BMT Caregiver

For the last 20+ months I have been the primary caregiver for my husband, my best friend and a Cancer Survivor, Gary. When Gary and his Hematologist Dr. Coutre decided that the best treatment for Gary's aggressive CLL was a bone marrow transplant it was a "given" that I would be his caregiver. However, I never knew what this role would entail. I am an educator, an elementary teacher and now principal, I have a limited back ground in math and science. However, as a caregiver I have learned to read medical tests (bloodwork graphs, CT Scan reports, Xray reports etc). I have learned to surf the web for clinical trials, CLL survivor blogs, and medication information. I have also learned to change bandages, help with IV medication, and keep the catheter clean. I am able to watch blood be drawn from Gary and bone marrow biopsies without fainting! I have learned to take copious notes during doctor's meetings and research what I don't understand. I have also learned to understand Gary’s needs better, when he is anxious, when he is frightened, when he is just not feeling right. I have also learned to enjoy my his company more, cherishing every moment.

I asked Gary to create a blog because I have learned many things from other transplant survivors' blogs. Knowing that there are others out there going through a similar experience and surviving (day by day!) was such a comfort to me. Currently Gary's CLL has progressed and is aggressively increasing, thus he is faced with various treatment options. Being 19 months post transplant and possibly heading towards a second transplant I felt it was time we shared his story, from his point of view and also from the caregiver's point of view.