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URL http://www.rockymountainbmt.com/patient_stories/Leslie-Szabo-22.html

Leslie Szabo

Following a diagnosis of Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphocytic leukemia, a genetic form of leukemia that interchanges chromosomes 9 and 22, in October of 1999, Leslie Szabo was left bedridden. She received an unrelated allogeneic transplant in April of 2000. For months after the transplant, she lived on her couch.

“I was so weak from chemotherapy and my transplant,” said Leslie. “My husband, Dennis, made a bed for me in the back of my car and I would lay there as he or my caregiver Linda drove me to and from doctors’ visits. Then when I got home it was all I could do to drag myself to the couch.”

Family, prayer and the will to live gave Leslie the strength to carry on in the dark days after her diagnosis. Dennis took over her former role as the family manager while still keeping up with his own responsibilities, making 16 hour days a normal occurrence. Neighbors signed up to deliver meals to her family at a homeowner’s association meeting. With family spread out across the country, Leslie received massive amounts of thoughts and prayers.

“I’ve received a tremendous amount of love and support during this time,” said Leslie. “It’s been the most amazing thing.”

What surprised Leslie most after her transplant was how long it took her to get back to what could be considered a relatively normal life. The reality is that patients are with The Rocky Mountain Blood and Marrow Transplant Program for years.

“I am so grateful that I ended up in this program,” said Leslie. “My transplant and treatment process were not easy. My study was constantly changing and Dr. Brunvand really pushed himself to find the best treatment options. He’s incredible.”