Bone Marrow Transplant

lianadw said:

Thank you and wishing your mom well!

Thanks Emily! Hope your mom is doing well with her treatments.

warmly,

Liana

Dear Liana:

I too have struggled with NH Large B-Cell (Stage 4) Lymphoma.  I was diagnosed in January, 2010.  Did 8 rounds of RCHOP and 3 rounds of RICE?  RCHOP was tolerable.  RICE was not for me.  It left me very anemic and tired.  Had quite a few transfusions.  That stubborn Lymphoma wouldn't leave me alone either.  After all of that, my doctor at Karmanos Cancer Center said my best chance was a stem cell transplant.  None of my family was a perfect match; but, they did find a donor in Oregon that matched me close enough.  I was in the hospital for 40 days.  Graft Versus Host Disease took a hold of me right away and I was very sick.  The transplant took a lot of wind out of my sail; but, with the help of my friends and family, the isolation wasn't so bad.  A computer is a must to maintain some sanity.  I am 50 years old and  I have a 12 year old daughter.  They warned me it would be hard and it was.  In January, 2012 the lymphoma came back.  With my struggles, I will tell you that you are young and that is a GREAT thing in fighting this alien.  You sound like you have a great support system and that you are keeping healthy.  Good for you!!!  Stay strong.  You can get through it!  I am still sick with Graft Versus Host Disease; but, I have had two clean scans.  They have used the word remission for me and I had not heard it before.  I remain really hopeful that I have kicked cancer's butt this time around.

Good Luck and keep us updated,

Traci

lianadw said:

Wishing you well!

Hi Traci,

Congrats on the two clean scans! I hope that trend continues for you.

I had my first RICE, which was tolerable in the hospital, but I've been wiped out since getting home. I have a little energy in the morning, and then am wiped out after making breakfast for the kids and tidying up my kitchen. I hope I get some of my energy back before the next RICE. I have one more scheduled, and then hopefully get to move on to mobilaztion for the BMT.

Planning on continuing to kick this things butt, although resting now between battles.

Cheers,

Liana

Hi Liana,

Please forgive my very late welcome to this wonderful and super supportive group.

Lately I just have not had the time to post as much as I would like. I do try to read as much as I can.

I have to agree with what everyone has been saying, your young and that really will help you. When or if you have weak moments, just know that they do pass and better days are ahead for you.

I have bounced back and forth between good and not so good days, with plenty of really crappy days thrown in. But with this great group of friends to push me on and hold my hand, I keep going. We are all here for you too.

Hang in there, you can do this.

So, belated welcome to you. And sending you wishes for a little less fatigue and a little more energy. Rest when you need to and stay warm.

Hugs,

Lisha

lianadw said:

thanks fdr your encouragement!

Hi Lisha,

Thanks for your kind words. I have found in the short time I've been connected to this community that it is very helpful and comforting. Many very good and supportive people here. And the shared exeperiences help alleviate my anxieties.

I did get out for a walk with my family for the first time in a week today. So I think my energy is on it's way back. Yay!

Warmly,

Liana

hi lianadw i had a bmt two years ago this month with my own cells so theres a good chance i can answer any questions you may have

lianadw said:

thanks fdr your encouragement!

Hi Lisha,

Thanks for your kind words. I have found in the short time I've been connected to this community that it is very helpful and comforting. Many very good and supportive people here. And the shared exeperiences help alleviate my anxieties.

I did get out for a walk with my family for the first time in a week today. So I think my energy is on it's way back. Yay!

Warmly,

Liana

Liana,

Sorry I'm so late jumping in here.  Welcome to our little community- very sorry you have to be here at all.  Hope you can kick it to the curb with your BMT and just get on with your life with your family.  You will find we all have slightly different journeys.  I have had chemo twice and am in a partial remission from Nodal Marginal Zone NHL stage IV.  My doc has talked transplant down the road.

I pray that your experience is an easy one.  We know it will have challenges but I hope they are few.  You have a fantastic attitude and a great support system with your family and then there's us!

Don't hesitate to reach out.  We are here for eachother.

Bless you,

Donna