Katie's BMT Updates

Dear Body,

We have to talk. Things haven't been working out so well over the past six years, so it's time to cut some losses. Most notably, the blood and bone marrow. Yes, yes I know you've been trying, but let's face it, those geriatric lymphocyte cells who should die just aren't. They're just hanging around in the lymph nodes, talking about the ole days, crowding things up. How are the rest of us supposed to get any work done? In fact, if you really look at it, they're harming all of us, because the blood takes care and runs errands for every major organ in the body. Don't tell me I don't have a heart, heart ... I know what I'm talking about and it's been a long time coming.

And don't try to put this one on me, either. I've made plenty of effort as well. Remember vegetarianism? (sooo good for you). Exercise, indoor -- rock climbing and yoga. Exercise outdoor -- I ran a Leukemia/Lymphoma marathon in honor of my Dad and then a half marathon just 'cause. I was even inspired to learn to cook healthful food and appreciate foods in season by exposing myself to Local Farmer's Markets, Alice Waters, Thomas Keller and the like. Sure I have some vices. Bacon is good! Paté divine, especially when paired with a glass or so of fine wine. Oh, and cheese, cheese, cheese...

Then there were the chemotherapy treatments, two be exact. The first one, four rounds of Fludarbine/Rituxan bought us just enough time to have our son Zach. The second one, Campath, came about a year later and was showing signs of lasting merely half that long. So you can see, there aren't many options: I can continue to have these arduous treatments until there are no more and I'm too weak for transplant or I can go for it now. (You know what kind of person I am, body, so I betcha know what I said.)

Body, please don't cry. I know it's not your fault, it's not anyone's fault, really (unless you want to count Fat Cat chemical and policymakers who think "the environment" is somewhere you go on vacation). I know I've blamed/not trusted you in the past, but my reasonings have been unfounded. I'll try to be more forgiving for the rest of us left in the future, OK?

Here's what's going to happen: I'm sorry, body, but tomorrow the doctor's are going to introduce some new donor stem cells into us via tube. They are going to make war on the current, feeble blood cells and take over marrow production. Marrow, vital organs -- and that means you, too, skin -- please cooperate as much as possible and we'll be all fine. There may be some Graft-Vs.-Host (GVH) diesase, which is basically you all fighting over rights and territory and stuff. I know you can work it out. We have to. We have to see Zach grow up and Ian grow old, get gray and even more cantankerous. Goals worth achieving, yes?

I'm sorry, though blood. I sorry it's the only way that we can go on. There are a lot of people out there who love and need us -- and we need them. Fair enough? We've had fun times, and even though I've only know just one blood and bone marrow, you've been the best. Thanks! R.I.P., baby!