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. . .

“Our daughter had an autologous transplant in February 1989. She is doing very well, thank God. She works full time, dates, goes to the gym to work out and, in general, leads a normal life. She still tires more easily than she did before she became ill with Hodgkins disease, but then she used to have enough energy for two people.” DG, Florida

“I will undergo a BMT for myelodysplasia on May 4, 1993 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. I would be interested to hear from anyone that has undergone a BMT while having insulin-dependent diabetes. I've had diabetes since 1982 and would like to how it affects someone during and after BMT.” PS, Tennessee

"Re: the family who wrote in the May issue looking for people who have a child with SCIDS...I have found the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), PO Box 8923, New Fairfield CT 06812 (203)-746-6518 or (800)999-6673 to be an excellent resource. My child has a rare blood ailment (not SCIDS) and NORD was able to put me in touch with others in a similar situation." RR, Indiana

"I was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia in August 1992. Being only 38 years old, working full time and still playing top grade tennis and basketball, my lifestyle has certainly taken a battering! I'm currently on hydroxyurea, with future options being interferon therapy, stem cell transplant, or a matched unrelated donor transplant. A search has located 2 matched donors here in Australia and 28 overseas including 17 in the US. I would appreciate it if other bone marrow transplantees would write me." JM, Australia.

"I am currently in the hospital undergoing my second BMT for non-Hodgkins lymphoma. My insurance company originally refused to pay, but thanks to one of the attorneys recommended by BMT Newsletter, we were able to 'resolve' the issue. My insurance company had strung me along until the last minute, and my lawyer had only four days to put together the case. I'd love to be contacted by a reader with my same disease who has undergone a second transplant.” GT, Connecticut

"My wife Gail, age 49, was diagnosed with ALL (leukemia) in 1992. She relapsed after her first BMT and we're now considering a second transplant if the doctors can get her back into remission. I would like to hear from any ALL survivors who have had multiple remissions or multiple BMTs--we're seeking a ray of hope." LW & GW, Illinois