Medical update- NDR, well maybe a little

Tom Scholberg

Well-known member
Hi everybody. First and foremost I can't thank everyone enough for your support over my adventure this last year plus. It really does feel like family here.
Now on to what has been going on with my medical situation. After the two surgeries a year ago last fall to remove the tumor in T7 vertibra I was on a chemo program through most of the summer. I was scheduled for a stem cell transplant at Mayo in Sept. Something happened down there and I was called 2 weeks early, we had everything covered here so off we went. One of our neighbors is working on sainthood, she moved into the house with her two dogs and took care of everything while we were gone. Not having to think twice about our two guys while we were gone was one of the best stress reliefs we could have had. In Rochester we stayed at a house that was just for transplant patients so everyone had the same germ concerns. There are 2 houses that can accommadate 80 patients and caregivers. You rent the room with private bath and share kitchen/ dining facilities.
After 3 days of prep the process starts. I was fortunate enough to harvest enough stem cells for two transplants in one session. Next day I had a central line installed that allowed the staff to take lab samples, administer the chemo and give me my stem cells back without needle sticks every time. Next day they hit me with some really nasty chemo to " clean out the garden". One day of rest and I got my healthy frozen stem cells back. Then every day for the next 5 weeks I had lab work done and usually got some IV fluids. Finally I got cleared to head out, seemed strange to be out in the world driving and going home. After 60 days from transplant I went back to Mayo for a checkup and they told me I wouldn't have to come back for the 100 day checkup. Now I am on a maintenance drug and will be for ????
A few interesting things. I lost 40 pounds and am having a tough time getting it back. My moustache grew right back but hair and beard are taking their sweet time.
All in all I am feeling pretty good and planning next season
 
Tom this is one of the best posts I've ever read here. T

The timing of this news with Christmas around the corner makes it even better. There is a Santa Claus.
Keep up the good work in your healing.

Best wishes,
Ron
 
Good news. Always sending out my best thoughts your way. Sounds like you have good doctors and an equally superb support system around you.

Take care,
Tim
 
Very good news, particularly at this time of year! We hope your convalescence continues to go well!

When I worked out of Minneapolis, we had all of our cardiovascular disease didactics at Mayo's Rochester facility. Over the years of contact, I became increasingly convinced that the Mayo Brothers medical management model was the right way to practice patient care, since it incented practitioners to stay current in both practice and management of patients. After several disappointing interactions with CDs at our regional medical facility, I eventually was able to secure a referral to Mayo. Six months and two surgeries later, they saved my wife's life, rebuilding her mitral valve rather than replacing it with a mechanical or porcine version that had a time limited functionality. Nearly a year later, the NEW England Journal of Medicine published a study that concluded that too many community based cardiologists failed to stay current on mitral valve prolapse management and diagnosis issues, continuing to recommend valve replacement over repair, I knew we had made the right choice. Karen still remains in good health and active twenty-one years later.

May the future bring you similar results!
 
That is excellent news, Tom. What a great way to start my day reading your post. Keep fighting the good fight and have a wonderful holiday season. If Phil would build a bigger boat all three of us could hunt together. Thanks for the update. Jim
 
That is fantastic, Tom. I was just thinking of the learning curve as you sit behind the wheel of your vehicle most likely with a smile on your face. As a passerby might observe, then query, "I wonder what he is thinking about that is making him smile?" God Bless those in our medical profession and all who have been involved in anything to do with stem cells.
Al
 
Tom,

Great news! Getting your own stem cells back is who lot better than someone else's.

Thanks for the update. Merry Christmas!

Tom
 
Hey Tom -

Great news. Considering everything, you can't ask for much more.

Sounds to me the positive attitude remains. As we have discussed, I am certain this is a big factor in the success of your treatment. Keep it going.

Should you want to get on the ice let's talk. Won't be long and we will be driving out. I don't think I could pull the gear and your 40 lb lighter butt out there and back. You would be taking me to the hospital.

Thanks for the post and update.

Mark
 
Thanks for sharing the story Tom, I missed the threads earlier, but know that you were having medical issues, just not sure what was going on. Wow, so glad that you are doing so well!

I have 40 pounds you can have!
 
Great news Tom, glad to hear it. Hope every thing continues to improve.
Merry Christmas, Best regards to you and the family.
 
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