September 30 marked the first anniversary of my bone marrow transplant. I’ve had my challenges, including (1) graft-versus-host disease of the skin during the first 100 days, (2) a stroke in late November, (3) clots in my leg and lung in January and (4) lung inflammation in June. I’ve had demonstrable fatigue from low blood counts, neuropathy in my feet and limits to driving and travelling, including staying exclusively in Jacksonville from July of 2022 through March of 2023.

My transplant experience has had similarities and differences with other transplant recipients. The similarities include the roller coaster effect of issues rising up and then, as soon as things seem stable, something else comes up that knocks you back. The issues that arise are very different for each transplant patient. While I’ve had skin and lung issues, others have seen their blood counts remain perpetually low requiring regular transfusions and incredibly painful gastro-intestinal and skin issues.

Bone marrow transplants are miracles, and the process continues to improve as a cure for blood cancers—with an increasing ability to identify and address the endless list of issues that come up. The management of the issues combines both art and science and requires close collaboration between doctors, their entire team and the patient and their support team. The book, “Living Medicine”, published earlier this year, describes how the art and science of bone marrow transplants developed—beginning, interestingly, with the atomic bomb in 1945 that created the need for new methods to cope with the impact of radiation on immune systems.

When I decided to go forward with my bone marrow transplant, I faced the reality of an expected 70% survival rate during the first year. My one-year bone marrow biopsy and blood work completed in late September showed no leukemia, 100% donor cells creating my blood cells and that my blood type had changed to B-positive (note the double meaning!). All of this is cause for a huge “Yay!” and “Halleluiah”!

I no longer have immediate, potentially life-threatening issues, to address. I no longer need to go to the doctor every week. While this is amazing, I must admit to something of a letdown due not needing to rise up to new medical challenges—all the while realizing that something else still might come up. This is a good problem to have and creates space for my next chapter that includes an even deeper faith in God.  

Thankfully, our lives are getting back to normal. We’ve sold our Atlanta residence and we are spending time in both Jacksonville and Birmingham. I’m able to exercise more consistently; Celia and I walked a 5K this weekend. We’re able to plan ahead; our family is scheduled for an Alaskan cruise next summer. I’m spending time serving on three boards, on personal finance, some paper and packaging and have joined a bible study group.

I’ve learned a lot about the power of prayer and faith and the importance of support in helping others through challenging times.

I thank each of you again for how much your support, thoughts and prayers have meant in pulling me through the long year of addressing my leukemia with a bone marrow transplant! God Bless You!