112 days post SCT

[Billarina]

Hi everyone - for those interested in my Stem Cell Tranplant journey so far, I finally came home after 4 months away in the big smoke -and survived COVID with no immune system!

I got the results from PET scan and the bone marrow biopsy - my bloods were all clear however some activity was found under my arm and the BMB showed still a small amount of cancer cells.

Another thing I learnt was that this is not a fail- In fact the donor stem cells are still engrafting so I’m told that in 3 months time when they repeat the BMB and PET scan it may well be clear and cancer free!

it wasn’t what I was expecting to hear but I’m hopeful and so grateful to be home. I begged the doctor can I return to swimming in the ocean which he agreed probably because it’s all I ask every-time I see him! I’m mostly feeling ok- occasional nausea and unfortunately I got GVHD in my mouth- so I have to keep on top of that.

All this time away from my home and daughter has made me more grateful for all I have and how lucky I am to be given such great care by my Heam Team

Happy Christmas to all - I’ll be going to the beach for a much needed dip into the ocean!

[Living_and_Learning]

Happy swimming and happy Christmas!

[Jm954 Administrator]

it’s not an easy journey, sending you my best wishes for a happy Christmas and a full recovery.

Jackie

[Justasheet1]

Enjoy your swim and stay strong. I was feeling pretty down over my heath but it’s trivial compared to what you endured yet how positive you remain.

You taught me something.

God bless,

Jeff

[studebaker]

Congratulations 👏 and enjoy your swimming and your family. To be separated from yours daughter must have been very difficult but now, is the time to celebrate 🙌

Dana

[Jackpot]

Thank you for the update. As Dana said, time to celebrate the fact that you are home and to celebrate all the season has to offer.

Cindy

[Poodle2]

Thanks for letting us know about your journey, I think all of us on here are full of admiration for those who had to take the SCT journey. Enjoy the time with your loved ones, have a great time ❤️🎄

[Cocobuff]

🙏🙏🙏

[LeoPa]

Merry Christmas!

[Agfar]

Such good news, so pleased for you. Happy Christmas.

[Granna45]

Thank you for this post and such a beautiful way to start my Christmas morning in the USA!! Enjoy your swimming and your HOME.

[thompsonellen2]

Thanks for your update. Enjoy your swim. Looking forward to hearing you are fully in the clear.

[Tangolover]

Enjoy that swim and your daughter! Merry Christmas to you all!

[Analeese]

Enjoy your swim in the ocean, but do so with much caution. I am amazed that you spent four months in the hospital. It must’ve been a very difficult time for you. My husband was almost 3 months in the hospital. completely immune, compromised blood and platelets daily I spent every day with him and many nights. It seemed like a lifetime by itself. I hope your recovery goes smoothly, and that you find yourself UMRD down the road.Happy Holidays!

[Billarina in reply to Analeese]

Hi Analeese,

I was 500 kms away from home for 4 months only in hospital for 5 weeks. 😅

[steve_canada]

You mentioned the big smoke - did you do the SCT in Toronto ?

[BobbyFour]

That is great news, thanks for sharing!!

[camper2]

what a journey you have been on! Enjoy your swim and getting back to ‘normality’ - whatever that is! Merry Christmas

[CycleWonder]

What an amazing Christmas gift! Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones.