Hi Mary, Boy do I ever have memories flooding my brain this morning. Those months before, during and immediately after transplant were life defining for both my husband and me. I sure do remember having to put the summer on hold and feeling a sense of loss for all the things we’d be missing! I also felt a level of guilt being the one that forced us into that position. That was a stupid thought because this illness was nothing I caused nor could have controlled. But it was something we could treat and potential cure! So onward…summer would wait. And actually my husband had a great time in Rochester that summer and kept very busy.

A couple weekends a month our daughter would drive down from Mpls and ‘baby sit’ me so my husband could go back home to check on things. It all worked out so well and time sped past quickly.

Now, 5 years later, the lost summer is forgotten and I frequently consider all of the opportunities, experiences and accomplishments I’ve (we’ve) been able to have because I had the transplant. Two days ago we celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary together. That would have been impossible without the transplant. So we both happily agreed it was worth putting that summer of 2019 on hold.

I think once the transplant journey gets started, you’re going to find you have free time to zip back home to check on your house, gardens and hopefully visit with your dog for a few hours if you feel it’s appropriate. We all cope differently with extreme events and there is a mourning period for each of you because there are changes, losses, adaptations ahead. Ugh, I hate the term new normal, I refer to it as my altered reality, but you will eventually find a rhythm to your days and this will just be a different summer! Doesn’t mean bad, just different. 🙃

That’s fabulous news about your husband’s clean biopsy! A big hurdle out of the way. Though I get what you’re saying…now it’s really going to happen and feeling pretty real! My best advice…Let his team do the worrying for you. This is not their first rodeo and they have his back! They want success for your husband as much as you do.

While this wasn’t in my personal experience, I have read recently of more patients with MDS and AML, who are at high risk and having a bmt, being placed on a maintenance dose of Azacitadine and Venetaclax after transplant. It’s like ‘belts and suspenders’ to help ensure encouraging responses in high-risk MDS/AML. Two people whom I mentor locally, one with her transplant last year and another who had her transplant about 6 months ago are both on the maintenance program and doing well. No signs of relapse!

I’ll be counting down the days with you, Mary! Sending positive vibes your way! Don’t forget to breathe! 🙃