needing a BMT for CML

JenniferLee
JenniferLee Member Posts: 5
edited March 2014 in Leukemia #1
Hi to every one! I am new here,I was diagnose with CML in 2001, I was two months pregnant. I delivered a healthy baby boy on April 2, 2002. My cancer Dr. tried me on Gleevec and interferon both failed. I am now needing a BMT for my only chance of a cure. I'm having it done at shands at the university of florida. I have three sister and three brothers but there all half. None of them are a match. Shands is having a difficult time in finding me a donor. Hopefully god will send one to us! I am very scared of having a BMT. Could any one please tell me about there experience. I had liver problems due to gleevec and interferon. I know taking chemo can affect my liver. I look at my husband and son and ask my self am I going to be here with them. My sister says god would not have given me a child than take me away from him. I have so many fears of having a BMT. Please reply. Thank you!

Comments

  • BRatzz
    BRatzz Member Posts: 2
    This is my first time here and am signed on in my son's name. He's just been diagnosed with AML. I can't help you but wanted to send you my prayers and good wishes. Sharon
  • JenniferLee
    JenniferLee Member Posts: 5
    BRatzz said:

    This is my first time here and am signed on in my son's name. He's just been diagnosed with AML. I can't help you but wanted to send you my prayers and good wishes. Sharon

    Sharon thank you for replying to my message. My prayers are with your son, you and your family. If you dont mind my asking, How are they going to treat your son's AML?
  • missturbo
    missturbo Member Posts: 2
    Hey there, My name is Liz and I am 23 years old. I was diagnosed with AML in May 2004 and so far I have had 3 rounds of Chemo and most recently on October 12th I had a stem cell transplant (bone marrow transplant). Luckly my brother was a perfect match. I was so scared of having a transplant but so far has been worth it. I had to be in hospital for the first month. That was a horrible experience (worst time of my life). The chemo side effects were horrible. But once engraftment took place (new bone marrow was producing cells) everything got better real fast. I'm now at day 29 and slowly regaining my strength. I have to go to the hospital 3 times a week to check for Graft Vs Host Disease etc until day 100. The only thing is that after having a transplant you are at risk of getting thrombosis (blood clots) in the liver. I had to have an injection everyday for the first couple of weeks after the transplant to thin my blood. This seemed to work and I had no problems. If you have anymore questions or anything... just ask... good luck!!!
  • JenniferLee
    JenniferLee Member Posts: 5
    missturbo said:

    Hey there, My name is Liz and I am 23 years old. I was diagnosed with AML in May 2004 and so far I have had 3 rounds of Chemo and most recently on October 12th I had a stem cell transplant (bone marrow transplant). Luckly my brother was a perfect match. I was so scared of having a transplant but so far has been worth it. I had to be in hospital for the first month. That was a horrible experience (worst time of my life). The chemo side effects were horrible. But once engraftment took place (new bone marrow was producing cells) everything got better real fast. I'm now at day 29 and slowly regaining my strength. I have to go to the hospital 3 times a week to check for Graft Vs Host Disease etc until day 100. The only thing is that after having a transplant you are at risk of getting thrombosis (blood clots) in the liver. I had to have an injection everyday for the first couple of weeks after the transplant to thin my blood. This seemed to work and I had no problems. If you have anymore questions or anything... just ask... good luck!!!

    Liz,

    Thanks for your reply. Glad to know that you are doing okay after your transplant. Yes, it sounds like something tough to beat (transplant). But thanks to people like you who share there stories with me, Im not scared anymore. I know this is something that I can beat and than tell my own story. It's really weird, I came on this site so scared of having a transplant and now I'm stronger than I have ever felt. I have read successful stories on here. Thanks so much for your reply Liz and may you continue to do well. Good Bless!!!

    Jennifer :)
  • tiwarijp
    tiwarijp Member Posts: 2
    Hi, I m 41 years male from India, Diagnosed CML in Dec'03. I m taking same medicinebut with no side effects & my latest bone marrow test says that I have been cured & medicine shall continue atleast 1 more year. U have to take Curd & Papya to reduce side effects. My mail id is tiwarijp@rediffmail.com. My best wishes to U
  • NatalieG
    NatalieG Member Posts: 7
    Hi everybody! I was diagnosed with CML in 1990 at age 4, and I am now 18. At that time I was the youngest patient recorded to have been diagnosed with CML so the doctors experimented with me and didn't give me radiation and only gave me chemo. I had a BMT on July 30, 1990 with my older brother being my donor. I was to young to remember some stuff but i have pics and I can remember being a little scared but I'm glad I was able to go through with it b/c it worked and I've been in remission for 14 years now. Oh and me and my brother are very close too. I wish the best for you and you're family Jennifer and may God bless all of you all and find a donor for you to have a successful BMT.