My husband was diagnosed with myelofibrosis this summer. As the disease seems to be in somehow advanced stage (low hemoglobin, night sweats, weight loss, fatigue) they're talking about bone marrow transplant. I've read whatever is on the Internet on this topic and some of the statistics are mind boggling: 20% mortality rate at the procedure because of the high dose ablative chemo and radiation and then only approx. 30%-40% survive for three years, because of the Host Versus Graft disease. There is also the Reduced Intensity Conditioning transplant which they are experimenting that uses lesser and gentler chemo, from what I understand. It seems to have some success rate. His oncologist shrugged at this one but I would like to investigate it further. Did any of you dealing with this disease know someone or experience it? Did any of you have a transplant (or know someone) using a donor from the donor bank? We're not sure yet if one of his two brothers will be a match. Also, did any of you heard about the so-called autologous transplant, when they use your own stem cells? My husband just turned 53. Any responses will be appreciated.
Thanks.