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Decision to transplant

Greetings,

My decision to proceed with a bone marrow transplant (also referred to as a BMT, a stem cell transplant or SCT) has been a multi-year process. And very difficult since it is such a high risk, high reward decision.  It is a potential cure, but is a long and difficult process with potentially serious complications.

Bone Marrow Transplant was the original term for the procedure where the donor stem cells were harvested from the donor's bone marrow which is a long and painful process.  The more common approach today is to harvest the stem cells from the donor's peripheral blood.

I’ve been extremely fortunate in many ways - having an amazing team of doctors, very effective treatments for over a decade, and an incredibly strong support system.  I’ve entrusted my medical advice to the MD Anderson cancer center team in Houston working hand in hand with an expert team at University of Colorado Health in Denver. Based upon very sophisticated genetic testing and monitoring the disease progression over the years, their consensus opinion is that the BMT is my best chance for a long life.

My brother Dan gave me sound advice that “if you had a better option, you would take it”.   I found real comfort in that advice, especially since I had done so much research, received so many expert opinions, worked hard to maintain my overall health, and collaborated with family and friends.  I knew this was the right decision for me.

So, in February 2020 I made the final decision to proceed and chose MD Anderson for the procedure as they have the most experience, I liked their process and doctors, and simply put they earned my confidence.  Very importantly, they were able to quickly find 14 perfect match donor candidates for me so the doctor had her pick of the best.

Connie and I began the preparation for our temporary move to Houston. The specific date was planned for May 11, 2020 which was quickly disrupted by the pandemic.  There was just too much risk and uncertainty with catching COVID-19 during the process to proceed.  So, we went into hibernation for the spring and summer.  In so many ways this has been a blessing as we bonded back as a family in our own personal quarantine group at our home in Littleton, CO.  Quarantining with Connie, Tara, Eric and Tara’s boyfriend Max made for so many fun times, laughs, bike rides, walks, dinners, happy hours, bonfires, and great conversations!  I call this the silver lining from the pandemic, something we would never have had the chance to experience with our adult children during our normal busy lives.  

But, the cancer didn’t go away with this personal hiatus and we are now in the final preparation to move to Houston the weekend of October 4th to begin the 3+ month process.

Cheers to all of you for your support over the years,

Gary

 MD Anderson was ranked #1 in the US for Cancer Care

 

Comments

  1. UnknownOctober 2, 2020 at 3:09 PM

    Gary, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I know we haven't spoken in quite some time, but I have always respected you and thought very highly of you. I know you are strong both personally and in faith. Stay Strong and I know you will endure! Love, your cousin Mike!

    ReplyDelete
  2. NortOctober 16, 2020 at 9:02 AM

    You're on my mind Daily Gary. I know you are strong, and much brighter days are ahead.

    ReplyDelete

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