Mark's Stem Cell Transplant

I was first diagnosed with Accute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) in 2013 and began chemotherapy.  I later had a stroke and then was told that  I had developed treatment-related Myleodysplastic Syndrome, which is another type of blood cancer. This was caused by the maintenance chemo that I was on for the ALL. All the time it was slowly killing me. I was given two options: 1) Go on palliative care and expect to live about another 8 months or so or 2) Attempt a stem cell transplant. I have chosen the second option. The transplant will be done at Loyola  University Hospital in Maywood, IL.  I will enter the hospital around Feb. 16, 2015. I will undergo intensive induction chemo to prepare me for the transplant which will take place a week after that. The stem cells will come from umbilical cords since a match couldn't be found among my siblings or the donor database.  After the transplant, I will need to live near the hospital for several months.  Donations will help defray expenses associated with housing and the many other expenses not covered by insurance. Please keep my family in your thoughts and prayers.  I will instruct them to post any pertinent updates on Caringbridge.org