Hello everyone, As some of you may know, I have lived with Diamond Blackfan anemia since I was a baby. It's a rare anemia that attacks the bone marrow, so I can't produce red blood cells on my own. I've had to take prednisone since I was a toddler, but that medication has been causing me other health problems. I've been doing well with my anemia until my mid-20s, when my health got worse. I've had to undergo a series of blood transfusions over the last year. I've had to live with this anemia all my life, and sometimes it makes it difficult to enjoy life. I have to cancel plans when I don't feel well. I asked God to cure me of this disease, and at my following hematology appointment, my doctor said that it's getting worse and they want to do a transplant so that I don't have to live with this illness anymore. They informed that the only cure would be to get a bone marrow transplant. This is exactly what I cried out to God for, and he answered. I'm nervous and excited about the outcome. It will cure my anemia, and I won't need blood transfusions and will have brand-new cells. In order for me to get the bone marrow transplant, I will have to get a series of infusions and will be on many types of medication to prepare my body for new cells. I have to undergo immunotherapy before I start chemotherapy to suppress my active immune system. The chemotherapy is to wipe away all my cells, to get my body ready for my new cells from my donor. I will have to be in isolation for a few weeks during my hospital stay because I am going to have a very weak immune system. I will also have to avoid crowds as much as possible, which means no shopping, restaurants, movies, etc. I need to do as much as possible to prevent myself from catching any illnesses because I will have the immune system of a brand-new baby. There is a lot I have to go through in order for me to get this transplant. It will be a very long recovery process. I won't be working, and my husband is taking time off to help and support me during this long recovery process. I'm going to have to make some lifestyle changes and follow dietary restrictions. The doctors informed us that we have to be close to the hospital to monitor my recovery for 90 days. We live an hour away from Loma Linda, but they've been helpful and gave us a list of hotels we could stay at. But we would still need to pay rent for our apartment so I can have a home to come to and continue recovering. There will also be many trips back to the hospital for weekly checkups. Although I'm glad I'm going to be cured of my Diamond Blackfan Anemia, it's going to be a lot on both my husband and me physically, emotionally, and financially. We would love it if you could support us in any way you can.
VISITING • You will have to wash your hands and sanitize thoroughly and will have to put on a gown, mask, and gloves. • If you have any signs of illness, you will not be allowed to enter the room • Only 2 visitors at a time • Plants, flowers, and latex balloons are not allowed DIETARY RESTRICTIONS • Fast food and restaurants are okay if the food is cooked thoroughly. Let the staff know you are picking up for an immunocompromised patient. • Only fruit with thick skin that can be peeled. • No raw veggies or items that can't be cooked. (lettuce, tomato, etc.) • No fresh-cut lunch meats.