I was diagnosed with high risk MDS in September 2022. I got the devastating phone call just as we were preparing for a dream trip to Italy with the family. It was hard to process that I went from planning a trip to Europe, to starting chemo right away and getting ready for a bone marrow transplant.
I went through treatment and faced going in to hospital feeling very frightened. Thanks to my amazing husband's support, the love of family and friends, and the truly remarkable nurses and doctors at VGH I made it through. Their empathy, kindness and knowledge was incredibly helpful to my journey through transplant. My donor match was my sister, and after a difficult six weeks in the hospital, and another two and a half months in the outpatient program, many ups and downs, I was able to go home at last.
At eighteen months post transplant I am doing very well, enjoying time with my husband and family. Although I experienced some GVHD in the first year, it has resolved and I feel great. Being able to get back to the activities that I love has been so wonderful, walking the dogs, biking, kayaking, gardening, and being so grateful to be back in my home.
