Stem cell transplant conquers cancer
“I knew something wasn’t right because I was so exhausted,” says Linda Millar of St. Catharines, recalling the early days of her journey with cancer.
Her daily commute from St. Catharines to work in Toronto had always been a grind, but it was becoming more difficult than usual. On top of extreme fatigue, her legs started to ache during the lengthy drive back and forth.
Millar visited her doctor for an examination and blood work. She was surprised to receive an after-hours call from the doctor, who asked her to come in again the next day to discuss the test results.
“I suspected that the news wasn’t going to be good,” says Linda. “It was devastating when I learned that I had acute myeloid leukemia.”
Millar was transferred to Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre, where she spent a month as an inpatient and underwent intense chemotherapy. After she was discharged, she returned for continued chemotherapy appointments as an outpatient.
“The chemo was successful and the cancer was in remission,” she recalls. “It was an enormous relief.”
Unfortunately, the cancer returned 14 months later as she was preparing for her return to work. Millar resumed chemotherapy, but she found the experience more difficult this time.
“I was weaker and I barely had the strength to get up,” says Millar. “The doctor said that the cancer might keep returning unless I underwent a stem cell transplant. I knew that my body couldn’t go through chemo again.”
A stem cell transplant is a method of replacing cells in the bone marrow that cause cancer. New stem cells are infused into the patient so they can attack the underlying diseased cells to help fight the cancer. Millar underwent immunosuppression treatment at Juravinski as she prepared for the procedure.
After the stem cell transplant, Millar was monitored closely for the next 100 days. Because her immune system was compromised, it was necessary for her to avoid crowds and wear a mask whenever she left home. After those 100 days, no signs of cancer could be found in her body.
“The most challenging part of the whole experience was the weakness and exhaustion. I needed to keep pushing myself forward through this difficult time.”
Five years have passed since her stem cell transplant and the cancer has not returned. Millar is grateful to be healthy and she enjoys spending time with her husband, who she credits with supporting her every step of the way.
“The care I received was amazing, and the nurses and doctors were incredible,” says Millar. “My journey is a success story thanks to my stem cell transplant.”
Adult cancer patients in Niagara are fortunate to be so close to Juravinski, as it is one of only three centres providing all forms of stem cell transplants to adult cancer patients in Ontario.
The team at Juravinski is recognized as pioneers and leaders in the treatment of blood cancers and stem cell transplants. Support of Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre Foundation is essential to making this level of care possible for patients like Linda who live throughout south-central Ontario.