You clicked here?

I hope you're able to stay clear.  But most of us don't.  At some point the mind fogs over and we starty missing large chunks of things.  Then there's chemo brain.

But a rare few miss all of that.  May you be so blessed.

Hey Michael. I'm so sorry you have to go through this, but it sounds as if you're head is in the right place. You are focusing on the "big picture" which is your relationships, and living each day to the fullest.  You should also remember that you have youth on your side!!  I think you are going to come through the transplant with flying colors.

Definitely keep us all posted on the transplant board, and good luck!

I was told the stats indicate that 30-40% die after the transplant...not relapse.  Some people relapse and make it through just fine.  Others die for related reasons but not relapse.

Of course, each variant of the disease has its own stats.  But they don't matter.  There is no random number generator inside of you ticking out chances.  You are your own individual case study and you have a lot of things in your favor.  At this point you have a 100% chance of survival.  That's the way I had to look at it because it's really you live or you die.  That perspective saw me through.

Don't even think about giving up on dreams.  Some of us wind up with a lot of fatigue post-transplant.  Some of us recover quite quickly and pretty much fully.  There's no reason to try to predict your long-term reaponse will be.  Heck, I've come up with some new things I want to do since transplant.  There are things I've done I never thought I'd do, like kayaking.  And I'm one of those folks with lingering fatigue.

You're going to do fine.  But do keep us posted.

Blessings

Michael,

I just saw your post. My wife's condition is very similar yours although she is slightly older (44). She had CMML that rapidly progressed to AML M4 with abnormal cytogenics. Her first induction and three consolidations got her into remission. She relapsed at about 8 months as we were lining up a Reduced Intensity STC. Her next induction failed but the second got her back into remission and we rushed to transplant. She had a myleoablative STC with ful radiation and chemo. The donor was unrelated but a 10/10 genetic match.

She had her transplant on 13 Oct and came home three weeks later. I've said this in other posts, the STC itself is anti-climactic (not to make light of it). You get a bag of blood product and it takes 10 minutes. She's tracking along well so far, just dealing with side effects from the treatment and meds (she came home with a bag of meds that would make Amy Winehouse blush). The docs are watching closely for GVHD issues but it's still early.

Anyway, your mid set is excellent and very positive. Stats always look bad but plenty of people survive this. It's okay to slow down a little as well. Take care of yourself until you recover and get back to the adventurous life. We're an Army family and love to get out as well and know how hard it is to be confined to a room.

Cheers,

Craig

Hi Michael!  I love your attitude!  Stay strong and stay determined!  You can do this!!  hugs, nicole

Hi Michael,

Sounds like you're doing great so far - I'm hoping the next BMB shows good results.  I also want to encourage you to hold onto those dreams - they really will keep you going.  It sounds like you're being realistic that you will have to slow it down for awhile, but perhaps you'll be the one who amazes those doctors!  All the more reason to take great care of yourself throughout this process. 

My counts recovered slower with each round of consolidation so I suspect that's not anything to worry about.  I figured, if the doctor's not worried, I won't worry either (at least, I tried not to worry...!)  Seemed like when the doctor was worried, I knew about it right away! 

Here's wishing you the best of luck with the upcoming transplant - I think you have a great attitude going on. 

- WBF

Day 0?!  Your getting your transplant today?  Congratulations!  I hope this is the Day 0 of the rest of your life.

I don't remember seeing you on the transplant forum.  Of course, my memory sux.  That will be a good place to post over the next several weeks and months.

Truly hope this is a smooth ride on the rollercoaster.  Keep us informed when you feel up to it.  Or have a frined/family member update for you.

Blessings