Hi Vickie, welcome to Connect! You’re speaking my language…I got a little misty-eyed with seeing you’ve spent time in the Methodist hosptial and now having a BMT at Mayo-Rochester…where you’ll be spending more time in Methodist on 9-4. I feel it’s my home away from home. It was 5 years ago yesterday that I received my BMT there! I had AML at the age of 65, and am now cancer free, living a fantastic 2nd life! So I’m exited for you to take this next step. You’re in outstanding hands with your team in Rochester! Haha I sound like an ad for Mayo! I admit I am biased but it’s been an outstanding level of care…which continues for the rest of your life.

The type of mutations in MDS and AML can direct the treatment plan. Some mutations can make it challenging to treat or to keep a person in remission after treatment. I had 3 mutations and my only option was a BMT to give me a chance at a normal life span. It worked. So if your doctor is recommending a BMT, they feel this would give you the best advantage to treat your cancer.

I was 65 at the time and I’ll be honest, the procedure and recovery isn’t a walk on the beach. However, I’m now 70 and if I needed to do it again, I would in a heart-beat knowing the benefits of the transplant.
There are many of us in the forum who have gone through the adventures of transplantation. We’re all here to help guide you through all aspects of the process.
Since this requires a lengthy stay in Rochester for you and a caregiver, if needed, I can give you information on lodging, what to expect during the transplant, precautions, etc., You’ll also get several educational sessions while at Mayo to help ease you through the transplant. Do you have any specifics you’d like to know more about?