Latest news with #stemCellTransplant
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Windsor symphony director who traveled for stem cell transplant lauds new Windsor hospital program
The longtime music director of the Windsor Symphony Orchestra says his recent battle with a recurrence of non-Hodgkin lymphoma would've been easier if he could've received a stem-cell transplant in Windsor instead of London — something that is now possible for some patients thanks to a new program at the Windsor Regional Hospital. Maestro Robert Franz experienced a recurrence in February, around five months before the hospital announced the launch of its autologuous stem cell transplant program. "It's not easy as a sick person when you're not feeling good, and you're in the middle of chemo to be traveling back and forth two hours," Franz said. "Some people have to go to Hamilton, which is, of course, twice as far." Franz had to make the trip three or four times, he said. Autologous, or auto stem cell transplants, involve a patient's own stem cells being collected and then reinfused back into their body following intensive chemotherapy or radiation, the hospital said in a news release Monday when it announced the program. "This is a major step forward in offering comprehensive transplant services right here in Windsor-Essex," the release said. Windsor hospital aiming to do 30 transplants per year "Prior to this, patients had to travel significant distances to access specialized centres outside the region, resulting in logistical challenges, increased stress for patients and families and potential disruptions to continuity of care." The hospital's initial roll-out of the program will focus on patients with multiple myeloma, it said. Its goal is to provide transplants to 30 patients per year, and the first procedure was scheduled to take place July 8. Franz was first diagnosed with Stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2021. LISTEN | Robert Franz on his battle with cancer He underwent intensive chemotherapy, and doctors told him if the cancer stayed away for three years, it likely wouldn't return. But in February, he want to his doctor with a suspected gall bladder issue and learned that the cancer was back. "The good news was it came back very localized," he said, "not throughout my body like it was the first time." The treatment for a recurrence involves more chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant, he added. "It's just incredible the things that they can do," he said. Franz is still awaiting a PET scan to see if the process eradicated all the cancer. "That's the hope and that's the desire," he said, "and ... we're going to wait and see."
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Windsor symphony director who traveled for stem cell transplant lauds new Windsor hospital program
The longtime music director of the Windsor Symphony Orchestra says his recent battle with a recurrence of non-Hodgkin lymphoma would've been easier if he could've received a stem-cell transplant in Windsor instead of London — something that is now possible for some patients thanks to a new program at the Windsor Regional Hospital. Maestro Robert Franz experienced a recurrence in February, around five months before the hospital announced the launch of its autologuous stem cell transplant program. "It's not easy as a sick person when you're not feeling good, and you're in the middle of chemo to be traveling back and forth two hours," Franz said. "Some people have to go to Hamilton, which is, of course, twice as far." Franz had to make the trip three or four times, he said. Autologous, or auto stem cell transplants, involve a patient's own stem cells being collected and then reinfused back into their body following intensive chemotherapy or radiation, the hospital said in a news release Monday when it announced the program. "This is a major step forward in offering comprehensive transplant services right here in Windsor-Essex," the release said. Windsor hospital aiming to do 30 transplants per year "Prior to this, patients had to travel significant distances to access specialized centres outside the region, resulting in logistical challenges, increased stress for patients and families and potential disruptions to continuity of care." The hospital's initial roll-out of the program will focus on patients with multiple myeloma, it said. Its goal is to provide transplants to 30 patients per year, and the first procedure was scheduled to take place July 8. Franz was first diagnosed with Stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2021. LISTEN | Robert Franz on his battle with cancer He underwent intensive chemotherapy, and doctors told him if the cancer stayed away for three years, it likely wouldn't return. But in February, he want to his doctor with a suspected gall bladder issue and learned that the cancer was back. "The good news was it came back very localized," he said, "not throughout my body like it was the first time." The treatment for a recurrence involves more chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant, he added. "It's just incredible the things that they can do," he said. Franz is still awaiting a PET scan to see if the process eradicated all the cancer. "That's the hope and that's the desire," he said, "and ... we're going to wait and see."
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Blood donor told he needs a stem cell transplant
A dedicated blood donor is now on the receiving end of the altruistic service as he prepares for a stem cell transplant. Four years ago Gideon Mackrill, 57, attended his regular blood donor session only to be told he needed to see a doctor. Tests discovered Mr Mackrill had Aplastic Anaemia, a rare blood disorder that occurs when bone marrow stops making enough new blood cells, and is preparing for a stem cell transplant at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth. Mr Mackrill said: "It's always been important to me to give blood because it's an easy way of helping someone; maybe saving someone's life. I never thought I'd be the one taking it back." Mr Mackrill, who lives in Baldhu near Truro, is a carpenter who built his family home and has a strong customer base. However, he said he had been forced to give up work while he undergoes treatment. "I was still working full time up to Christmas and then I started getting less and less energy, if I do a job now it takes me ten times longer than it did before. "But I've got a lot of understanding customers who've known me a long time and kept me going. "I can't wait to get to Derriford in some ways because I want to get the process started although I'm nervous as well," he said. During the treatment Mr Mackrill will be kept in isolation at the hospital for four to six weeks and then stay at a bed and breakfast facility close to the hospital for regular checks. It will be 18 months before the hospital will know if the transplant has been successful. While waiting for the transplant, Mr Mackrill has received regular transfusions of blood to top up his platelets. "You should have 150 to 450 platelets in your body and mine have been down to 12. If it's below 20 it's seen as quite critical," he said. Mr Mackrill said the Aplastic Anaemia Trust had provided him with help and advice. He wants other people to consider donating blood and putting themselves on the stem cell register. Mr Mackrill said: "There is a stem cell register worldwide and fortunately I am one of the lucky ones as they have found several matches for me. Some people don't get a match. "The more people that are on the register, the more chance there is for people to get a match," he said. Follow BBC Cornwall on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@ Woman appeals for stem cell donor to save her life Hundreds sign up to donate stem cells to save girl Teenager receives bone marrow transplant Aplastic Anaemia Trust


BBC News
26-06-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Cornwall blood donor told he needs a stem cell transplant
A dedicated blood donor is now on the receiving end of the altruistic service as he prepares for a stem cell years ago Gideon Mackrill, 57, attended his regular blood donor session only to be told he needed to see a doctor. Tests discovered Mr Mackrill had Aplastic Anaemia, a rare blood disorder that occurs when bone marrow stops making enough new blood cells, and is preparing for a stem cell transplant at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth. Mr Mackrill said: "It's always been important to me to give blood because it's an easy way of helping someone; maybe saving someone's life. I never thought I'd be the one taking it back." Mr Mackrill, who lives in Baldhu near Truro, is a carpenter who built his family home and has a strong customer he said he had been forced to give up work while he undergoes treatment. "I was still working full time up to Christmas and then I started getting less and less energy, if I do a job now it takes me ten times longer than it did before."But I've got a lot of understanding customers who've known me a long time and kept me going."I can't wait to get to Derriford in some ways because I want to get the process started although I'm nervous as well," he said. During the treatment Mr Mackrill will be kept in isolation at the hospital for four to six weeks and then stay at a bed and breakfast facility close to the hospital for regular checks. It will be 18 months before the hospital will know if the transplant has been successful. 'One of the lucky ones' While waiting for the transplant, Mr Mackrill has received regular transfusions of blood to top up his platelets. "You should have 150 to 450 platelets in your body and mine have been down to 12. If it's below 20 it's seen as quite critical," he said. Mr Mackrill said the Aplastic Anaemia Trust had provided him with help and advice. He wants other people to consider donating blood and putting themselves on the stem cell register. Mr Mackrill said: "There is a stem cell register worldwide and fortunately I am one of the lucky ones as they have found several matches for me. Some people don't get a match. "The more people that are on the register, the more chance there is for people to get a match," he said.


Daily Mail
29-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
What is mantle cell lymphoma?
Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that causes white blood cells to grow and multiply uncontrollably. The average age at diagnosis is 60 to 65 years and is two to three times more common in men than women. The initial symptom of MCL is usually a painless swelling in the neck, armpit, and/or groin. It is usually treated with combination chemotherapy, but other therapies include radioimmunotherapy, radiotherapy and stem cell transplants. It is aggressive and often comes back after patients go into remission.