Friends and neighbors say that this is a case of the one that is always helping others finds herself needing help now and reluctant to ask for it.

 

I am now facing a Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation (HCT) Transplant for a chance at a cure and spending more time with my family and friends.

 

I was diagnosed with (Polycythemia, Vera and now Myelofibrosis). Now at the point of needing Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation (HCT) Transplant, the only known cure. Feeling overwhelmed, anxious and worried about all the uncovered costs.

 

I was diagnosed in November 2014 with Polycythemia Vera, which is a rare, progressive form of blood cancer and placed on meds to try and slow down the progression. I should tell you it took an intervention by my coworkers who saw all my bruising, one of the symptoms of the disease. Coworkers feared I was in an abusive situation. I went to my family doctor and relayed my coworkers' concerns. After years of telling my doctor, I was sick and tired of being sick and tired and that even my bones hurt. Previously I have been told it was probably arthritis and just getting older. Remember, Polycythemia Vera and Myelofibrosis are rare blood cancers. They did a slew of bloodwork, and the next thing I knew, I was referred to a hematologist and diagnosed with cancer.

 

Over the years, my condition has progressed into Myelofibrosis. The blood cells mutate and cause scarring in the bone marrow keeping the body from producing healthy new cells. My hemoglobin and platelets have dropped, and the scarring will only worsen as time goes on. There are so many other difficult symptoms that it would be too much to list. You can always go to the Moffitt website if you want additional information.

 

My fantastic team of doctors at Moffitt has decided it is time for the Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation (HCT) Transplant.

 

I will be admitted in the next couple of weeks and will have to spend approximately a month inpatient for the transplant. They have to kill what cells I have left to prepare me for the new healthy donor cells. I will require extensive chemo the first few days in the hospital, and then I will receive my transplant of new cells. Hoping that my body excepts them, and they start reproducing more new healthy cells ongoing

 

My biggest obstacle will be staying within 30 minutes of the hospital for the next 2-3 months, along with a 24/7 caregiver. My home is more than a hundred miles from the hospital. While approved for a grant that will pay a portion of the cost for the temporary housing, I will still have to isolate myself, and my caregiver will need to shop and cook for me.

 

My biggest regret is not being around my little dog for 3-4 months. Accepting any prayers and positive energy also.

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