Your Turn...

(Readers: Please note that we have deleted the names, addresses and phone numbers of the people who have contributed their experiences and ideas to "Your Turn". However, we would be happy to direct your inquiry or communication to them. Please contact us through our email: help@bmtnews.org, by phone: 847.433.3313 / 1.888.597.7674, by fax 847.433.4599, or by mail: BMT Newsletter 2900 Skokie Valley Road, Suite B, Highland Park, Illinois 60035. Thank you.)

Your Turn

"My daughter (39) has CML and will receive an unrelated BMT in September. She found 57 perfect matches (!) in the National Marrow Donor Program registry, and we are very grateful for the work that has been done to recruit donors. Since the day of her diagnosis we have found that, for us, knowledge about all aspects of the disease is crucial. We attend two support groups and are constantly searching for information. The BMT Newsletter has been invaluable." BS, California

"I had an ABMT for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma on December 12, 1991. I was on my way home in two weeks--I broke the hospital record! Needless to say, it was a very happy Christmas for our family. In February I resumed teaching math at our local high school and have not missed a day of work since. I also conduct the weight lifting program and plan to resume coaching football this Fall. Life after transplant is very special and I look forward to teaching five more years before retirement (I am 54 years old)." DR, Indiana

"I am one year past an ABMT for metastatic breast cancer. I am currently cancer-free, back to work full time, and never felt better. It was a struggle, especially suing the Blues, but it was worth it." MG, Illinois

"My daughter lives in East Israel. She was on interferon for five years, and with God's help she is the mother of three beautiful boys_all born while she was on interferon. Recently I read an article about another woman in Seattle woman who gave birth to a child after her BMT for leukemia." JH, New York

"My sister has Stage IV breast cancer and needs a BMT. She's 31 years old, the youngest of 6 children, and the toughest of all of us. She's determined to get better and we're all rallying around her. Please add me to the newsletter mailing list. I want to be well prepared for the fight that's ahead." LS, Rhode Island

"I recently represented two clients whose health care insurers denied coverage for an ABMT to treat metastatic breast cancer. I'm pleased to report that in one case, a simple 'I'm going to sue you' letter caused the carrier to alter their position and cover the ABMT. In the second case, the company was more resistant and it was necessary to institute a lawsuit. Within hours of serving legal papers on the president of the insurance company, their attorney called and said they would pay the claim. If you maintain a list of attorneys who are willing to help patients with BMT-related insurance problems, please add my name to the list." EM, Syracuse

Editor's note: Blood & Marrow Transplant Newsletter does maintain a list of attorneys who are willing to help patients resolve transplant-related insurance problems. If you need help, us at 847-433-3313 or toll-free 888-597-7674.

"My son is 33 months old and has Diamond-Blackfan Anemia. The doctors were considering a stem cell transplant using my newborn's umbilical cord in July, but that was vetoed due to the many hurdles we'd have to overcome in a short time. Could you provide information on umbilical cord BMTs in an upcoming issue? Thanks for the newsletter. It gives us an outlet to share experiences and ask questions. Doctors get medical, former patients get human and explain in human terms." MG, Texas

Newsbits