Seventh anniversary of my autologous stem cell transplant

When I had all that chemotherapy seven plus years ago, my lymphoma guru, Dr. Zelenetz said that mantle cell lymphoma 100% recurs within ten years. Then about three + years ago, when I asked him about it, he said "well we just wrote a paper saying that the treatment you had may in certain patients and situations be curative." Or words to that effect.

So ... who knows? I'm thankful I've been around for the seven years, for my family.

Here's what I posted last year (arrogant to quote myself, but... saves time)

Yup. Great health professionals, chemotherapy and prayer.

Here's what I posted last year on the fifth anniversary.

I could never quite figure why having your stem cells returned to you constituted a transplant, but that's what they call it.

Anyway, the idea is to re-build your immune system, after the high dose chemo has (hopefully) killed off the remaining lingering cancer cells. The side effect is that the chemo gives your immune system a drubbing, and hence the need for the stem cells - and they know what to do - isn't nature wonderful! - to rebuild.

Here's five years ago at Sloan Kettering. The precedure is very simple - like receiving a blood transfusion. I dozed off afterwards for a couple of hours, and Brigid said she enjoyed the peace and quiet ... What was she getting at?

Here - http://tomfaranda.typepad.com/folly/2006/01/transplant_went.html#tp

or here - Transplant went well

 

Comments

[Nancy]

Thank God For Tom!

[Theresa Bonopartis]

:) We are glad you are sticking around!