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My Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT/SCT) story: Will you share yours?
Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) & CAR-T Cell Therapy | Last Active: 2 days ago | Replies (549)Comment receiving replies
I was diagnosed with AML in March of 2016, and had my stem cell transplant in August of that year. The journey leading up to STC included two induction chemos, which kept me in the hospital for 7 weeks, and then three consolidations. I was in remission and my doctors started talking about doing the transplant. None of my four siblings turned out to be my matches, but a 21 year old German college student was 10/10 match! I'm very grateful that he decided to donate to someone he didn't even know.
My transplant was successful, while two of the friends with AML whom I met during that time did not survive. This was a bitter sweet experience because I survived and was recovering, while they were dying.
Because I had moved twice since my transplant, I'm at my third BMT clinic. This time it's Mayo in Phoenix, AZ. I am very pleased with my doctor and how thorough she is. I feel like I'm in good hands now.
I've had GVHD off and on, and currently have skin GVHD. I'm also in the process of getting a diagnosis for a liver disease. It doesn't looks like GVHD according to my doctor, so I'm waiting do a biopsy and an MRI next week.
I met my donor in July of 2019. He and his dad flew from Germany to meet me. It was such a treat to meet him, to share my story and hear his story of why he chose to donate his stem cells.
After two and a half years out of work, I'm back working in higher ed., doing what I love. I had to move to get this job, but I was determined not to let my health problems stop me. My new normal is very different from what it was before getting AML. I've learned to be grateful for each good day, enjoy simple everyday things, appreciate my family who supports me and thankful to God that I'm still alive.
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Thank you for sharing your journey! When I read all of the personal stories from fellow transplant members it just amazes me how resilient our bodies are, and really, how resilient WE are to endure all the chemicals, the foreign DNA, the meds and the psychological impact. It’s so wonderful that you’re able to be back working at the job you love and embracing life. Our transplants don’t have to define who we are. But they have given us that second chance at life and I’m thrilled to see you’re embracing each and every moment. I’m the same way! Each day is a gift not to be wasted.
I share your sadness over the loss of fellow transplant friends. My husband and I became good friends with another couple we met going through the same procedure. She and I had our transplants the same day. Her husband and my husband became such good friends over the course of weeks. Sadly, though the doctors tried heroic measures, my friend didn’t make it. It was so disheartening. To be honest, I actually felt some survivor’s guilt for a while.
Aw, meeting your donor had to be such a special moment! And wow, it’s really cool that he and his dad came over from Germany to see you! I’m a little envious because I also had a 20 year old young man but from the US, 10/10. We make a great team, but sadly he hasn’t returned any contact information after I sent the request months ago. It’s ok as he owes me nothing…but I owe him my life and would really like to properly thank him. I’ve sent 2 cards but never had any communication with him. I’d love to know who he is, what motivated him to give his donation and a little more about him. Since transplant, I no longer have a sensitivity to Almonds but I can’t eat Egg-Beaters anymore. LOL.
Did you learn little things like that from your donor? If he had any allergies?