I was living my dream life of being a successful and healthy dentist for 40 years. I have a wonderful and loving family, as well as a large network of close friends. I retired at the perfect age of 65, until just two months later, I started to experience symptoms of night sweats, occasional episodes of shortness of breath, and loss of energy, leading me to take afternoon naps.
I went to my doctor and shared my issues with him. He suggested a series of blood tests immediately since we were going on a vacation in a week to Japan. The next day, the blood tests came back, and the doctor called me to say I must go to the emergency room right now. He said, "You have red blood cell counts that are abnormally low, and this is serious."
After three days of intensive testing, an initial diagnosis of a blood cancer was suspected. A bone marrow biopsy and further detailed blood results detected a rare blood cancer called myelofibrosis (MF). In my entire career of reviewing patient diseases and health conditions, I had never heard of this cancer. My mind began to race, “Will I survive this terrible condition?”
Thankfully, with the help of my family, we researched where best to go to get treatment. It was Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey. The team there were experts on my specific cancer. I was fortunate to learn that an anonymous 25-year-old male was the perfect match, a true angel. Shortly thereafter, the blood transplant was arranged for me. Throughout the five weeks in the hospital, the nurses and doctors were truly phenomenal. Most importantly, my wife, children, grandchildren, extended family, and close friends supported me with the ultimate heartfelt love and positivity. That care and concern helped me beyond words. A huge shout-out to my wife of 41 years for being my loving caretaker. She did everything in her power and heart to make sure I would survive and beat this cancer.
From the first day I was diagnosed, I chose not to live in fear but in the belief that a positive mindset and mental strength would help me to fight hard and win the battle ahead. That inner strength has played such an important role every day. Thankfully, I have recovered extremely well, and I believe my prognosis points to a long, meaningful life ahead. My advice to everyone is this: Each day is a gift and a blessing that should be lived to its fullest. Hope, love, and the positive strength within our souls can help us overcome all health struggles that arise unexpectedly.
Never give up hope!
I thank Blood Cancer United for their extensive resources and commitment to helping people live long lives and to beat these cancers.
Remember, life is precious!
Dr. Robert
myelofibrosis (MF)
