Michael Willette - Medical Bills

In December 2014 I had a bone marrow transplant. I had a condition known as myelodysplasia syndrome a form of pre-leukemia. Within the first year I started to show signs of what they called graft versus host disease. My new immune system was attacking my body. My liver and kidneys were being affected and also my skin was being attacked. My neck and back was covered in sores and for several months my organs were not working properly. In November of 2015 I started receiving treatments to fight this graft versus host disease. For the first eight months I was going down to Boston every week for two days of treatment. In May of 2016 I started going every two weeks for treatment in Boston. Part of my treatment requires me to give myself an injection of a drug called interleukin 2. As of April 2017 I have made 74 trips to Boston and received 148 treatments. My organs are currently doing well. The sores on my back have gone away. The graft versus host disease is in the tissue under the skin and is now in my spine. I was hoping to cut back on my trips to Boston because of the cost. I have asked my doctor how long do I need these treatments for and his reply was, you could be receiving treatments for six more months or possibly five more years.  Until February of this year the only discomfort I was suffering was a terrible itch, now I have chronic pain in my spine. I have been very fortunate and feel blessed for all the prayers I have received. What breaks my heart most is when I go to Boston and see these beautiful young children suffering from cancer at such a young age. Every day is a gift and I try to do what I can. One of the biggest side effects of my treatments is severe exhaustion. For several days after treatment all I want to do is sleep. The bottom line my new immune system is taking its sweet time to befriend my body. Hopefully someday my immune system will shake hands with my body and I can live a normal life again.
My desire to do Knights of Columbus functions is still in my heart, and I cannot wait until the day comes when I can continue on participating in the Chapter and the Northern Conference.
I miss everyone, but I did take time to visit Tom Dwyer at the hospital in Plattsburgh. It was nice to have a visit with Tom. I'm going to try and make the spring Northern Conference meeting. A few years ago I was very active and rarely missed an event.
Peace be with you all,

Thank you!
Michael J Willette