Leelanau Memorial years ago. She was an excellent nurse as well. My prayers are with all of you. I am moving back to Gods country soon, would love to connect again. Keep the faith-miracles happen.

    Reply
  3. chris campbell

    Thinking of you jeannie1 Am packing to come back. Maybe we will cross paths. Your in my thoughts and prayers

    Reply

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