Upcoming Hospital Admit 6/26/26 with Bone Marrow Transplant 7/2

Posted by carolgk @carolgk, Jun 19 2:33pm

I have hesitated to post an update as my last Hospital Admit date was cancelled due to the BMT Donor could not be cleared.

It appears this time, all is a GO for my Hospital Admission and Bone Marrow Transplant, starting next week! Yay!!!

I am so grateful for this chance !!! Feeling hopeful to see the end of this part of my cancer journey.

I am aware the beginning and for some time beyond will be anything but fun with many rough days ahead. But it will be a start.

Vonjo has been an outstanding medication to treat my Myelofibrosis 3+ and CMML1 blood cancer symptoms.
I feel so much better than I have physically in over 3 years when the symptoms began, and progressed. Only in the past few weeks has the ugly Bone Pain come back.
I wont miss the bone pain or any of the other symptoms one bit : )

I do otherwise feel physically and emotionally great going into this. Im so fortunate for the Nurses,Doctors and Staff at Mayo in Jacksonville FL. I cant imagine getting better care anywhere.

I want to say "THANK YOU !" to everyone on this forum for all of your support, kind words, guidance, advice and encouragement. You all have helped me to see the path ahead.
It means so much to have people who have been there, and understand. I appreciate you.

For a week, I've been indulging by eating the foods I love and wont be able to enjoy for a while down the road. Enjoying a Medium Rare Ribeye steak, salads and raw vegetables, fresh fruit...etc
Yay for fresh Georgia Peaches !!! Im in foodie heaven : )

Lodging is done. A few last minute items to add for packing. Next week a Video visit and one last pre-transplant day trip to Mayo in Jacksonville the day before my admission next week.

Again, your support has meant so much. Thank you!

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

Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Jun 19 6:20pm

Hi Carol. Phew, huh? All of the anticipation and medical drama of past months is now reaching a crescendo! Seven years ago right now, I was going through the same range emotions! My Re-birthday is June 28.

Knowing you’re at Mayo Jacksonville, you are definitely in excellent hands. Similar to @lorieliebrock who has the same timeline as you but in Mayo Rochester! The Mayo BMT teams are unparalleled in their dedication to care.

I’m happy for you to be finally getting under way so you can get on with life! Your 2nd chance at life! ☺️ I had to crack up with your comments about indulging in your favorite foods this week! Eat up, my friend! Your diet will change for a bit…but again, the small sacrifices now are worth the positive outcome!
Please keep us posted with updates along the way when you’re feeling up to it. Fatigue will be your companion for a couple of weeks. But slowly your stamina and energy will return! Just remember that you can’t rush recovery. It takes time. Listen to your body. If it tells you to nap, you listen! LOL. No guilt nappy is so luxurious.

Sending an ‘air hug’! Did you pack for favorite comfy lounging clothes? ☺️

carolgk | @carolgk | Jun 20 8:16am

In reply to @loribmt "Hi Carol. Phew, huh? All of the anticipation and medical drama of past months is now..." + (show)

@loribmt You betcha! I have packed every comfort item from lounge wear to chocolate , plus my favorite single serve snacks ; )

As always, I appreciate your insight and sharing your experience. Every bit helps.

I've set my mind to anticipating the tough path to recovery with a positive "I can do this" attitude.

Happy Re- Birthday, Lori !

Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Jun 20 9:21am

In reply to @carolgk "@loribmt You betcha! I have packed every comfort item from lounge wear to chocolate , plus..." + (show)

Attitude is everything through this adventure. My 3 takeaways…(well, obviously I have a zillion more) but these 3 came first. For riding this wild BMT ride you need to have a sense of humor, a sense of adventure and be able just let things roll off your back. Like @katgob said, this is a ‘one day at a time’ experience.

There’s something about riding out ‘this storm’ and coming out the victor on the other side. I felt like Super Woman, invincible. It tests your mettle and when you realize what you’re capable of overcoming…nothing phases you anymore! So I truly wish you well on this adventure of two lifetimes. Like a monarch caterpillar becoming a glorious new creature! Keep us updated! ☺️

Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Jul 2 10:05am

@carolgk
Well Carol, Today is the first day of the rest of your 2nd life!! ☺️ I hope you have a smooth transition today as you receive your BMT! Please know I’m thinking of you, along with the rest of our BMT posse here in Connect! We’re circling the wagons for you today in support!

Please keep me updated, ok? Air hugs

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jul 2 7:01pm

@carolgk,I know you won't get this message today. But I wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you as you start the BMT process today.

carolgk | @carolgk | Jul 3 6:24am

Awww! You are all so kind.
Thank you, these messages are lovely to discover.
My Re- Birthday went very well. A truly caring team.
I received 4 full bags of stem cells.
I've had only minor side effects.
Mayo Clinic takes such great care of their patients.
Feeling so grateful for this second chance, and to my Donor.

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