This and That and Talk - My Transplant

Hi @wakulla168, I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your wife. Pancreatic cancer can spread undetected throughout the body quickly. My aunt's journey with pancreatic cancer was equally short. Just like your wife, there was not indication of cancer and 3 weeks later she was gone.

When pancreatic cancer is detected early, which can be hard, there are various treatments available. However, pancreas transplant is not a treatment option. This article explains:
- Are Pancreas Transplants An Option For Pancreatic Cancer Patients? https://seenamagowitzfoundation.org/pancreas-transplants/

Wakulla, I sense you are asking yourself if you or your wife's medical team could've done more. I doubt that you could've. Pancreatic cancer is really hard to detect. Please don't add guilt to the rollercoaster of emotions you may be feeling.

Losing a life-time partner is hard. You may wish to connect with others who get it in the Loss & Grief group. You're not alone.
- Loss & Grief support group https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/loss-grief/

My 76 year old wife was found with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer in mid December 2021. She died 3 weeks later at home under the care of Hospice. Rita had only a slight stomach ache for a month before being found with Stage 4 Pancreatic cancer of the stomach ...

When talking of pancreas transplant, how early does a patient have to be told they have PC and are a candidate for a transplant ? Stage 1, 2, etc ???

Hey Gretchen! It’s great to hear from you too! I’m happy the news is all good on the SCT side of things!! Takes a while but it’s so worth the effort isn’t it?
Bummer about the ankle! How did that happen! I’m so sorry it’s the obstacle holding you back now. Darn it! I hope it all heals quickly for you and you’re back on your feet soon. You have a lot of lost time to make up for now! ☺️

I’m doing great, thanks. I honestly feel like nothing ever happened. I’m still cautious of course, because of Covid but I’m coming up on 3 years and my doctor is highly encouraged that there is no relapse of the AML. . He said it seldom returns after 22 months and I’m 33 months. Yippee skippee!! We’re actually down in Florida enjoying the warmth and sunshine, resuming life to the fullest. Every day is a gift, right?
If you get a chance, check out a new post I started for us transplant patients.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/snapshots-of-hope-life-on-the-other-side-of-transplant/
I thought it would be a cool idea to inspire others who might be facing a transplant down the road, to show them what life is like on the other side! Have you any photos that wouldn’t exist if not for your transplant?

Hi Lori! It’s so nice to hear from you. All is going very well in regards to my stem cell transplant. I’m finally tapering off of tacro.
Just when Covid is waning, my numbers are great, I’m ready to travel, I broke my ankle. I had surgery a week ago and must stay non weight bearing for 6 weeks. The first 3 weeks elevation.
I hope you’re doing well and able to get away some.
It was nice of you to get in touch.
Gretchen

@waveg Good morning, Gretchen! It’s been a while since we’ve chatted so I though I’d drop by to say hi. How’s everything going in your corner of the world? ☺️

I have seen the butterfly image on many Donate Life bulletins and merchandise. I have even seen announcements of Organ Donor Memorial Ceremonies where there is a butterfly release.

Beautiful! Crying!

That’s awesome you raised monarchs! There’s a butterfly conservatory in Gainesville that I enjoy visiting…very peaceful. Indeed, I think often of how having a man’s liver in my body has transformed me, and not to mention saved my life! But you are truly transformed—like the butterfly with new DNA 🧬.

Aw, Athenalee! Thank you for sharing this article. You’re right, it’s very moving and I’m so sorry for the writer’s tragic loss.
But I enjoyed his information on the metamorphosis of the lowly caterpillar. What a journey.
For years I raised Monarch butterflies in the house and often thought about the process of going from a caterpillar to having wings to fly!
It’s always amazing to watch the tiny eggs hatch into teeny caterpillars who are remorseless eating machines until they’re about ready to burst. Then the magic happens.
There’s something so special about looking at that beautiful green chrysalis with the gold dots, wondering what was going on inside. How that tube filled with mush morphed into a glorious Monarch butterfly.
If only it were that easy for people to be changlings ☺️ Quite honestly, a few of my other bone marrow transplant friends and I have discussions of how we feel a bit like that transformation. We have new DNA and some of us have new bodies after shedding a few pounds. I agree it would be a lot easier without all the meds! Just wake up two weeks later and be ready to spread our wings! 🦋

Fellow transplant recipients,

Thought I’d share this very moving essay, which also offers a fascinating sort of transplant fact of the insect world. We all know that caterpillars transform into butterflies (or moths). I knew it had something to do with DNA, but there’s more… The caterpillar 🐛 constructs a cocoon around itself and then proceeds to digest himself. I know, disgusting . But, in the process, a soupy pool of amino acids result, and the makings of a beautiful butterfly begin to form.

These magical “ imaginal cells” begin to transform the dead caterpillar cells into an entirely different insect with completely new DNA. At first, the caterpillar's immune system rejects the new cells. But they keep multiplying and start clumping together to form the organs of the new organism. And, a butterfly 🦋 (or moth) is born!

How about that @loribmt?! Dying, transplantation of new DNA, no immunosuppressants, and new body! Wow!