Hi @eagle1903, I’m fully recovered from my leukemia and transplant journey. Thank you. 🙂 It doesn’t upset me at all to talk about either issue. That’s one of the reasons I’m here in Connect, to help others navigate the bone marrow transplant process and also offer hope that there is life after a transplant. This is a field that is rapidly gaining momentum through research and patient experience. So many blood cancers, diseases of the bone marrow and autoimmune issues are being treated and often cured.

I can’t imagine the stress you’re under with how quickly this has all transpired! Your apprehension with the prospects of your little boy having to undergo this lengthy process is completely understandable. There must be a strong feeling that this would be the best outcome for your little boy for his doctor’s to suggest a transplant. As with any medical procedure, there can be complications. But transplant teams are so committed to their patients and will do their utmost to keep your little son comfortable and safe. They want a good outcomes too!

I think having a consultation with a transplant doctor at a Children’s Hospital would be helpful. They would be the most ideally suited and experienced specialists for this situation. You’d be able to ask questions and weigh the risks vs benefits. While they can’t make the decision for you, they may ease your mind about the transplant. I know my husband and I felt so much more confident in the decision to go forward once we met my doctor and learned more about what I’d be going through.

I’m also wondering if your son’s doctor or transplant doctor, especially if it’s in a child-centered transplant facility, could connect you with a mentor for you and your son…maybe parents who have had a young child go through this process. My experience is with adults and a few teenagers. I’m here anytime for you as a sounding board and would like to follow along with you. Let me know if I can help in any way. Is there a target date for the transplant?