Marrow Masters Podcast

The information in these podcasts should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult with your health care provider regarding your medical decisions and treatment. The listed resources are not intended to be endorsements.

SEASON 10 : EPISODE 0

Season 10 Trailer : Sharing Hope and Inspiration Regarding Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD)

Season 10 focuses on sharing hope and inspiration regarding chronic graft versus host disease, or GVHD. This season will cover the importance of clinical trials. Find out what survivors wish they and their loved ones had known before, during, and after transplant. We’ll also talk about the unique needs of young adults.

SEASON 10 : EPISODE 1

A better understanding of GVHD with Occupational Therapist Melora Rennie, OTR/L, CLT-LANA

Melora explains the reasons for and different types of bone marrow transplants, from autologous to allogeneic. In an allogeneic transplant, when you receive donor cells from someone else, you could face Graft Versus Host Disease. Acute GVHD occurs in the first 100 days after transplant. Chronic GVHD relates to problems seen thereafter.

SEASON 10 : EPISODE 2

Four Time Transplant Survivor Jim Bond On Why It Was All Worth It

Jim has had to battle chronic GVHD since this fourth transplant, and he walks us through some of his symptoms, as well as what he’s done to alleviate them. And he’s paying it forward, with a book and series of YouTube videos.

SEASON 10 : EPISODE 3

Dr. Matt Kalaycio on the Importance of GVHD Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are often intimidating, or even frightening to patients. People are afraid of being a “guinea pig.” Dr Kalaycio addressed this and goes through all the safeguards around clinical trials, as well as the three phases of clinical trials.

SEASON 10 : EPISODE 4

“Walking Miracle” and AML Survivor Rhonda Frederick Stewart

Rhonda’s treatment has led to Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease(GVHD) of the lungs, skin, eyes. and gastrointestinal system (GI system.) Through a combination of communications with her medical team at Johns Hopkins, and a desire to “figure things out,” she tells us how she fought through each of these symptoms. In fact, many of her tips and tricks may benefit our listeners.

SEASON 10 : EPISODE 5

Dr. Andy Harris on the Challenges Facing Young Patients with cGVHD

Today we do a deep dive with Dr. Harris on the unique challenges posed to kids of all ages fighting cancer. Babies are supposed to be spending this time bonding with their parents. Toddlers are supposed to be starting school. Older kids are supposed to be learning social skills, and teenagers are supposed to be forming their own identity. No matter what the patient’s age, the treatment process is a major disruption to their lives and development.

SEASON 10 : EPISODE 6

Barbara Abernathy, PhD, Pediatric Support and Navigating GVHD & Survivorship

Dr. Barbara Abernathy is the President and CEO of The Pediatric Oncology Support Team, (POST) serving South Florida. She was already working at POST, helping pediatric cancer patients and their families, when she herself was diagnosed with Polycythemia Vera, a blood cancer. Her personal experience has led to greater connections with her patients. Barb talks about the importance of advocating for yourself or your child with your medical team. We also spend some time on how friends and family can help.