SASKATOON - Dwayne Rogers of Carlyle received a stem cell transplant on Aug. 2 in Saskatoon and so far, things are looking good for him.
Rogers was diagnosed with leukemia and was told he had a few weeks to live.
After receiving vigorous chemotherapy treatment, he went into remission until a few months ago, when the blast cells in his blood came back.
The leukemia had returned, and it was imperative that he receive this stem cell treatment.
His sister was a perfect match, but due to some complications could not be a donor.
Luckily for Rogers, another donor was found in another country, and this person was also a perfect match.
Rogers would now need to prepare for the transplant and the months to follow.
He would require 38 shots, two at a time, once a day. These shots would be administered into his belly.
Another bone marrow test would be needed. He has had 15 bone marrow tests over the course of his illness.
Blood work has been done on a regular basis. This tells how the blast cells were increasing.
A port was placed through Rogers' chest into his heart.
“It was not a great feeling, but it was something that needed to be done,” said Rogers.
Rogers laid in a chair in the hospital, which would form his body. He said it was similar to a bean bag chair. He would also wear a mask, which he said looked like a fencing mask and it was pinned done so he could not move.
This treatment of radiation lasted one hour after his belly received lined tattoos.
Through all the testing, poking and prodding, Rogers said he has felt pretty good, with no sickness or pain.
“The specialist and nursing staff have been great and make it an easier process,” said Rogers.
Now days after the treatment, Rogers is feeling tired, and this was to be expected according to the doctors.
Rogers will remain in hospital in Saskatoon for four to six weeks. He will then be an outpatient for the next four to six months, remaining in Saskatoon as he will have to check into the hospital daily.
At that time, his wife will stay with him and be his caregiver.
It is a long road, but it is one that Rogers and his wife hope works so they can live their lives.
