![]() ![]() Together we delved into medical journals, and then we emailed or called the principal authors who were typically willing to talk to us about the issue, or refer us to local doctors who might help. He is a researcher… he has a PhD so he could interpret the statistics. My quality of life was so diminished that in order to keep going, I had to become an advocate for my own wellbeing.” Surveying the years since her transplant, Valerie takes a deep breath, “So many things went wrong. I was declared legally blind, from severe dry eye.” These gifts, coupled with Valerie’s realism and the problem-solving prowess she and Ted share, have steered her safely through a post-transplant gauntlet which includes, by her tally, “steroid-induced osteoporosis, depression and psychosis, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, dental issues from severe dry mouth, cataracts and other ocular issues. Most observers would have a hard time classifying anything about Valerie’s story as “classic.” Rather, her survival seems to stem from exceptional qualities: piercing intelligence, tenacious dedication to communicating her needs, and a special faith in the power of humor to heal. “I don’t have a pretty story to share, I have a classic survival story.” In the wake of receiving a stem cell transplant for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in 2007, Valerie, who currently lives in Wisconsin with her emotional support cat, Thea Dora, named after her caregiver, Ted, suffered a host of post-transplant health challenges. “I call myself a professional patient,” says Valerie Gibbons, “I had to be this way because after transplant, so much was undiagnosed, misdiagnosed or unknown.” Conquer Graft-versus-Host Disease Wristband.Transplant: The Ultimate Makeover T-shirt (navy with white).Transplant: The Ultimate Makeover T-shirt (navy with green).Transplant: The Ultimate Makeover T-shirt (pink with white).ComerBien y Vivir Bien Despues Transplante (Eating Well, Living Well after Transplant).Programa Enlaces de Apoyo (Caring Connection Brochure).Tarjeta Consejos Utiles para los Cuidadores (Helpful Hints for Caregivers).Trasplante de Células Madre y Terapia de Células CAR T (Intro Brochure).Eating Well, Living Well after Transplant.Terapia de Células CAR T: Qué Esperar Antes, Durante y Después.Enfermedad Injerto contra Huésped: Qué necesita saber.Trasplantes de Médula Ósea y de Células Madre Sanguíneas: Una Guía Para Pacientes y sus Seres Queridos.Trasplantes Autólogos de Células Madre: Un Manual para Pacientes.CAR T-Cell Therapy: What to Expect Before, During and After.Graft-versus-Host Disease What to Know, What to Do.Bone Marrow and Blood Stem Cell Transplants: A Guide for Patients. ![]() Autologous Stem Cell Transplants: A Handbook for Patients.Support Group for Parents of a Child Living with Graft-versus-Host Disease (GVHD).Multiple Myeloma/Acute Myelogenous Leukemia: Jim’s Story.Lymphoma and CAR T-cell therapy: Gay Lynn's Story.Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia: Joseph's Story.Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH): Mistha's Story.Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH): Logan's Story.Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia: Julio's Story.Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML): Gordon's Story.Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia: Amanda's Story.Chediak-Higashi Syndrome: Aanamyauri Williams.Aplastic Anemia: Nancy's Story, transplanted 1960.Aplastic Anemia - Nancy McLain, transplanted 1963.Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): Tabatha's Story.Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): Steve's Story. ![]()
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