Al has been managing his diabetes for years without a lot of problems.  However, the first part of 2022 he started experiencing exhaustion, constantly tired and no energy to do just about anything.

He had an appointment coming up with his diabetes doctor soon so he decided to wait and tell her about his issues then.  He was just thinking he had a virus or something. 

Blood work was done and it came back with high white cell count; doctor immediately referred him to the VA Cancer Institute for testing. 

A bone marrow biopsy confirmed Mantle Cell Lymphoma with 90% bone marrow involvement. PET scan shows widespread lymph node involvement.  He underwent 6 months of chemo with good results but was referred to VCU for bone marrow transplant due to high risk of recurrence.

The bone marrow process started and his month-long hospital stay began. It was tuff but Al made it through the treatment. Except for the week he was in ICU with breathing issues due to a virus, he’s managing. 

After his hospital stay, he had to go through 100 days of quarantine, strict rules and no outside food.  He’s now retaking all his childhood shots and continuing his preventative treatments which will be for the next 3 years.