Dianne Lincicome

As many of you know, I’ve had issues with my blood cell counts for almost 2 and 1/2 years. For most of this time, I did not have a definite diagnosis but in the past month, they have diagnosed it as "evolving" aplastic anemia. After several medicines and treatments and LOTS of transfusions, my doctors believe a bone marrow transplant is necessary. I have just gotten word from MD Anderson in Houston that it is scheduled for Dec 12. I will begin workups for the transplant on Nov. 30 and be admitted to MD Anderson hospital on Dec. 6. I'll have four days of chemo to prepare (clear out) my bone marrow for the transplant. All I know about the donor is that it is a 28-year old male and international (not U.S.). I think after a year, they will let you know the identity of the donor. I'll spend about a month in the hospital and then need to live near MD Anderson until ~100 days after the transplant for close monitoring.

I'm a little anxious about it but ready to get started and feel pretty calm over all. I put this is God's hands a long time ago and I know He'll be with me.  I have lots of friends praying and would be thankful for yours as well. Specifically, I need prayers for the transplant to be a success and that any infections or graft-vs.-host disease are minor and very manageable. Graft-vs.-host disease is when the donated bone marrow sees my organs as foreign and attacks them. I have a very good donor match and they have medicines to manage through this process (especially the first 100 days). MD Anderson does these transplants routinely so I'm thankful that I'll have very good care.