CML Bone Marrow Transplant

My main dr. In Hackensack is Scott Rowley but I don't see him often. I see a PA whose name is Melissa Baker - she's great. The only problem with waiting for a transplant until your meds quit working is that you'll be sick when you get the transplant. The healthier you are the 'easier' the transplant will be. I'm now 16 months post transplant and am doing very well. I saw my dr yesterday after 6 weeks and it will be 8 weeks until I see her again. Best wishes. Linda

Hi, Linda:  So glad to hear your news!  My docs all seem to discourage the transplant.  I'm going to get blood-tested this week, as my WBC's shot up to 55 from 30, and I'll probably need another bone marrow test.  I'm hoping I don't have to start on the meds, but I guess it's possible if my WBC's haven't come down.

Did you take meds for awhile before the transplant, and if you don't mind my asking, how old were you when you had the transplant?

June

I did not take any medication, but I did have several rounds of Dacogen (not sure about the spelling).  It had no side effects.  I was 63 at the time of my bmt.  Linda

I had a BMT in Nov of 2010 and it was successful.  I did develop chronic Graft vs Host which is the old cells fighting the new.  I had a form of CMML called refactory aniema with excess blast and they told me I had about 6 mos without the transplant.  They were very thourgh and had 4 bone marrow biopsy's before any decesion was made.  I will have to live with the graft vs host but the cancer is in remission.  Keep positive and ask questions.

Wow.... I never realized there are so many variations of only one blood disorder.  My doc told me BMT is not covered by medicare unless you have acute leukemia or one other form (can't remember which).  I had my blood retested last week and my WBC's came down to 36 from 55 which was a great relief - probably caused by my gum and gallbladder surgeries and the antibiotics which can raise the WBC count.

I do keep positive and I do ask a lot of questions. 

Keep in touch, and stay well...

June