New treatment plan for Mary - January 6th, 2002 by Mary Sandberg
We had our consultation with Dr. David Vesole, the transplant specialist at Froedtert Hospital, on Friday, January 4th. He is leading a clinical study where patients undergo a stem cell transplant using their own stem cells, followed by a "mini-transplant" approximately three to six months later. The mini-transplant uses the stem cells of a sibling.
Dr. Vesole recommends that I participate in the study for the best long term results. He feels there is a good chance I can achieve complete remission. If I just have the first transplant, there is only a 25% chance that I'll go into remission, and if I do, the average remission lasts only three years. It could last much longer, however, he feels my best chance is to have both transplants.
The mini-transplant has a 12% mortality rate within the first year. Patients who have both transplants back to back (vs. waiting for relapse) have a 58% chance of complete remission.
I've decided to go for it, provided one of my siblings is a match. We'll know more in the next couple of weeks. Please continue to keep us in your prayers. They've certainly been doing the trick so far! I'm feeling better than I have in months.
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