A Portage Life in the Spotlight: Denise Stewart

Life can change in an instant. For local resident Denise Stewart, what was thought to be a reaction from a bad pedicure ended up as a more serious diagnosis. “I started feeling very tired during this time and I thought it was unusual that I felt like I could never catch up on my sleep,” shared Stewart. Other odd symptoms included aching joints, sores on her toes, unusual weight loss, and a cold that would not go away.

After several doctor appointments and blood tests, the diagnosis was confirmed: Acute Myloid Leukemia. “I was in utter shock,” she went on to say. “My knees wanted to crumble and I thought this can’t be right.” Her case being unusual, only one of four known, Stewart headed into what was thought to be a long road of treatment. “I was told that after my first round of chemo, I would have 3-5 consolidation treatments before I would have my bone marrow transplant.

Despite the doctor’s predictions, after the third bone marrow biopsy, Stewart’s marrow showed clean, with no sign of the cancer! This means that although the bone marrow transplant must still take place in order for the cancer not to return, Stewart does not have to go through more rounds of chemo. “I can honestly say that we have seen many miracles since this journey that we’ve been on…we are so thankful!

Another miracle occurred when searching for a bone marrow donor. “I only have one sibling and the chances of her being a match was only 25%. She was tested in February and my sister is a complete match!

Even through the devastation of the diagnosis and the trials of the treatment, Stewart has put the needs of others ahead of herself. One project she has focused her energy on is giving fleece blankets to other Leukemia patients, after receiving a blanket from a couple at her church. “That was soo wonderful! I was able to get rid of the scratchy hospital blanket. All of the nurses talked about the blanket and how soft and comfy it looked! My thought is that it would be awesome to give Leukemia patients one as a gift, so they can experience the same feeling.”

Using her CaringBridge Journal as an outlet to get the ball rolling on the blanket idea led to readers and supporters sending their own blankets, either to the hospital or to her house for her husband to bring to the hospital. During her first stay, 20 blankets were given to other patients! After her recovery, Stewart hopes to continue this mission, focusing on Leukemia patients in Chicago, as well as those at the children’s hospital.

Stewart’s second project has been helping the family of a fellow Leukemia patient, Jacinto, the first recipient of one of her blankets. Jacinto has battled the disease for 6 years and undergone two bone marrow transplants. After being told there was nothing the doctors could do, Stewart rounded up a team of prayer warriors and the very next day, the doctors told Jacinto they were going to do another bone marrow transplant March 31st!

Still, the family has other trials to wade through, including money for every day living and the loss of insurance, as Jacinto has not been able to work in 6 months. Through a friend’s not-for-profit group, Stewart was able to share the family’s story and set up a fund that people could donate to help ease some of the financial burden. The goal was $7,500; in 24 days, $7,735 was raised! To learn more about Jacinto and his family, click here.

It is so important that one maintain a positive attitude though facing trials of many kids. Laughter is the best medicine,” Stewart shared. “I was joking around in the hospital one day with one of my friends and she said, ‘I’m so glad you still have your sense of humor!’ I told her that there was no way that this disease would take that from me!”

Stewart also credits her faith and trust in God to helping her through this experience. “I have completely put my trust in God that His will be done and I know HE is the one that is carrying us through. I have such a peace and I know that comes from Him and all of our family and friends that lift me up in prayer each and every day. I am so blessed!

One BIG thing I would like to stress…if you are having some health issues, please have bloodwork done to make sure everything is ok. That’s a great place to start. If I would have had bloodwork done right away, I wouldn’t have gotten the runaround for 5 weeks. Be your own healthcare advocate!

To follow Denise’s story, visit her CaringBridge Journal here.