← Return to Husband with AML facing a stem cell transplant

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@alive

You have some difficult decisions to make. I had my chemo and transplant in Indianapolis and lived in southern Michigan, so it took good 3,5 hours to get to the hospital. My husband was my caregiver and made that drive to Indy numerous times. It was still doable, since we could schedule an early appointment, get everything done by noon and be back home by the end of the day.

Bedside manners are very important, since you feel like the doctor doesn’t care about you or doesn’t have your best interests in mind if they don’t have that skill. I recommend talking to a social worker on your team about your concerns. They may be able to give you good advice about how to navigate your experience with this doctor.

I had an excellent transplant doctor at IU Health. His name was Dr. Farag. It made such a difference and helped reduce stress for me. I was also hospitalized at a local hospital and had a very negative experience with a hospitalist there. I couldn’t wait to get discharged and never see him again.

Wishing you all the best!

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Replies to "You have some difficult decisions to make. I had my chemo and transplant in Indianapolis and..."

Thank you for kind wishes and advice. I appreciate you sharing your perspective and experience.

Yes, the indecision about finding the best fit with the hematologist and the cancer center for most optimal transplant experience and medical outcomes adds another layer of uncertainty and stress.
The social worker and other professionals advise to find the care he is most comfortable with and avoid the regret down the line of “I wonder what it would have been like if we had checked out a different option.” We will hopefully make the appointment today to visit MD Anderson sometime in the next couple weeks.
Little setback last night though….my husband developed a blood clot in the arm he has his PICC line. This happened with the first PICC line he had put in a couple months ago. He started a blood thinner last night. Hope that helps and he won’t need to have this one removed and replaced.

Thanks again for your kind words.

Take care,
Mary