Hi drawlings803,
I am 61 and had an allogeneic transplant 8 months ago for eosinophilic leukemia using reduced intensity chemo prior to transplant. I also had lupus and a rare immune problem called HLH so they weren’t sure what problems might have arose from those issues, but my transplant went well. So far it has been very successful with 100% donor graft acceptance, no sign of cancer and no GVHD at all. So reduced intensity does not mean reduced success. Also, just because your doctor said there are few options if the transplant doesn’t take, doesn’t mean all doctors will feel that way. It’s tricky with sct because they are so risky that the doctors tend to focus on all the potential bad outcomes so we are fully informed, but the reality is that the sct works for many people and there are usually options and treatments if things don’t go perfectly. It can feel scary but try to focus on “what if it all goes well” instead of the potential scary problems. Easier said than done but I found just asking that question got my mind to focus on happier thoughts, if even for a short time. I wish you all the best.