Kansas City, KS- John Belfonte, diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) after his daughter Joanna's breast cancer, underwent a life-saving bone marrow transplant with his son Sal as the donor.
Despite initial anxiety and health challenges, including heart issues and pneumonia, John's recovery was aided by his positive attitude and strong family support.
His doctors, Dr. Anurag Singh and Dr. Sunil Abhyankar, emphasized the importance of genetic testing for MDS and the evolving success of half-match transplants.
John Belfonte, patient
- John's heart pain led to a doctor's visit, where he was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).
- He was told he needed a bone marrow transplant to survive, and his son Sal was the best match.
Dr. Sunil Abhyankar, Director of the Midwest Stem Cell Therapy Center, The University of Kansas Cancer Center
- Dr. Abhyankar emphasizes the importance of research and innovation in advancing treatment.
Dr, Anurag Singh, Deputy Director of the Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, The University of Kansas Cancer Center
- Dr. Singh explains the genetic makeup of MDS and the importance of identifying a donor.
Kayla Pfannenstiel, BMT Nurse, The University of Kansas Cancer Center
- Kayla explains the role of the BMT nurse practitioner in building a lifelong rapport with patients.
Monday, November 24th is the next Morning Medical Update:
Balancing Motherhood and Medicine: A Liver Transplant Success Story
From a life-saving liver transplant to motherhood and now thriving career in healthcare.
Amy Wallace is a busy mom of two, a transplant survivor, and now an ostomy educator helping others.
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