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

Posted by Lori, Volunteer Mentor @loribmt, Feb 14, 2021

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?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) & CAR-T Cell Therapy Support Group.

alive | @alive | 15 hours ago

In reply to @gagathemom "July 2025 after breaking my back helping someone move, I was diagnosed with plasmacytoma on my..." + (show)

@gagathemom

July 2025 after breaking my back helping someone move, I was diagnosed with plasmacytoma on my vertebrae. September 2025 I successfully received radiation on my vertebrae however cancer was found in my iliac (pelvic bone) so my diagnosis changed to multiple myeloma. Starting January 2026 I had 4 cycles (4 months) of weekly chemo and support medication which was manageable. My local oncologist recommended I have a stem cell transplant so I was hooked up with Mayo Clinic in Rochester.
I was/am a good candidate for a stem cell transplant.
May 2025 I spent 8 days at Mayo which included the most thorough study of my body by a team of medical professionals. I had a successful collection of my stem cells, which are now frozen, and I will have my cells transplanted in July 2026 allowing me a bit of time with my grandchildren this summer. My oncology team agreed that this would be okay.
Physically I am managing. My main side effects are fatigue and back ache. Fortunately I am retired so I do try to stay active and force myself take guilt free breaks.
I’m not afraid or depressed but I have always been a caregiver, so I am struggling with being dependent on someone to take care of me, and I’m also quite private about my bodily functions.
I am 71 years old and other than cancer I am pretty healthy. I don’t feel sorry for myself. I have had a good life.
My husband will be my caregiver but because his 1st wife died at age 59 after 3 years of cancer treatments and a stem cell transplant, I am acutely aware of his loss and his experience, so I try to stay upbeat and positive for his sake.
However, I have moments where I am scared and sad. Mostly scared of the unknown. When people say “ you’ve got this” it annoys the heck out of me even though I know they mean well.
I know I can’t avoid what’s ahead and I have to go through it. The diarrhea, vomiting, losing my hair, being away from my home and kids and grandkids.
Yes, I am grateful for an amazing oncology team and all. And therapy and food and a roof over my head but I have found that cancer is very lonely and isolating, so thanks for letting me vent!

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@gagathemom The words “you’ve got it” coming from people who had never experienced what you are going through sounds to me like “quit complaining, you will be fine “. It sounds very different when it comes from a person who had experienced it.

As someone who had a SCT for AML, I think your general good health will give you an extra boost as you have your transplant. Using your own cells also means that you won’t have GVHD and your recovery will be quicker than mine was.

Wishing you an uncomplicated transplant and recovery!

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