Richter's in Remission - 11 months post transp... - CLL Support

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Richter's in Remission - 11 months post transplant

SarasotaPaul profile image
17 Replies

I've been away from HealthUnlocked for some time following my allogenic bone marrow transplant for Richter's Transformation 11 months ago at MDA Houston. I'm happy to report my transplant has been a success and I'm in complete remission from Richter's and I'm feeling great.

I tolerated the transplant better than most without any serious side effects and rebounded quickly and was back at work 2 months post transplant - working virtually of course. The engraftment process for me, however, has been slower than anticipated and nearly one year post transplant, I'm still hovering around 70% engraftment. My doctor has been especially cautious about GVHD (graft verses host disease) and has me on the long road of tapering me off my anti rejection meds, which has in effect, delayed my full engraftment. Or at least that is the hypothesis. Although the Richter's is no longer present, I still do have about 9% CLL cells in my marrow which should continue to decline as I approach 100% engraftment. I have some GVHD, but so far that hasn't manifested beyond some redness in my face and neck.

What a year this has been since I was diagnosed in November 2019 - one not to be repeated, but one I have grown from with a new appreciation for life, family and science. I still have some work to do to get back in shape and and recover lost muscle tone and stamina, so 2021 is the year of not just recovery for me, but for optimizing my body, spirit and soul. New adventures lie ahead. The future looks bright!

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SarasotaPaul
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17 Replies
Newdawn profile image
NewdawnAdministrator

This is fabulous and reassuring news Paul! Let’s hope 2021 sees a year of total renewal and recovery for you. Your news made me smile on a day there isn’t much to smile about! 😊

Newdawn

Abbysmom profile image
Abbysmom

Congratulations and a safe healthy journey forward.

HopeME profile image
HopeME

Hi Paul:

Thank you for your uplifting post. I am very happy for your success. I wish you all the best!

Mark

SofiaDeo profile image
SofiaDeo

Fabulous news, thanks for posting!

Poodle2 profile image
Poodle2

Wonderful news!!!

Jerseywish2011 profile image
Jerseywish2011

Thanks for the update Paul! Great news! I hope your journey continues to be all good news. Hugs from your neighbor in Bradenton! Hope when it’s safe we can meet up 😊

cajunjeff profile image
cajunjeff

Great news Paul. What an uplifting post. For all it’s bad side effects, for some of us cancer has the good side effect you so eloquently describe, a new appreciation for life.

MFThorses profile image
MFThorses

That is so great! Happy for you.

cllady01 profile image
cllady01Former Volunteer

Paul, your post give us all hope. May the lovely spirit you express make your still ahead of you work to regain physical stamina assist you in your renewal. Thank you for the heartening words in regard to your appreciation for life. Best wishes and please keep us posted.

very profile image
very

Great news Paul.jenny uk

Priss69 profile image
Priss69

Congratulations. A hope for all who have Ricther. You can beat the Ricther.

nvp815 profile image
nvp815

Incredible!!! Thank you for sharing such amazing news.

Lakeviewg profile image
Lakeviewg

Thanks for posting this. That is such fantastic news Paul. So happy to hear this for you! It is also encouraging news for all of us. I wish you continued improvement in your health in 2021 and far into the future!

Mike

thompsonellen profile image
thompsonellen

So happy for you! Congratulations. Enjoy your year of recovery and optimization.

BoomrangSuj profile image
BoomrangSuj

Congratulations Paul!It is a long slog, and rebuilding lost muscles and stamina takes time and determined effort!

But it truly does feel amazing to be on the other side, and regaining our energy, zest and the new found appreciation of life, family and science!

Sujit

Teddo profile image
Teddo

Way to go. Am very happy for you.

Smakwater profile image
Smakwater

I second the comment "Fabulous!"

JM

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