- K
- C
- Hi, my name is Karen. My sister and her family are fighting a huge battle, medically, mentally and financially. After having silent heart attacks 4 years ago my brother in-law had fitted into his chest, not only a pacemaker, but also a defibrillator. We were greatful for modern medicine to allow his health to prosper. However, at a routine Doctors appointment blood results uncovered something completely unexpected. He was diagnosed with Myelofibrosis, This turned their world upside down for a second time in a few short years. With a plan to have Stem Cell transplant, it meant staying as healthy as possible. And so the waiting game began. A ground breaking medication to assist with this was not yet available on the PBS and the uncertainty was debilitating to their mental health. Fortunately the medication became available after 2 months and thankfully the disease had not progressed. Now it was full steam ahead with the stem cell transplant plan. Merely weeks before the transplant date, yet another set back. Ian developed a fever and influenza A was the verdict. So Stem Cell transplant postponed. after some intense medicating and a little hospital stay, the transplant team at the RWBH set the date. Thank goodness this time he was strong enough to undergo the chemo and procedure. His Sister generously gave of her body as the donor of many million Stem cells to help her brother survive this horrible disease. Now we wait, and hope and pray that those beautiful little cells find a home in Ian and he can commence the healing journey.
The emotional journey Ian’s family have endured has been most humbling to everyone in our family, extended family and friends. This has taken away Ian’s Career as a train driver, which has placed financial burden on them along with the many hospital visit expenses in fuel, parking, loss of income for both my sister and Ian, not to mention how it affects the future financial burdens and lifestyle changes that they now have to treat with much more care and restriction.
Now that Ian has passed the hardest part of this journey, he and his family need to be able to relax and recharge. The battle still isn’t over but time is now the key. This Stem Cell Transplant was the 1 and only shot at kicking this disease’s butt.
We are all Barracking for ya Knightey.
Luv ya guts!
