My Myeloid Dysplasia has returned

[dingpatch]

I have relapsed with Treatment Induced Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS). I finished 6 months of chemo yesterday, , , 28 total days since April. I'm good.

I fly to Nashville next Sunday 9/13 for a 'DLI', Donor Lymphocyte Infusion, on the 18th. I will be there for 3 weeks. My Super Hero Donor Josh donates some T cells next week.

I am treated by the VA at the Vanderbilt VA Medical Center. I am concerned but not worried because I know the my Vandy/Vandy VA Team is routinely ranked as #1 in the nation based upon success and survival rates, "perhaps the world"!! My Vandy Stem Cell Transplant doctor is matter-of-factly 'World Famous' for the types of treatments he does for me. Before Stem Cell Transplant in July 2021 he was going 'down the list' and had to tell me that I had a firm 70% chance of relapsing within 12 months after transplant and, he told me that if I did, that it could be Very Dire. But, he then says (quote): "But you, you don't worry. I'm doing my new stuff on you"! At my One Year visit he pointed at me and said: "You are a success story. You beat the odds"! He then told me all about it and that he had just presented about it at the American Society of Clinical Oncology Conference in Chicago!!!!! He presented at the ASCO Conference again about my case in 2024. His "new stuff" is now same/similar standard practice in the US!! My case is actually in The Book!!!

 

[dingpatch]

And so, , , , , with the 'every 90 days' schedule established, , , , I fly to Nashvegas on Dec 13. Have my DLI on 12/18 and fly home on Christmas or New Year day!! Kinda the same thing for Round 3 at Easter.

 

[Cole]

This shit just doesn't give up. Good luck, but I know you have it in you to knock the dragon back once again.

 

[dingpatch]

The word of encouragement from my VA SCT Long Term Care NP is (QUOTE): "Any relapse stinks. But the beauty of a late relapse is that the survival rates are so much better".

 

[Fish Killer]

Best of luck to you Ding. If anybody can do it, its you

 

[tom]

For what its worth, we're all convinced you are living proof of extra terrestrials since your docs have filled you with alien DNA to keep you going. Live long and prosper Ding! We need you here.

 

[dingpatch]

Well, , , , the 'Bug Man' did bite me in 1955. He had big black bug eyes and what I remember the most is his fingers were real long and skinny. I've got the scar to prove it.

 

[dingpatch]

I got to Nashvegas last Sunday.

Had ‘the talk’ with Rachel. My diagnosis in March was keyed on me having 2% ‘blast cells’ in my blood. I asked Rachel about my blast count and Rachel said: “There are no blasts in you blood. You are in Complete Remission” !!!! (After 6 months of chemo)

The problem with the relapse was that my blood’s chimerism had dropped to only 98% ‘Josh’ and that the 2% of ‘me’ was KILLING me! The Bone Marrow Biopsy results were still pending as of Friday morning when I was admitted to the SCT ICU.

I received an infusion of Josh’s Super Human T Cells Friday at 1pm and they should ‘correct’ my chimerism back to 100% Josh!

I will Never be ‘cured’ but, Josh’s T Cells should prevent relapse for a ‘suitable time’!!!

I know that Rachel is regarded as #1 in the World of SCT long term care and survivorship! I know that my SCT Doctor is World Renowned for the type of care he gives me!! He has Presented my case to the World’s cancer treatment conference twice. It is a mother fucker to be able to say that I really am ‘In the Book’! I’

I am in tears.

 

[Cole]

I will give the above a - FUCK YES!