I was 18 when I was diagnosed with CML in 1996. This was before Gleevec & my only chance for any lasting remission was a stem cell transplant. I underwent an allogenic stem cell transplant from my older brother in March of 1997. I had high dose intrathecal methotrexate, oral busulfan, & IV cytoxan. It was horrific!

I went into my BMT knowing that my life would probably never be the same. I would lose my hair, get mouth sores, throw up a lot!!! I knew that I could possibly always deal with some kind of rejection (GVHD). I knew that at 18 I would most likely go into premature menopause. It is a lot to know...but to know & experience it is totally different.

Almost nine years ago I met the man of my dreams. We got married 2 1/2yrs ago & decided to try to have a baby. Quickly I learned that the chemo had destroyed my ovaries...no eggs left to make a baby with. We decided to try using an egg donor & do in vitro fertilization. We got pregnant on the first try & miscarried at 10 1/2 weeks. Did another cycle & got pregnant & miscarried & 8 weeks. The same things happened again on our last cycle but I miscarried at 7 weeks on Friday night of this week. The doctors with the help of my research & my oncologist are beginning to believe that my CML/BMT is the cause of my miscarriages too!! It never ends!!!

I am an oncology nurse & work in med/surg oncology/bone marrow transplant unit. If you have question regarding anything about treatments, side effects, or anything I am here as a patient & a nurse!!! CANCER SUCKS!!!