SEASON 10 OF MARROW MASTERS WILL BE OUT ON THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023!

Welcome to Marrow Masters Season 10, sponsored by Pharmacylics and Janssen, and Incyte. The National Bone Marrow Transplant Link, established in 1992, strives to help patients, caregivers, and families cope with the psychosocial challenges of bone marrow and stem cell transplant from diagnosis through survivorship.

Season 10 focuses on sharing hope and inspiration regarding chronic graft versus host disease, or GVHD. This season will cover the importance of clinical trials. Find out what survivors wish they and their loved ones had known before, during, and after transplant. We'll also talk about the unique needs of young adults.

This season's roster of clinicians and survivors will "keep it real," when it comes to GVHD, but also inspire you to continue on.

Resources:

National Bone Marrow Transplant Link - (800) LINK-BMT, or (800) 546-5268.

nbmtLINK Website: https://www.nbmtlink.org/

nbmtLINK Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/nbmtLINK

nbmtLINK YouTube Page can be found by clicking here.

Thank you to this season's sponsors:

Pharmacyclics: https://www.pharmacyclics.com/

Janssen: https://www.janssen.com/

Incyte: https://www.incyte.com/

National Bone Marrow Transplant Link - (800) LINK-BMT, or (800) 546-5268.

nbmtLINK Website: https://www.nbmtlink.org/

nbmtLINK Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/nbmtLINK

Follow the nbmtLINK on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/nbmtlink/

The nbmtLINK YouTube Page can be found by clicking here.

To participate in the GVHD Mosaic, click here: https://amp.livemosaics.com/gvhd

This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  It is crucial to consult directly with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical conditions, treatment options, or other health concerns.

The views and opinions expressed by the speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the nbmtLINK.  Unless otherwise stated in an official policy, the nbmtLINK does not endorse any specific treatments, products, or services mentioned by the speakers. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kate Arnold underwent a stem cell transplant for Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma 12 years ago.  She joins us today to discuss her best survivorship tips for every step of the process.

First, you need a goal--- a "why."  For Kate, she wanted to get her young daughters through high school.  Today, they are both in college.

Throughout this process, listen to your gut.  ASK QUESTIONS - there are no stupid questions, even if they seem trivial.  Make sure you have a medical team that you are comfortable with.  Despite many options available in Chicago, Kate opted to have her treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

It's also important to find humor in your situation. Kate says she and her husband were very open about their story, and weren't afraid to crack jokes.  Also, even if you have cancer, you still have a life beyond that. Kate talks about dancing in the kitchen with her kids.

Make your mental health a priority.  Through the Cancer Wellness Center, Kate found a therapist that had a specialty in oncology - she was uniquely qualified to talk about all aspects of the process - even those dark thoughts that creep into a patient's head.  She learned that adjusting to a gratitude mindset was very helpful.

Because she wasn't afraid to speak up for herself, Kate often got direct phone numbers for doctors and other staff. She tells us a story about when that came in very handy.

Often, when you have cancer, well-meaning friends and family can say some pretty awful things.  Kate and Peg talk about ways to pivot the conversation away from difficult topics, horror stories, or simply bad advice.

Kate is very open and honest about regrets she has had through this whole process.   She wishes she had secured mental health help for her kids earlier, and she also wishes she'd been more compassionate toward bad behavior. She encourages any parent with cancer to think about where their children's outbursts are coming from.  In fact, it was something her youngest said that gave her clarity.

All patients - and all treatment centers - are different.  Advice and protocols change between them.  It's important to listen to your medical team.

Links: 

MD Anderson Cancer Center: https://www.mdanderson.org/

Imerman Angels: https://imermanangels.org/

Be The Match: https://bethematch.org/

Other Resources

National Bone Marrow Transplant Link - (800) LINK-BMT, or (800) 546-5268.

nbmtLINK Website: https://www.nbmtlink.org/

nbmtLINK Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/nbmtLINK

nbmtLINK YouTube Page can be found by clicking here.

Thank you to this season's sponsors:

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, www.lls.org

Sanofi: https://www.sanofi.com/

National Bone Marrow Transplant Link - (800) LINK-BMT, or (800) 546-5268.

nbmtLINK Website: https://www.nbmtlink.org/

nbmtLINK Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/nbmtLINK

Follow the nbmtLINK on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/nbmtlink/

The nbmtLINK YouTube Page can be found by clicking here.

To participate in the GVHD Mosaic, click here: https://amp.livemosaics.com/gvhd

This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  It is crucial to consult directly with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical conditions, treatment options, or other health concerns.

The views and opinions expressed by the speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the nbmtLINK.  Unless otherwise stated in an official policy, the nbmtLINK does not endorse any specific treatments, products, or services mentioned by the speakers. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This is a special episode of the Marrow Masters Podcast.  Not only do we have two guests, but we are also diving into a very important topic that isn't often discussed.   When you're facing transplant, fertility may be the furthest thing from your mind.   But chemotherapy, radiation, and other treatments could impact your body's ability to start a family.  That's why it's critically important to at least have a conversation before starting treatment.

Today's guests are Dr. Quinton Katler, a reproductive endocrinologist at Shady Grove Fertility, and Emily Beard, a Registered Nurse with Northside Cancer Institute.  They are here to share their perspectives and talk about options.

Fertility preservation can take as little as two weeks.  And while some patients must begin treatment immediately, there are many cases in which a two-week delay will not impact a patient's prognosis.   A patient in their 20's, for example, may not be thinking about starting a family right now, but could have plans to later in life.  This is why it can be critical to look at options, and have a collaborative conversation with his or her entire team.

Emily talks about the mental health issues surrounding these conversations, and Dr. Katler gets into the medical options.  These can include egg harvesting and freezing, embryo freezing, and freezing of sperm.   These are ways to preserve the building blocks of life before they can be damaged by cancer treatment.   Following treatment and a waiting period, Dr. Katler walks us through the processes of IUI, IVF, and more.   And of course there are other options, such as adoption.

Many of these procedures do come with "sticker shock," and we have a comprehensive list of resources available to our listeners, including:

American Cancer Society:  https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/fertility-and-sexual-side-effects/fertility-and-women-with-cancer/how-cancer-treatments-affect-fertility.html

Live Strong Family Building Options including Fertility Preservation: https://www.livestrong.org/we-can-help/fertility-services/helping-fertility-centers-provide-family-building-options-cancer-patients

Fertility Scout (from Alliance for Fertility Preservation): https://www.allianceforfertilitypreservation.org/about-fertility-scout/

SaveMyFertility.com: https://www.savemyfertility.org/pocket-guides/patients/fertility-preservation-women-diagnosed-cancer

Oncofertility financial assistance

Team Maggie’s Dream (need based grants available for fertility preservation costs): https://www.teammaggiesdream.org/grants

The Sam Fund: https://www.thesamfund.org/get-help/resources/family-building-support/

Other small non profit organizations that support family building in various ways

Worth the Wait (funding for family building options e.g. IVF, adoption, surrogacy, et.) - https://worththewaitcharity.com/who-we-support/

Verna’s Purse (funds for storage fees through Reprotech) - https://www.reprotech.com/vernas-purse/

LiveStrong financial assistance – https://www.livestrong.org/what-we-do/program/fertility

Northside Hospital Cancer Institute: https://www.northside.com/services/cancer-institute

Shady Grove Fertility: https://www.shadygrovefertility.com

Newsletter about this topic:  https://www.northside.com/about/news-center/article-details/oncofertility-emerges-as-a-new-specialty-in-survivor-care

National Bone Marrow Transplant Link - (800) LINK-BMT, or (800) 546-5268.

nbmtLINK Website: https://www.nbmtlink.org/

nbmtLINK Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/nbmtLINK

nbmtLINK YouTube Page can be found by clicking here.

Thank you to this season's sponsors:

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, www.lls.org

Sanofi: https://www.sanofi.com/

National Bone Marrow Transplant Link - (800) LINK-BMT, or (800) 546-5268.

nbmtLINK Website: https://www.nbmtlink.org/

nbmtLINK Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/nbmtLINK

Follow the nbmtLINK on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/nbmtlink/

The nbmtLINK YouTube Page can be found by clicking here.

To participate in the GVHD Mosaic, click here: https://amp.livemosaics.com/gvhd

This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  It is crucial to consult directly with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical conditions, treatment options, or other health concerns.

The views and opinions expressed by the speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the nbmtLINK.  Unless otherwise stated in an official policy, the nbmtLINK does not endorse any specific treatments, products, or services mentioned by the speakers. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Lela Prewitt was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) n February of 2021.  She walks us through her diagnosis and transplant process.  This includes having to move with her wife from their small community to Seattle, so they could have access to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, also known as "The Hutch."

Lela's transplant in June 2021 went well, but she developed Graft Versus Host Disease, and with it came many complications. She talks about the need for education about survivorship post-transplant.  Often, patients are so focused on the procedure itself, the time following isn't given as much consideration.  But this period is crucial.   It can involve balancing medication and GVHD symptoms.

We cover the importance of building you own team. In Lela's case, that includes her team at The Hutch, but also her physicians back home in Port Angeles.  Communication between you and your team - and between the team itself - is key.  Also, medication cost can be a factor.  Lela talks about advocating for yourself with different drug companies.

While you may be facing a "new normal," perspective is key.  Lela says there are days where "doing" is less important than being alive.  You may only have a finite amount of energy, and you need to prioritize.  She cites the "spoon theory" from Christine Miserandino, that we referenced in a previous episode with Meredith Cowden - that you can listen to here: https://marrowmasters.simplecast.com/episodes/meredithcowden2

There will be changes and adjustments in your day-to-day life.  For example, the long walks Lela enjoyed with her wife Carol are now aided by a wheelchair, depending on her energy level.  And now her wife makes her a warm mocha every morning to watch the sunrise.

Mental health is crucial - Lela talks about everything from positive self talk to meditation and yoga.  Also, know what you and your support system are comfortable talking about.   Lela finds comfort in books written by cancer patients who have since passed, but her spouse isn't comfortable thinking about Lela's mortality. It's important to understand these dynamics.

We close with Lela's positive attitude and her hope to recover her strength, fight through her GVHD, and resume those long walks.

Resources

National Bone Marrow Transplant Link - (800) LINK-BMT, or (800) 546-5268.

nbmtLINK Website: https://www.nbmtlink.org/

nbmtLINK Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/nbmtLINK

nbmtLINK YouTube Page can be found by clicking here.

Thank you to this season's sponsors:

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, www.lls.org

Sanofi: https://www.sanofi.com/

National Bone Marrow Transplant Link - (800) LINK-BMT, or (800) 546-5268.

nbmtLINK Website: https://www.nbmtlink.org/

nbmtLINK Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/nbmtLINK

Follow the nbmtLINK on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/nbmtlink/

The nbmtLINK YouTube Page can be found by clicking here.

To participate in the GVHD Mosaic, click here: https://amp.livemosaics.com/gvhd

This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  It is crucial to consult directly with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical conditions, treatment options, or other health concerns.

The views and opinions expressed by the speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the nbmtLINK.  Unless otherwise stated in an official policy, the nbmtLINK does not endorse any specific treatments, products, or services mentioned by the speakers. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nancy Robey spent 34 years as a Physicians Assistant at Johns Hopkins in Maryland.  Now retired, she has a wealth of experience with pediatric transplant patients. She's here today to offer her tips and best practices to care for them.

In the pediatric transplant world, the procedure may be for something other than cancer, and many patients and families don't have the knowledge base that cancer patients do.   Education is so important.

Speaking of education, how do you navigate a patient being out of school for so long?  Nancy talks about different strategies she's seen, from private tutors, to virtual classrooms, and more - running through the pros and cons of each.

One key is interaction with other children and peers.  Unfortunately, some friends will fade away, but social interaction is vital to a patient in isolation.  This can be achieved through handwritten notes, Zoom and Facetime calls, and even now through video games and social media.

Nancy also talks about the hospital room itself.  While each facility has its own rules, she talks about ways to brighten up patients' rooms with pictures, decorations, personal items, and more.

At Johns Hopkins in particular, they have a Child Life Services team, offering support to children of all ages.  Your hospital may have something similar.  You can learn more here: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/johns-hopkins-childrens-center/patients-and-families/child-life/

Nancy walks us through various aspects of the hospital stay, as well as the isolation period that follows.  It's important not to be disheartened if your patient is re-admitted.  That's often a minor setback and just part of the process.  After all, that's why you're close by!

We wrap up with a couple of Nancy's book recommendations, for kids of various ages and their families.

For the younger set and families: More Than You Can Handle: A Rare Disease, A Family in Crisis, and The Cutting-Edge Medicine That Cured The Uncureable - https://www.amazon.com/More-Than-You-Can-Handle/dp/0593085914

For older kids and young adults: Between Two Kingdoms, a Memoir of a Life Interrupted: https://www.amazon.com/Between-Two-Kingdoms-Suleika-Jaouad/dp/0399588582

Other Resources

National Bone Marrow Transplant Link - (800) LINK-BMT, or (800) 546-5268.

nbmtLINK Website: https://www.nbmtlink.org/

nbmtLINK Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/nbmtLINK

nbmtLINK YouTube Page can be found by clicking here.

Thank you to this season's sponsors:

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, www.lls.org

Sanofi: https://www.sanofi.com/

National Bone Marrow Transplant Link - (800) LINK-BMT, or (800) 546-5268.

nbmtLINK Website: https://www.nbmtlink.org/

nbmtLINK Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/nbmtLINK

Follow the nbmtLINK on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/nbmtlink/

The nbmtLINK YouTube Page can be found by clicking here.

To participate in the GVHD Mosaic, click here: https://amp.livemosaics.com/gvhd

This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  It is crucial to consult directly with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical conditions, treatment options, or other health concerns.

The views and opinions expressed by the speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the nbmtLINK.  Unless otherwise stated in an official policy, the nbmtLINK does not endorse any specific treatments, products, or services mentioned by the speakers. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tina Masters-Odum recently lost her husband after being his caregiver for over 12 years.  Today, she honors his legacy by sharing her best caregiver and survivorship tips.

We start with what you need to know at the beginning of this process.  It can be easy to experience information overload. But talk to a nurse navigator or equivalent to find out things such as what are the sleeping arrangements for the caregiver?  What other accommodations will the hospital have for food, a shower, and more?  What about small things, like lockers and ice?  How will the patient's room be cleaned? Will they use bleach, which can often exacerbate nausea?

Understand that there are protocols you will need to follow.   If powerful antibiotics cause diarrhea, Infectious Disease has to come and check for a Clostridioides difficile (C. Diff infection).  What about steroids? 

Tina talks about learning the schedules for different doctors' rounds, and using a white board in the room to make sure questions are answered across different shifts.

In addition to many practical tips, Tina talks about soft skills - bringing humor to tough situations.  Whether it was naming an IV pole and giving it a costume for different holidays, or dressing up in Halloween costumes to bring candy to doctors and nurses.  The staff are people too, and it's to your benefit to make your room a fun place to be.

Tina also gives some great tips for the time after transplant, when it's time to go home.  There's the initial period of being extremely careful with visitors.   And also, repeat hospital visits are very likely.  And there's often a negotiation that happens between the patient and caregiver.  The phrase "The Doctor says..." can be quite useful.

The caregiver's mental health is vital.  Tina talks about a counselor she saw, and also arranging for respite care, so she could have some time for herself.  Keep in mind, every patient is different.   Her military aviator husband didn't want a "Church Lady" to come sit with him, but there was a handyman who he got along well with.  Maybe something needed to be taken care of around the house?  Tina calls this "Dude Care."

Tina is working on a book, called "Hunters Battle: Caregiver Tips and Trips." She hopes to have it out later in 2023.

Resources

National Bone Marrow Transplant Link - (800) LINK-BMT, or (800) 546-5268.

nbmtLINK Website: https://www.nbmtlink.org/

nbmtLINK Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/nbmtLINK

nbmtLINK YouTube Page can be found by clicking here.

Thank you to this season's sponsors:

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, www.lls.org

Sanofi: https://www.sanofi.com/

National Bone Marrow Transplant Link - (800) LINK-BMT, or (800) 546-5268.

nbmtLINK Website: https://www.nbmtlink.org/

nbmtLINK Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/nbmtLINK

Follow the nbmtLINK on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/nbmtlink/

The nbmtLINK YouTube Page can be found by clicking here.

To participate in the GVHD Mosaic, click here: https://amp.livemosaics.com/gvhd

This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  It is crucial to consult directly with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical conditions, treatment options, or other health concerns.

The views and opinions expressed by the speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the nbmtLINK.  Unless otherwise stated in an official policy, the nbmtLINK does not endorse any specific treatments, products, or services mentioned by the speakers. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jermaine Reid of Georgia was playing a recreational basketball game when, all of a sudden, he couldn't catch his breath.   Jermaine had not been to the doctor in quite some time and he knew something was wrong.

Next thing you know, he was in the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at Northside Hospital, unable to be around his children.  He was fighting with acute myeloid leukemia.   But it was a chance meeting with another patient on his second day that completely changed his perspective.   All of a sudden he heard a voice tell him, "This is Your Assignment."  

Jermaine takes us through his battle with AML, his newfound friendship with a fellow patient, and how at every step of the way, his faith sustained him.  He cites several Bible verses which rang especially true for him in his time of need.

Jermaine gives us several great pieces of advice for fellow patients, including keeping perspective and goals in mind - and not getting hung up on the numbers.  And he also talks about how important a made bed can be.

We close by talking about our guest's continued advocacy in this space, including a recent speaking engagement at Northside Hospital and going to college campuses.  

Resources

DKMS, https://dkms.org

Be The Match, https://bethematch.org

National Bone Marrow Transplant Link - (800) LINK-BMT, or (800) 546-5268.

nbmtLINK Website: https://www.nbmtlink.org/

nbmtLINK Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/nbmtLINK

nbmtLINK YouTube Page can be found by clicking here.

Thank you to this season's sponsors:

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, www.lls.org

Sanofi: https://www.sanofi.com/

National Bone Marrow Transplant Link - (800) LINK-BMT, or (800) 546-5268.

nbmtLINK Website: https://www.nbmtlink.org/

nbmtLINK Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/nbmtLINK

Follow the nbmtLINK on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/nbmtlink/

The nbmtLINK YouTube Page can be found by clicking here.

To participate in the GVHD Mosaic, click here: https://amp.livemosaics.com/gvhd

This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  It is crucial to consult directly with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical conditions, treatment options, or other health concerns.

The views and opinions expressed by the speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the nbmtLINK.  Unless otherwise stated in an official policy, the nbmtLINK does not endorse any specific treatments, products, or services mentioned by the speakers. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today we are  joined by Becky Dame, currently an Information Specialist at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, RN and Survivor. As Peggy says in the podcast, callers who end up talking to Becky must feel like they've hit the information jackpot.  Becky is a chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) survivor who went on to become a cancer care nurse, before she transitioned to her current role.  Today, we tap into her wealth of personal and professional experience.

Becky was diagnosed as a college student in 1991, and received her first bone marrow transplant in 1992.  At this time, she felt called to be a nurse and changed from a music major to nursing school, marrying her husband on the day she graduated.  For 18 years, she went through cycles of relapse, always on the lookout for the newest treatments for her disease.  Then, in 2010, she received a matched unrelated donor (MUD) transplant, and was able to break that cycle.  Today, however, Becky battles Graft vs. Host Disease (GVHD).

In 2017, she joined The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, where she says it's her goal to share her "pearls" of wisdom with patients, caregivers, and anyone else that she can find commonalities with. 

Becky speaks to the importance of finding a primary caregiver --transplant is not a journey you can go at alone.  Also, plan to be out of work for at least a year - and we cover some resources available to patients. 

There are also practical tips in today's podcast, such as why wearing a button-up shirt to the hospital can be a clutch move.

Finally, Becky reflects on her journey, saying there's nothing she would change, feeling like everything happens for a reason, and now she's here to help others.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for One-on-One Support

https://www.lls.org/patient-support, 1-800-955-4572

Other Resources

National Bone Marrow Transplant Link - (800) LINK-BMT, or (800) 546-5268.

nbmtLINK Website: https://www.nbmtlink.org/

nbmtLINK Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/nbmtLINK

nbmtLINK YouTube Page can be found by clicking here.

Thank you to this season's sponsors:

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, www.lls.org

Sanofi: https://www.sanofi.com/

National Bone Marrow Transplant Link - (800) LINK-BMT, or (800) 546-5268.

nbmtLINK Website: https://www.nbmtlink.org/

nbmtLINK Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/nbmtLINK

Follow the nbmtLINK on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/nbmtlink/

The nbmtLINK YouTube Page can be found by clicking here.

To participate in the GVHD Mosaic, click here: https://amp.livemosaics.com/gvhd

This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  It is crucial to consult directly with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical conditions, treatment options, or other health concerns.

The views and opinions expressed by the speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the nbmtLINK.  Unless otherwise stated in an official policy, the nbmtLINK does not endorse any specific treatments, products, or services mentioned by the speakers. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Season 9 of the Marrow Masters Podcast focuses on “what I wish I knew before transplant.”  We’re featuring advice from caregivers, doctors, nurses, and survivors. The transplant journey doesn’t end in the hospital - it’s important to maintain a positive attitude when you come home, too. This season also includes an episode on fertility preservation, a topic that isn't discussed nearly enough.

Don't miss an episode of Marrow Masters, Season 9! Follow our show on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or on the National Bone Marrow Transplant Link’s website https://www.nbmtlink.org/

Link to Follow on Apple Podcasts: https://pcr.apple.com/id1466782199

Link to Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0zkvpBo266DAQ8pPQgZHKv

This season of Marrow Masters is sponsored by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and Sanofi.

National Bone Marrow Transplant Link - (800) LINK-BMT, or (800) 546-5268.

nbmtLINK Website: https://www.nbmtlink.org/

nbmtLINK Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/nbmtLINK

Follow the nbmtLINK on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/nbmtlink/

The nbmtLINK YouTube Page can be found by clicking here.

To participate in the GVHD Mosaic, click here: https://amp.livemosaics.com/gvhd

This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  It is crucial to consult directly with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical conditions, treatment options, or other health concerns.

The views and opinions expressed by the speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the nbmtLINK.  Unless otherwise stated in an official policy, the nbmtLINK does not endorse any specific treatments, products, or services mentioned by the speakers. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Survivor Aisha Stokes of Southfield, Michigan was not a cancer patient.  She battled sickle cell anemia for the first 24 years of her life.   But it was a clinical trial involving what's traditionally a cancer course of treatment - that changed everything.

Aisha walks us through the decision to enroll in this trial just before an upcoming birthday would have made her ineligible. Following pheresis, she underwent an intense four day chemotherapy treatment, followed by a stem cell transplant, with her own modified cells.

Aisha is very honest about how difficult chemotherapy was for her, but how this clinical trial eliminated her sickle cell crises, or flare-ups, and how she's living her best life today.

She also speaks of her mother, who was instrumental throughout her treatment, but recently passed away.  This episode is dedicated to her sweet mom.

More:

US Clinical Trials Website: https://clinicaltrials.gov/

National Bone Marrow Transplant Link - (800) LINK-BMT, or (800) 546-5268.

nbmtLINK Website: https://www.nbmtlink.org/

nbmtLINK Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/nbmtLINK

nbmtLINK YouTube Page can be found by clicking here.

Thank you to this season's sponsors:

Omeros Corporation: https://www.omeros.com/

Incyte: https://www.incyte.com/

National Bone Marrow Transplant Link - (800) LINK-BMT, or (800) 546-5268.

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