#chemotherapy

Revisit DeWayne’s experience as the first patient for MS at the Cleveland Clinic (S6 replay part 1)

October 26, 2022 — Leave a comment

Warrior: DeWayne Durr
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: Oct 29, 2020
Superpower: Confidence

How supported do you feel? To what extent do you think about each step that lies ahead?

Check-in with DeWayne to hear more about his experience as the first patient to receive HSCT for Multiple Sclerosis at the Cleveland Clinic. With so many details about his experiences with the myeloablative protocol of the BEAT-MS study, including securing insurance coverage, the staff and his in-patient experiences, as well as logistics and details about the time spent after discharge in a nearby hotel, DeWayne shares so many valuable insights, this interview airs as a two-part episode.

Tune in this week to hear the details about being in-patient at Cleveland Clinic and logistics for after-care in Cleveland, and next week, join us to hear more about DeWayne’s experience with recovery so far.

Be sure to visit our website, HSCTWarriorsPodcast.org where you can find notes from today’s episode, submit ideas or feedback, or connect with HSCT Warriors, Inc. and schedule time to “Talk with a Warrior”, find the latest research and resources, or explore the world map. Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to produce the soundtrack, and engineer the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us both when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find podcasts.

It has been great to connect with Warriors worldwide, so please reach out if you’re interested in sharing your story. We would love to learn how the podcast has helped your journey with autoimmune disease so if you could take a moment, leave us a comment on instagram or share feedback on our website. We hope you’ll tune in next Wednesday for another episode, highlighting another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers.  Be kind.  Be well.

_________________________________

Jen Stansbury Koenig and the producers disclaim medical influence and responsibility for any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. If you think you have a medical problem, please contact a licensed physician.

Resources:
www.rooftopprayerwarrior.com
www.beat-ms.org

Be inspired by Carolyn’s insider perspectives as she pursues HSCT at the Cleveland Clinic (Ep. 82 part 1)

May 4, 2022 — Leave a comment

Warrior: Carolyn Deming
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: scheduled May 4
Superpower: blatant honesty

Do you ponder problems or possibilities? What is your approach to finding the right mindset? How do you advocate for what you know you need?

After experiencing significant eye pain but no other symptoms, Carolyn was “utterly stunned” to be diagnosed with multiple sclerosis on her 32nd birthday. Her first significant relapse occurred just five months after. Having started a disease-modifying therapy that gave her flu-like symptoms, it wasn’t long before she carved her own path forward through several DMTs and emotions tied to the entire experience of chronic illness that led her to pursue HSCT.

Tune in to learn more about how “the power of options” has been incredibly supportive for Carolyn, some of the latest MRI technologies at Cleveland Clinic, their reverence for stem cells, and Carolyn’s insider’s perspective. Be sure to visit our website, HSCTWarriorsPodcast.org where you can find notes from today’s episode, submit ideas or feedback, or connect with HSCT Warriors, Inc. and schedule time to “Talk with a Warrior”, find the latest research and resources, or explore the world map. Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to produce the soundtrack, and engineer the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us both when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find podcasts.

It has been great to connect with Warriors worldwide, so please reach out if you’re interested in sharing your story. We would love to learn how the podcast has helped your journey with autoimmune disease so if you could take a moment, leave us a comment on instagram or share feedback on our website. We hope you’ll tune in next Wednesday for another episode, highlighting another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers.  Be kind.  Be well.

_________________________________

Jen Stansbury Koenig and the producers disclaim medical influence and responsibility for any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. If you think you have a medical problem, please contact a licensed physician.

Resources:

Carolyn’s blog: Mychroniclibrary.com
Cuddle clone
Matt Haig books

Welcoming Season 6 and personal growth with Ali Strong (Ep. 58)

February 3, 2021 — Leave a comment

Warrior: Ali Roberts
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: 11/6/17
Superpower: Gratitude

How often do you set intentions? Are you comfortable stepping into the unknown? How easy is it to consider yourself first?

Our season openers would not be the same without checking in with Ali Strong about her experiences post-HSCT with diet and nutrition, exercise, mindset, wellness, and personal challenges to continue promoting wellness, health and longevity. Check in with Ali to reflect on all that has changed during her experience with HSCT recovery. Join us for this informative, authentic, and engaging dialog that highlights the importance of reaching out for help.

Please share your ideas for upcoming episodes or feedback, or connect with HSCT Warriors, Inc. and schedule time to “Talk with a Warrior”; find the latest research and resources, or explore the world map with contact information for HSCT clinics. Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to produce the soundtrack, and engineer the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us both when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find podcasts.

It has been great to connect with Warriors worldwide, so please reach out if you’re interested in sharing your story. We would love to learn how the podcast has helped your journey with autoimmune disease so if you could take a moment, leave us a comment on instagram or share feedback on our website. We hope you’ll tune in next Wednesday for another episode, highlighting another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers. Be kind. Be well.

Jen Stansbury Koenig and the producers disclaim medical influence and responsibility for any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. If you think you have a medical problem, please contact a licensed physician.

Resources:
AliStrong: facebook.com/pages/AliStrong
HSCT Warriors, Inc.: https://hsctwarriors.org
Genomic sequencing: https://yourgenomicresource.com/

Meet Michelle and be inspired to pursue the decisions you feel are right

September 2, 2020 — Leave a comment

Warrior: Michelle Webb
AI: Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: 5/19
Superpower: Compassion and understanding

Are you someone to believe that everything happens for a reason? How often does your experience with disease cancel plans with friends and family? How often are you kind to your body and mind?

Zen Jen and Michelle with some high school friends one Halloween

After realizing the eighth disease modifying therapy she tried (since 2011) wasn’t helping her feel any better, Michelle began looking into options. As a person who doesn’t trust blindly, hear more about how Michelle – also, a high school friend of Jen’s – gained information when she found herself seeking guidance about next steps, and found the courage to move forward despite her doctor’s opinion.

Be sure to visit our website, HSCTWarriorsPodcast.com where you can find notes from today’s episode, submit ideas or feedback, or connect with HSCT Warriors, Inc. and schedule time to “Talk with a Warrior”, find the latest research and resources, or explore the world map. Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to produce the soundtrack, and engineer the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us both when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find your podcasts.

It has been great to connect with Warriors worldwide, so please reach out if you’re interested in sharing your story. We would love to learn how the podcast has helped your journey with autoimmune disease so if you could take a moment, leave us a comment on instagram or share feedback on our website. We hope you’ll tune in next Wednesday for another episode, highlighting another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers.  Be kind.  Be well.

_________________________________

Jen Stansbury Koenig and the producers disclaim medical influence and responsibility for any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. If you think you have a medical problem, please contact a licensed physician.


Resources:
HSCT Warriors, Inc.
Northwestern Memorial Hospital

https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/885922243%3Fsecret_token%3Ds-ZX3MaSPalQv&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true HSCT Warriors Podcast · Meet Michelle and be inspired to pursue the decisions you feel are right

Check-in with Ron along his recovery rollercoaster and be inspired with positivity and perseverance

August 26, 2020 — Leave a comment

Warrior: Ron Gabrielli
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: 5/6/17
Superpower: Hope

How inspired are you to help others? How important are caregivers in your journey with disease?

After enjoying such an incredible experience at Clinica Ruiz, Ron and his wife have spent countless hours connecting with individuals to answer questions and share support to help people make informed decisions about HSCT. While all Ron cares about is paying forward the support he received in his experience, he joins so many others post-HSCT who question the systems that keep HSCT out of reach for so many. 

Tune in and learn more about the various strategies that Ron has tried out during his three plus years of recovery, how he managed to check his pride, and all the hope he holds on to as he continues reconciling with the realities of recovery. Be sure to visit our website, HSCTWarriorsPodcast.com where you can find notes from today’s episode, submit ideas or feedback, or connect with HSCT Warriors, Inc. and schedule time to “Talk with a Warrior”, find the latest research and resources, or explore the world map. Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to produce the soundtrack, and engineer the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us both when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find your podcasts.

It has been great to connect with Warriors worldwide, so please reach out if you’re interested in sharing your story. We would love to learn how the podcast has helped your journey with autoimmune disease so if you could take a moment, leave us a comment on instagram or share feedback on our website. We hope you’ll tune in next Wednesday for another episode, highlighting another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers.  Be kind.  Be well.

_________________________________

Jen Stansbury Koenig and the producers disclaim medical influence and responsibility for any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. If you think you have a medical problem, please contact a licensed physician.

Resources: 
Tao Patch
Ex N Flex

Revisit our chat with Jess about her myeloablative experience in Sydney

July 29, 2020 — Leave a comment

Warrior: Jess Green
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: February 2019 at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney
Superpower: Love and compassion from others

When your doctors run out of options, are you ready to suggest a course of action? Despite the scary struggle or the bad times, can you find the goodness? How strong is your support system?

Replay Jess

With a relatively quick diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis after her first sign of an issue, Jess researched treatment options and found her doctors at a loss for how to combat her relapses after she failed three different disease modifying drugs in just two years. She encouraged her doctors to send her records to the team running the HSCT Clinical Trial at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney and suddenly found herself accepted to proceed with HSCT.

Tune in and learn more about the importance of connections, compassionate caregivers, and the struggle that Jess experienced when she experienced an allergic reaction during the BEAM protocol with Dr. John Moore and Dr. Barbara Withers at Kinghorn Cancer Centre in Sydney Australia.

Be sure to visit our website, HSCTWarriorsPodcast.com where you can find notes from today’s episode, submit ideas or feedback, or connect with HSCT Warriors, Inc. and schedule time to “Talk with a Warrior”, find the latest research and resources, or explore the world map. Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to produce the soundtrack, and engineer the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us both when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find your podcasts.

It has been great to connect with Warriors worldwide, so please reach out if you’re interested in sharing your story. We would love to learn how the podcast has helped your journey with autoimmune disease so if you could take a moment, leave us a comment on instagram or share feedback on our website. We hope you’ll tune in next Wednesday for another episode, highlighting another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers.  Be kind. Be well.

_________________________________

Jen Stansbury Koenig and the producers disclaim medical influence and responsibility for any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. If you think you have a medical problem, please contact a licensed physician immediately.

HSCT Warriors Podcast · Revisit our chat with Jess about her myeloablative experience in Sydney

Revisit Lydia’s journey to HSCT for Crohn’s Disease and find joy in surviving (replay from S4)

July 22, 2020 — Leave a comment

Warrior: Lydia Rosenbaum
AI: Crohn’s Disease
HSCT: August 2002 at Northwestern Memorial, Chicago
Superpower: Empathy and self-efficacy

How often do you push your limits? After spending time planning to die, how do you shift to celebrate success with surviving? How do you find compassion for people who have never walked in your shoes?

Replay Lydia

Despite suffering extreme complications with Crohn’s disease that kept her in and out of the hospital through multiple surgeries and dangerous fevers, Lydia woke up after surgery one day and was suddenly told “you cannot eat”. Before she turned 30, on medical disability, living in the hospital more than out and realizing she was on palliative care, Lydia found herself advocating for consistency and questioning the ethics of doctors and insurers.

Having prepared to face death from her aggressive form of Crohn’s, Lydia was surprised to find herself feeling so isolated after HSCT when she realized she could prepare to live. Join us and learn more from Lydia about her battle and the path that led her through the Phase II Clinical Trial as one of the very first patients treated with HSCT for Crohn’s Disease by Dr. Burt at Northwestern.

Be sure to visit our website, HSCTWarriorsPodcast.com where you can find notes from today’s episode, submit ideas or feedback, or connect with HSCT Warriors, Inc. and schedule time to “Talk with a Warrior”, find the latest research and resources, or explore the world map. Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to produce the soundtrack, and engineer the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us both when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find your podcasts.

It has been great to connect with Warriors worldwide, so please reach out if you’re interested in sharing your story. We would love to learn how the podcast has helped your journey with autoimmune disease so if you could take a moment, leave us a comment on instagram or share feedback on our website. We hope you’ll tune in next Wednesday for another episode, highlighting another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers.  Be kind. Be well.

_________________________________

Jen Stansbury Koenig and the producers disclaim medical influence and responsibility for any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. If you think you have a medical problem, please contact a licensed physician immediately.

HSCT Warriors Podcast · Revisit Lydia’s journey to HSCT for Crohn’s Disease and find joy in surviving (replay from S4)

Revisit the power of patience and persistence with Craig (replay from S4)

July 8, 2020 — Leave a comment

Warrior: Craig Witkowski
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: September 2019 in Puebla
Superpower: Patience 

Do you find it tough to maintain patience with yourself or doctors? How easily do you find a positive mental outlook? How tightly do you hold on to hope? 

Replay Craig

After being on a first-line drug to hold off initial onset of his MS symptoms, Craig found benefit for a few years until he stopped the medication due to unwelcome side effects.  After changing careers, he spent some time without any sign of the disease until Craig was suddenly blind-sided by an experience while driving that left him nearly paralyzed. Without much explanation other than progression of his MS, he started on another disease-modifying-treatment that didn’t touch the continued progression and caused additional unwelcome side-effects.

Craig researched more about stem cell treatments because his doctors could only offer vague uncertainties and although he found Dr. Burt’s clinical trial at Northwestern, after spending a year fighting insurance to pursue HSCT, Craig learned his disease had progressed enough to leave him ineligible for the study criteria. Not willing to give up hope, Craig traveled from Chicago to Texas for a presentation about Clinica Ruiz and was sold on the possibilities that HSCT at Clinica Ruiz offered.

Tune in  and learn more about Craig’s unique challenges, fundraising efforts, power of patience, tremendous support of family and friends, and will to find his way to HSCT at Clinica Ruiz in Puebla, Mexico.

Be sure to visit our website, HSCTWarriorsPodcast.com where you can find notes from today’s episode, submit ideas or feedback, or connect with HSCT Warriors, Inc. and schedule time to “Talk with a Warrior”, find the latest research and resources, or explore the world map. Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to produce the soundtrack, and engineer the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us both when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find your podcasts.

It has been great to connect with Warriors worldwide, so please reach out if you’re interested in sharing your story. We would love to learn how the podcast has helped your journey with autoimmune disease so if you could take a moment, leave us a comment on instagram or share feedback on our website. We hope you’ll tune in next Wednesday for another episode, highlighting another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers.  Be kind. Be well.

_________________________________

Jen Stansbury Koenig and the producers disclaim medical influence and responsibility for any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. If you think you have a medical problem, please contact a licensed physician immediately.

HSCT Warriors Podcast · Revisit the power of patience and persistence with Craig

 

Revisit our catch-up with Ali and her recovery strategies that apply every day (replay from S4)

June 17, 2020 — Leave a comment

Warrior: Ali Roberts
AI: Multiple Sclerosis
HSCT: 11/6/17
Superpower: Gratitude

Do you believe in the power of self-talk?  That the words you say to yourself become the narrative fulfilled?  Where do you find yourself bringing attention?

Replay AliS4 (2)

Revisit our Season Four opener and conversation with Ali Strong about her experiences post-HSCT with diet and nutrition, exercise, stress, shingles, mindset, wellness, and personal challenges to continue promoting wellness, healing and longevity. Tune in and learn how Ali navigated wellness through the flu and shingles at two years post HSCT, then take away some valuable insights about life that she shares from her coaching perspective.

Be sure to visit our website, HSCTWarriorsPodcast.com where you can find notes from today’s episode, submit ideas or feedback, or connect with HSCT Warriors, Inc. and schedule time to “Talk with a Warrior”, find the latest research and resources, or explore the world map. Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to produce the soundtrack, and engineer the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us both when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find your podcasts.

It has been great to connect with Warriors worldwide, so please reach out if you’re interested in sharing your story. We would love to learn how the podcast has helped your journey with autoimmune disease so if you could take a moment, leave us a comment on instagram or share feedback on our website. We hope you’ll tune in next Wednesday for another episode, highlighting another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers.  Be kind. Be well.
_________________________________

Jen Stansbury Koenig and the producers disclaim medical influence and responsibility for any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. If you think you have a medical problem, please contact a licensed physician immediately.

HSCT Warriors Podcast · Revisit our catch-up with Ali and her recovery strategies that apply every day (replay from S4)

Check-in with Denise and celebrate persistence through the recovery rollercoaster (replay from S3)

June 3, 2020 — Leave a comment

Warrior: Denise Bishop
AI: Stiff Person Syndrome
HSCT: 9/12/17, Chicago
Superpower: increased empathy

How often do you listen to the voice in your head? How much can you afford to endure? What are your strategies to sort through all that needs attention?

Replay Denise (1)

Join us to check in with Denise following her two-year check up post-HSCT in Chicago. Learn more about the unexpected twists and turns along her ongoing rollercoaster, and how Denise faced the fluctuations including another autoimmune diagnosis, a traumatic fall, and tragic loss of her grandson. 

Despite all the setbacks she has faced, Denise holds firm to a positive attitude and resilient mindset that is inspiring for any warrior. Tune in, find connection, and share in the sense of community.

Be sure to visit our website, HSCTWarriorsPodcast.com where you can find notes from today’s episode, submit ideas or feedback, or connect with HSCT Warriors, Inc. to “Talk with a Warrior”, find the latest research and resources, or explore the world map. Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to produce the soundtrack, and engineer the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us both when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find your podcasts.

It has been great to connect with Warriors worldwide so reach out if you’re interested in sharing your story. We would definitely love to learn how the podcast has helped your journey with autoimmune disease… if you could take a moment to share your story, leave us a comment on instagram or share feedback on our website. We hope you’ll tune in next Wednesday for another episode, highlighting another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers.  Be kind. Be well.

_________________________________

Jen Stansbury Koenig and the producers disclaim medical influence and responsibility for any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. If you think you have a medical problem, please contact a licensed physician immediately.

HSCT Warriors Podcast · Check-in with Denise and celebrate persistence through the recovery rollercoaster (replay from S3)