This story is, of course, a hard one to tell because it's so personal and also unfinished. Last September, my mother was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) - a cancer of the bone marrow. Basically, her bone marrow is no longer able to produce blood cells properly. So, her immune system is greatly affected. Patients with this type of cancer typically need blood transfusions and/or chemotherapy treatments to survive. The best form of treatment is a bone marrow transplant. MDS used to be classified as pre-leukemia, but that's somewhat misleading (in Doctor Speak) even though if MDS is left untreated it can and likely will develop into acute meyloid leukemia.
Mother's treatment and prognosis has been fairly good so far. Starting in October 2014, she took five days of chemotherapy at the beginning of each month in Oxford followed by routine check-ups with her oncologist at the Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University in Atlanta. We were incredibly lucky to learn early on that there were three "perfect" matches in the National Marrow Donation Program, so my mother will have a bone marrow transplant this Tuesday (February 24) that hopefully will effectively cure the cancer. My mother could live many more years if all goes well.
Of course, any type of transplant comes with risks and uncertainties. This is the unfinished part of the story, and it likely won't be finished for about 2 years. The worst of this treatment process comes at the beginning, though, and chances of survival increase as time moves along. Mother, Daddy, Corey, Brandon, and I are all staying positive, and we are joined by extended family (most notably Mother's sister Angie) with lots of positive reinforcement and incredible generosity. I already know many who will make a trip or two from Mississippi to Atlanta to visit, offer support, help ease the burden, and relieve our "cancer vigilantes." I have to say I love each and every one of you!
After she has the transplant, Mother will be in the hospital under constant supervision for at least 30 days. With the doctor's approval, she can move in with Angie (who happens to live in the Atlanta area) for another 4-6 months. She'll need to stay within driving distance of the hospital in case there are any issues with the transplant being rejected or other complications. In other words, Georgia is getting one of Mississippi's most beautiful magnolias for the better part of 2015. Also, my uncle must be a saint for allowing two Gordon women under his roof for so long - especially one that has paired that upbringing with a Burns husband for 35 years!
Mother's medical team is very optimistic about her recovery, and they are nothing short of a miracle! We are glad that she is receiving such wonderful care from her doctors, nurses, and so many family members!
Any and all prayers, good thoughts, good vibes, positive energies, etc. can be sent our way! We appreciate every ounce of love and understanding!
