Marrow Masters

Season 14 of the Marrow Masters podcast produced by the National Bone Marrow Transplant Link will be out soon, focusing on the parts of chronic graft versus host disease we don't often talk about. We'll cover male and female sexuality, and atypical presentations of chronic GVHD. We'll share a patient and caregiver perspective related to chronic GVHD and take a deep dive into the psychosocial and e...

In this episode of the podcast, we welcome Dr. Navneet Majhail, the Physician-in-Chief of Blood Cancers at the Sarah Cannon Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program and a widely  respected leader in transplant. The focus of our discussion is the critical transitions of care that occur after patients undergo transplant and cellular therapy, a subject Dr. Majhail is deeply passionate about. Dr. Majha...

In today's episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Janet Young from Massachusetts, who shares her challenging yet inspiring journey with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and her subsequent stem cell transplant. Diagnosed in March 2022, Janet underwent a transplant in August of the same year after a regimen of intensive chemotherapy. Remarkably, her transplant occurs on her ACTUAL birthday, addi...

Today, we have the pleasure of interviewing Flora Stondell, an advanced practice manager and assistant director at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center. Flora’s extensive experience in bone marrow transplants, particularly in malignant hematology, transplant, and cellular therapy provide us with invaluable insights. Flora begins by sharing her journey into the field, highlighting her accidental st...

In this episode, Peggy interviews Beth Ades, who shares her compelling journey after being diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) in 2021. Beth's story begins with mysterious bruises on her legs, leading to a diagnosis that required immediate hospitalization and numerous tests. Despite a harrowing seven-month diagnostic process, Beth was eventually diagnosed with MDS and was told her only c...

In this episode we interview Heather Knutson, a registered dietitian from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Heather shares invaluable advice on nutrition management post-transplant, emphasizing the critical role of caregivers in the dietary adjustments necessary during this period. We start by addressing the challenges that both survivors and caregivers face when transitioning back home. Heat...

In this episode, we talk with Rachael Sommer, a dedicated mother and caregiver from Cleveland, Ohio. Rachael shares the journey of her daughter Maddie, who was diagnosed with Hepatosplenic T-cell Lymphoma in October 2023, after several months of mysterious symptoms. Treated at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Maddie's condition has profoundly impacted their lives. Rachael recounts their...

Our 13th season of the Marrow Masters podcast, produced by the National Bone Marrow Transplant Link, is out June 1, 2024. This season will focus on side effects of bone marrow and stem cell transplant, including GVHD. As always, you'll hear expert advice from professionals.  You'll hear from patients who are open and honest about their experiences.  Caregivers are also a key part of the journey, w...

**Disclaimer: The information in this podcast should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult with your health care provider regarding your medical decisions and treatment. Any listed resources are not intended to be endorsements.** Ailey Armstrong, MSW, LICSW is a licensed clinical oncology social worker at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle. Today, she shares her insights on tran...

**Disclaimer: The information in this podcast should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult with your health care provider regarding your medical decisions and treatment. Any listed resources are not intended to be endorsements.** In today's episode of our podcast, we had the privilege of speaking with Gregory Proctor, a 53-year-old multiple myeloma survivor from San Antonio, Texas. Gr...

**Disclaimer: The information in this podcast should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult with your health care provider regarding your medical decisions and treatment. Any listed resources are not intended to be endorsements.** Today we welcome Diane Raab, a remarkable survivor of multiple myeloma and a licensed clinical social worker from Cheboygan, Michigan. Diane shares her perso...

**Disclaimer: The information in this podcast should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult with your health care provider regarding your medical decisions and treatment. Any listed resources are not intended to be endorsements.** In the podcast, Peggy welcomes Sue Hill, a registered dietitian at Henry Ford Health Cancer in Detroit, to discuss food safety and nutrition for post-transpl...

**Disclaimer: The information in this podcast should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult with your health care provider regarding your medical decisions and treatment. Any listed resources are not intended to be endorsements.** In today's episode, we had the privilege of speaking with Alan Katz, a Massachusetts resident and a survivor of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Alan's journey...

**Disclaimer: The information in this podcast should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult with your health care provider regarding your medical decisions and treatment. Any listed resources are not intended to be endorsements.** In this podcast, Peggy converses with Leila Zengel, who shares her family's journey and challenges following her 10 year-old daughter Julie's bone marrow tra...

Welcome to Season 12 of the Marrow Masters Podcast, brought to you by the National Bone Marrow Transplant Link, and sponsored by Sanofi. This season focuses on one critical question. "I'm home. Now what?" You'll hear candid stories and advice from survivors and caregivers. This season, you'll also get valuable advice from a registered dietician and a social worker. Season 12 of the Marrow Masters...

Loriana Hernandez felt like she had it all.  She'd been a news anchor all over the country whose profile had risen nationally.  In her own words, she was a clean-eating, green-drinking, yoga enthusiast.  She had a two-year-old son, and was in the midst of fertility treatment when her doctor noticed there was something wrong. Loriana had AML Leukemia, and a doctor contact at world-renowned Johns Ho...

Peter Gordon is no stranger to the National Bone Marrow Transplant Link.  The author of " Six Years and Counting : Love , Leukemia, and the Long Road Onward"  was very well received at our book club.  Today you'll hear his story. In 2008, this avid outdoorsman was living in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, and his girlfriend had just moved down from Montreal to marry him.  Soon after, he was...

We first met the incredible Sharde Fultz in our very first season of Marrow Masters,  back in 2019.  We wanted to reconnect with her as one our our "survivors who thrive" this season. In 2009, Sharde was a college student, living on campus as a dance major with big dreams. Then she was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.  Following chemotherapy and radiation, Sharde received an an allogeneic bon...

As a patient, Mike Rubin was at the forefront of bone marrow transplants when he received one in 1987 at the age of 24.  Today, he serves a director of philanthropic gifts for the very place he received his transplant - Seattle's Fred Hutch Cancer Center. In the mid 80's, Mike was diagnosed with myelodysplasia, which would eventually morph into AML leukemia.  After consulting with some of the nati...

As a child, Molly Pratt had a fear of medical facilities.  Today, you'll hear how her perspective changed.  She's now a BSN, RN in Pediatrics at Beaumont Children's at Corewell Health's Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Michigan. Molly was an active 16 year-old high school student when she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma.  Her first round of treatment involved outpatient chemotherapy, but she ev...

Dr. Brad Zebrack is not only an incredible social worker who specializes in oncology but he is survivor himself. Brad was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma, at the age of 25, back in 1989.   We spend some time on the term "survivor" - 40 years ago it referred to the family members left behind when someone died of cancer.  Now, a survivor is anyone who is still alive, starting from the moment of di...

Welcome to Marrow Masters Season 11, sponsored by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Sanofi. The National Bone Marrow Transplant Link, established in 1992 strives to help patients, caregivers and families cope with the psychosocial challenges of bone marrow/stem cell transplant from diagnosis through survivorship. Season 11 of our show focuses on thriving in survivorship. We know it’s hard work....

As this season focuses on Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD), we thought we would start with the basics.  Today we welcome Melora Rennie, OTR/L, CLT-LANA, an Occupational Therapist from the blood and marrow transplant unit at Northside Hospital in Atlanta.  She helps patients who are battling various blood and marrow cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, aplastic anemia, multiple myeloma and even sick...

It's hard not to be inspired by the story of today's guest.  Jim Bond is a four-time transplant survivor, dating back to his first transplant in 1993, following his 1992 diagnosis..  He's participated in a life-saving clinical trial.  In 2002, he was running out of options after his third transplant. In fact, his doctor was ready to send him  to hospice care.  But Jim wouldn't take no for an answe...

Dr. Matt Kalaycio is the Vice Chairman of the Taussig Cancer Institute at the Cleveland Clinic.  He joins us today to talk about clinical trials - the hope they bring, the lives they save, and why they are so important in regards to Graft Versus Host Disease. For example, the popular GVHD drugs Ruxolitinib, Ibrutinib, and Belumosudil   They were found to be effective, thanks to clinical trials Dr....