[walker4773]

Hi Frances, I was in your shoes about 2 yrs ago when the diagnosis came from left field – very few medical problems, checkups every few years, etc. but in good health for a 65 yr old. I was not very athletic but played in sports and kept my weight down. Anyway, after going thru 6 mos of chemo (Vidaza) and numerous bone marrow biopsies, Mayo clinic found a BTM donor and I went thru a bone marrow transplant. Stayed at Mayo hospital for 24 days (great facility, great staff) and was released with 1 year of follow-up checks (daily, then weekly, then bi-weekly, then monthly). This Jan. (1 yr. post transplant) I was released by my Mayo doctor and transferred to a local oncologist. I fell myself as very fortunate with the help of knowledgeable doctors, nurses, oncologists and a very supportive wife and family. This is written to tell you that there are success stories and it is not all negative. I’m pretty much back to my normal life with some minor changes but grateful to be here.
Jim P

[walker4773]

I had a bone marrow transplant in Jan, 2016 from an unrelated donor. It’s been about 6 mos. since my transplant date. I’ve experienced weight loss (30 lbs), little appetite until recently, fatigue (still), some memory loss, desire to be alone but none of the more serious side effects to date. Every day seems to be different than yesterday and I could have a good day (some energy for 3-4 hrs) then 2-4 bad days (tired, no interest in life). I am hesitant to make long term plans that would take up more than a few hours because I don’t know how I will feel. Being from the Phoenix area, the heat really sucks out any energy I had some I’m pretty much indoors for a few months. I’ve been told this could go on for a year or more. My blood levels are pretty much in the low-normal range and I’m done with chemo (Vidaza) so I chalk this up to the normal recovery path, just don’t get in a hurry.

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