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My Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT/SCT) story: Will you share yours?
The past two years have been a storied journey of facing Acute Myeloid Leukemia and a subsequent bone marrow transplant. Being in a high risk category for relapse for AML, a transplant was necessary. Simply put, it would provide a completely new immune system to fend off any remaining AML cells lurking about in my body, after my original factory installed version had become defective in recognizing them. My husband and I shared a collective sigh of relief with the news that my latest bone marrow biopsy, at 19 months post transplant, showed no AML or the mutation which caused it. My new immune system is working!
While celebrating the results with my husband and a pizza, it occurred to me how far I’ve come and how life has changed in the past two years since the onset of AML and the transplant. There have been some challenging transitions but none insurmountable. Of course, life as a genetically modified organism, with two sets of DNA and a new blood type, can have its turf wars with a few GvHD issues, adaptations to medications and such. But I’m incredibly happy to have a second chance with this generous gift of life from an anonymous donor, and through the medical expertise of my amazing BMT-team at Mayo-Rochester. Hopefully I can meet my donor someday to thank him in person. I did send him a card right after the transplant giving him my “undying” gratitude!
We’ve all been given a gift of life. I’d love to hear your story. Lori
What diagnosis brought you to a BMT?
How has it impacted your life and that of your caregiver?
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HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) & CAR-T Cell Therapy Support Group.
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Oh my gosh, Sally, I missed the date! March 6th! I try keep notes to make sure I don’t miss out on anyone’s big day. Quickly looking back, thankfully @katgob was ‘Johnny on the spot’ to congratulate you! That’s what I love about this forum! We are such a cohesive team of support!
At Day+30 you’re still very early in the recovery. The first month is usually the roughest, so that’s out of the way! Now it’s a slow, steady, daily progression to gaining strength and stamina. Sorry to say, there’s no rushing this part! LOL. So this will be a test of your patience. It was for me too. I found if I pushed too hard, then I’d have a day or so of feeling exhausted. It’s really important to listen to your body. If it calls for rest, do it! This is your moment to be queen for the day…for the next several months. 😅
As for moving from GOL. I know it’s a wonderful facility but I’m with you. My husband and I knew that the shared community life wouldn’t be for us so that’s why we opted for the hotel suite.
Here is a link to another discussion that lists long term options for lodging:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/1242265/
Please accept my apology for not checking in sooner, Sally. Let me know where you land if you change locations. And please, feel free to share your BMT transplant story here with us.
Are you feeling stronger daily? Any nausea?