My Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT/SCT) story: Will you share yours?

@bella2b Not sure why our dad’s are like that, mine was similar too…always brushing off symptoms. But at least now your dad is being seen by an oncologist and there should be some forward movement to help him.

There are some forms of MDS which are more aggressive than others and can progress into leukemia. So it will be important for the doctor to know the subtype to get the right treatment started. There are very few times where ‘there is not a lot to do’ unless there is a sharp progression. But even then there are usually options of chemotherapy or meds and transfusions that may help ease some of the symptoms your dad may experience. So if his doctor is of the opinion there is nothing to be done, I’d suggest a speedy 2nd opinion.

What type of symptoms was your dad experiencing?

@loribmt Thank you. He was feeling tired, I thought he looked pale but really, he hurt his elbow and that’s the reason he was seen and they discovered low platelets. He feels fine otherwise so he was lucky the elbow brought him in. I appreciate your responses.

Hello everyone..... Its time to Celebrate my Husbands Completion of One Year after Bone marrow Transplant Today for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia diagnosed last year . Well it really looks like roller coaster from diagnosed to Chemo ,Radiation ,Transplant ,side effects and slowly recovery emotionally and physically . Still We are grateful to God , Doctors Nurses friends and family and off course Beautiful People like you ,who makes this Journey absolutely Smooth. Feeling blessed for this day . Thanks everyone special thanks @loribmt and @katgob .
You people are really angel in our life who encourage and shares everything possible.
Well we are planning to visit Vancouver this Summer with all the precaution.
I am wondering when can a person is considered Cancer -Free????? This question comes in my mind when we want to go for a Life Insurance or critical Life Insurance for him .
Thanks once again everyone . Stay blessed and LIVE EVERY SINGLE DAY OF LIFE .
Make it worth living with ur loved ones.

Wow, @anitasharma! It’s time for a Happy Dance!! 💃
A heartfelt congratulations to your husband on his first Re-Birthday! I know the time preceding the transplant was one of high anxiety for all of you! He came through this wonderfully and your son was a hero for your family! What a blessed time this has been for all of you! Anita, you were so brave with working through all of this for your husband and family. As caregiver, the weight fell on your shoulders. You are an amazingly strong woman!

Ok the big question you’re asking is “When can a person be considered Cancer Free?” From my experience, I was told by several of my doctors, including my transplant specialist that after 22 months with no sign of recurrence, statistically the possibility of relapse drops dramatically. Obviously each case is different but generally relapse would happen before 22 to 24 months. My understanding, the 5 year point is pretty much the gold standard for ‘cured’.
His doctors will continue blood work and possibly a follow-up biopsy at some point.

So for now, just revel in the marvel of all that’s transpired over the past couple of years and the future ahead! I hope you and your family have a really special vacation. A huge group hug for all of you. Seriously, this made me misty-eyed. I am so happy for you. 💝
Will your mom and dad be able to join you for that trip?

My husband at his 3 year rebirth day visit the Doctor so wanted to say he felt he was “cured” but said he was afraid to say it. He couldn’t even say the word. But it still feels so good to have the second chance. So happy for you.

Good morning, @jrwilli1 I’m with your husband…ya know what? I still don’t use the ‘cure’ word and it’s been almost 7 years. Feels like I could jinx something if I do. So, the term we use is ‘durable remission’ . 🥰

Love it. And again thank you for all your support through all this. You are an angel to us all. ❤️

My friends here. All of us who do not know our donors. I was listening to my radio station this morning, KFI and they did a promo a number of times this morning about the BMT reunion at City of Hope. They tooted the horn that people get to meet their donors who till now have been strangers. I thought then i would write to all of you. I am going with my brother. He was the sibling who visited and did my laundry when i was hospitalized for my transplant.
Nearly all there will not get that chance. As i recall last year, they had 4 people who got to meet their donors. I like hearing that story and meeting others who had transplants. As i have said, sometimes I find it hard to believe i had cancer at all.
Of course, my body parts show different, and blood clots, neuropathy were never normal, I am living life each day. And i so agree, cure is not a word i use.
My sister needs prayers. Her journey, her way has not had my results. I hope to stop and see her today. I think she is in the hospital. I am not sure. but it is right for me to try to see her today, whether she wants me to see her or not. A beautiful Friday to all!!!

@jrwilli1 I think that as more years pass since my SCT, the more comfortable I become with the thought that I won’t relapse. I will be celebrating my 10th rebirth day in August, and I use the phrase “cancer free”.

My family history with cancer makes me feel like I am in an uneasy dance with cancer: both of my parents and one sister died from cancer. I was able to get away from one, but who knows if another one may be lurking somewhere in my future. I don’t dwell on this and live a full life today.

Hi @katgob A donor meet up!! What a cool event the COH is sponsoring for their BMT patients! You’re right, not all of us are so fortunate to meet with or even learn who they are, for that matter. After almost 7 years, my donor still wishes to remain anonymous. I’d love to thank in person…though I know he owes me nothing, I owe him everything! He was 20 at the time and now he’s probably 27 and I wonder if he even thinks about the amazing active of kindness he did 7 years ago.

I hope you’re able to meet your donor though I think your young man is from Europe so maybe not in person at this event. But, if I remember correctly, you should be able to have correspondence with them after 2 years. So that might be fun to see if you can initiate contact.
It’s so special your brother can go along with you. He was certainly there for you doing the highs and lows of recovery.

I am so very sorry to hear about your sister though. I will add her to my prayers for a positive outcome. I hope your visit with her was positive and encouraging for her. She give hope to so many people, my friend.
Wishing you a lovely weekend! 🥰