The Vibrant Healing of Anu
Donation protected
Anu’s Story
Thank you for your support and for sharing this stage of Anu’s journey as she heals and rebuilds her immune system using her brother, Peder’s, blood stem cells. Some time ago Anu was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder called essential thrombocythemia, a condition in which DNA damage to developing stem cells in the bone marrow lead to increased production of platelets. Over time this condition developed into a new disorder called myelofibrosis where the improperly functioning blood stem cells release chemicals causing scar tissue formation in the bone marrow and reduced blood cell production. The only cure for this type of blood disorder is a stem cell transplant which is expected to halt the continuation of this disease, considerably repair the damaged/scarred bone marrow, and lay the groundwork for a well-functioning immune system.
Anu chose to undergo this procedure and experienced a successful transplant on August 11, 2017 with the gift of her brother’s stem cells. Because Peder’s cells were such a close match with Anu’s, the transplant engrafted exceptionally quickly. Doctors expected Anu to be in the hospital for over a month but she was released early after only 25 days. From the hospital Anu moved into a Seattle apartment for 3 months. Anu’s apartment was close to a clinic where she could be routinely monitored. At Day 28 and again at Day 80, biopsies have shown that there are only healthy stem cells remaining in Anu’s bone marrow! Additionally, the scar tissue caused by the disease is continuing to disappear.
However, during this time the new cells began to attack her digestive system in a condition known as graft vs. host disease (GVHD). In order to address this condition, steroids were administered on a fast-taper regime. Unfortunately, after the first round of steroids the GVHD flared up again and was stronger. At this time, Anu had to go back onto steroids at a higher dosage, accompanied by a new medication called Jakafi. She is slowly tapering off of the steroids, but it is unknown how long the GVHD may persist and the trajectory for her healing has been extended.
She will be extremely susceptible to even minor infections at this time and during the year ahead. Even a cold would be a challenge to her system. Please keep this in mind even when visiting with anyone who will be in contact with her.
If you would like get updates and follow Anu's journey, please visit or subscribe to her CaringBridge site: https://www.caringbridge.org/public/anubyal
We thank you for your continuing love and support.
Thank you for your support and for sharing this stage of Anu’s journey as she heals and rebuilds her immune system using her brother, Peder’s, blood stem cells. Some time ago Anu was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder called essential thrombocythemia, a condition in which DNA damage to developing stem cells in the bone marrow lead to increased production of platelets. Over time this condition developed into a new disorder called myelofibrosis where the improperly functioning blood stem cells release chemicals causing scar tissue formation in the bone marrow and reduced blood cell production. The only cure for this type of blood disorder is a stem cell transplant which is expected to halt the continuation of this disease, considerably repair the damaged/scarred bone marrow, and lay the groundwork for a well-functioning immune system.
Anu chose to undergo this procedure and experienced a successful transplant on August 11, 2017 with the gift of her brother’s stem cells. Because Peder’s cells were such a close match with Anu’s, the transplant engrafted exceptionally quickly. Doctors expected Anu to be in the hospital for over a month but she was released early after only 25 days. From the hospital Anu moved into a Seattle apartment for 3 months. Anu’s apartment was close to a clinic where she could be routinely monitored. At Day 28 and again at Day 80, biopsies have shown that there are only healthy stem cells remaining in Anu’s bone marrow! Additionally, the scar tissue caused by the disease is continuing to disappear.
However, during this time the new cells began to attack her digestive system in a condition known as graft vs. host disease (GVHD). In order to address this condition, steroids were administered on a fast-taper regime. Unfortunately, after the first round of steroids the GVHD flared up again and was stronger. At this time, Anu had to go back onto steroids at a higher dosage, accompanied by a new medication called Jakafi. She is slowly tapering off of the steroids, but it is unknown how long the GVHD may persist and the trajectory for her healing has been extended.
She will be extremely susceptible to even minor infections at this time and during the year ahead. Even a cold would be a challenge to her system. Please keep this in mind even when visiting with anyone who will be in contact with her.
If you would like get updates and follow Anu's journey, please visit or subscribe to her CaringBridge site: https://www.caringbridge.org/public/anubyal
We thank you for your continuing love and support.
Organizer and beneficiary
Marybeth Bonfiglio
Organizer
Bellingham, WA
anu byal
Beneficiary
