Tammy Jean Muth: April 21, 1960–July 30, 2012

On July 30, late afternoon, Tammy Jean Muth, originally from Oxford, AL, passed away in Omaha, NE. In March 2011, she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and underwent several rounds of chemotherapy. After receiving a bone marrow transplant to help treat her cancer, she developed post-transplant complications—a serious and terminal lung condition. However, staying true to her spirit, Tammy didn't lose her fight because she never once gave up—she was a strong and an amazing person. Rest in peace sweet mother, partner, friend and companion. Words cannot begin to express how much she is loved and will be missed.

Tammy was preceded in death by her parents, Horace and Frances Crosson; and nephew, Aaron Redden. She is survived by her fiancé, Jeff Inman; her daughters and son-in-law, Ashley Muth, Alecia Muth and Tony Vacanti; her stepfather, Henry Alexander; her sister and brother-in-law, Shelia and Dean Redden; her nieces, Tassi and Brittany Redden; and many more family and friends.

Day 11

Hi everyone ...... this is Tammy.  I just wanted  to send a message to say hi and let you know that things are going fine, I guess!!  My doctor keeps telling me I look great.    I've never been more exhausted in my entire life! Everything difficult thing you've ever heard about a transplant ......it's true!!  I have NO energy .... not even enough to talk!  That says a lots!

I have a great support team and want to thank all of you.  I love hearing from all of you whether it is an email, text or a card, I look forward to getting them all!!  I read the cards and then we hang them in my room to brighten it.

Last night I was up all night "self diuresing" (urinating)??  The doctor was shocked this morning, my output last night was over 7 liters. He said he's seen that only one time before since being at this hospital.   Supposedly that's a good sign, my body does not feel the need to hold on to the extra fluid.   Needless to say we didn't get much sleep last night and it has put a damper on making any progress today.  Jeff has been great about doing everything!!  He had plans to go do laundry but chose to stay here with me since I feel poopy today.

I can't explain how important the role of a caregiver is.  I know I have many and am thankful for each of you.  My main caregiver right now is Jeff who has spent many of his nights standing in the the bathroom with me.  However Alecia & Ashley know exactly what that's like too.  My platelets are so low that an alarm has to be set on my bed so I don't get up alone and take the chance of falling. Tony got out of "bathroom duty" but has been very helpful with my with phys therapy, everyone is so wonderful!!
I've never been a huge fan for the Bet Midler song  "Wind Beneath my Wings" but it keeps coming to my mind everytime I REALIZE what a caregiver has to do do!! EVERYTHING!! Some of those things aren't that pleasant!!

Did you ever know that you're my hero?
You're everything I wish I could be
I could fly higher than an eagle
For you are the wind beneath my wings

A caregiver is literally my legs, arms, everything to me right now. 

Just wanted to say hi ..... love you all!!  Please remember me in your prayers that engraftment will start soon and my numbers will start coming back!!  With an umbilical cord transplant, it takes longer for my numbers to start recovery so WE (me AND my caregivers) need prayer that God will give us strength to get through this.

God bless you all!!

Happy Holidays!

I can't believe Christmas has come and gone!  We had a wonderful Christmas .... our family was all together which was a great gift.

I have some news to share; however, I do so cautiously because in the past, we've experienced a few bumps in the road that have slowed/stopped progress.

My donor search coordinator has worked diligently and found cord blood units that are considered a safe match for me.  I was actually told that getting a transplant was probably not an option for me, so we starting looking for other avenues to keep my aggressive form of leukemia in remission.  I was all set to take part in a clinical trial and had an appointment on 1/23. 

Our prayers are getting answered!  The search coordinator notified us that cords have been found that are considered safe with my antibodies.  My appointment is now on 1/24 to start the transplant procedure!!   I really need your prayers more than ever now!!

PLEASE pray that I stay healthy until my appointment time.  Also I need prayer that the cord units will be safe and my body will accept the cells as my own.  This is my opportunity to be cured!!

One more thing ... my insurance will change to a different company effective 1/1/12.  I'm not sure what effects this will have, please pray this will be an easy transition and that Seattle will remain "in network".

God bless you all.

Donor Drives this Weekend

Last week over 250 people joined the registry! Let's keep it going this weekend :) Please come to one of the donor drives and potentially save my life or someone's life! Join Be the Match

Omaha, NE:

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Faith-Westwood United Methodist Church

10am–1:30pm

4814 Oaks Lane (between 120^th and 132^nd at old “L” street), Omaha, NE

San Francisco, CA:
Saturday, November 5, 2011
St. Mary's Cathedral Event Center
9am–12pm
1111 Gough St.
**this is also a Team in Training event, Leukemia Lymphoma Society**
http://www.teamintraining.org/sf/firsttimehere/info