Bone Marrow Transplant Caregiver: Looking for emotional support

@loribmt good morning thank you I was having trouble logging in I am ok not great. I read thru your post! Yes role reversal has been tough! My support system is in place my daughter and an outside therapist that I have been talking to two times a week! The journey getting here was so tough and I just feel very isolated at times! Sometimes tunnel vision keeps me from coping better!

@sandpile60 thank you much appreciated and praying for you

@dwolden thanks I see that she has replied here as well

@rsp21224 Hi Michelle. Just following up with you this morning to see how your husband is doing and…how YOU are fairing? I hope you’ve been able to see some of the lovely replies here that fellow BMT members have given.

We can truly relate to the overwhelming feelings you’re having right now as your husband is undergoing his bone marrow transplant. It is a roller coaster adventure like no other, that’s for sure.

Please know that you are not alone! I’m here for you anytime you have a question or concerns. Plus, your husband is at Mayo-Jacksonville. You’ll both be well taken care of by his amazing BMT team…you’re both in excellent hands.

Is he undergoing the preconditioning right now or has he had the infusion of stem cells yet? What is your major concern right now?

Hi Michele. My husband had an allogenic stem cell transplant in August of 2024. He’s doing well now but we did go through a lot.
I’d be glad to talk to you or message.
Lori has been a great mentor to me.

@rsp21224. Hi Michelle! Having a BMT is quite a roller coaster ride of emotions, for both the patient AND the caregiver. As @becsbuddy mentioned in her reply, I had a BMT for acute myeloid leukemia 7 years ago at Mayo Rochester. I just “cell”ebrated last week that anniversary last week.

My husband was my caregiver and wow, he was an absolute pillar of support for me. But I watched him age before my eyes with what he saw me going through and then all the responsibility levied on him for all those months. Having been married 45 years at the time, you can imagine there was a division of labor between the two of us. So the burden of my forced abandonment of my duties fell on his shoulders. Believe me, all of us here in Connect who have gone through this amazing medical miracle of gaining a 2nd chance at life know that it did not come without a steep mental toll for us and for our families. So you’ve come to the right place for support! We’ll do our best to help you and your husband weather the challenges! Don’t hesitate to ask us anything!

I’d like to introduce you to just a few of what I like to call my BMT Posse! When I became the mentor in this group, there were just a few of us but we’ve grown in numbers so I’d like you to meet @dwolden, @mary612 @g4c @alive @anitasharma…Each of us have a different story and perspective.

I’d also like you to join us over here: My Bone marrow Transplant story. Will you share yours?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/my-bone-marrow-transplant-bmt-story-will-you-share-yours/
And here: Snapshots of hope: Life on the other side of transplant! Photos https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/snapshots-of-hope-life-on-the-other-side-of-transplant/

What underlying disease had your husband requiring a BMT?

@rsp21224 Michelle, I think the best person to help you and answer your questions @loribmt . She had a bone marrow transplant several years ago and is back to being quite the energetic sprite. @becsbuddy

Michele— I’m really sorry for what you and your husband are going through. Although I’m not familiar with bone marrow transplants, my hubby does have a terminal illness. I know the uncertainty is hard. I feel for you and hope you find connection and support for your particular situation.
Take care.

Welcome to the forum. You will find many people here who have had similar experiences and who can not only listen but offer helpful advice. Please, ask you questions and voice your concerns.