When I was dia. in 2004 stem cell transplants were not being used to any extent , the treatment at that time was either chemicals (limited choice) or Bone Marrow transplants , I ask my Oncologist about a BM xplant and he recommended not doing one due to the high Mortality rate. So I had 10 months of treatment with Thalidomide & Dex. along with large doses of Morphine. (spookie tuff)
At the end of that time frame my Oncologist said my numbers on the blood tests were looking good and he ceased the treatment and just monitored me on a monthly basis , then extended me to 3 month rotations , during that time I found out that my Oncologist was suffering from multiple myeloma as well ( he had lived near Chernobal Nuke plant when it melted down) , his treatment was not progressing well and they decided to give him a bone marrow transplant -he expired within about 4 months.
I am still getting respectable blood test readings after 9+ years , the cancer is still there but contained , Kidneys are marginal , and I have a really bad lower spine ,also sever foot problems , can hardly walk due to large ballous protrusions on the bottoms of both feet. other than that l am in fantastic shape , I am now on a 6 months rotation for blood tests & Dr. visits. I notice that Julian was in Nam I spent 10 months during 1965 in the Tonkin Gulf Bathing in & Drinking AO laden water while on board the USS Midway . N.G. sw wa.
