Marrow Masters Podcast

nbmtLINK Marrow Masters Season 19 : Thriving Despite Chronic GVHD

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SEASON 19 : EPISODE 0

Season 19 Trailer : Thriving Despite Chronic GVHD

Our 19th season of the Marrow Masters podcast focuses on chronic GVHD. There are so many exciting advances regarding C-G-V-H-D taking place. We’ll be talking with a variety of speakers this season, who will share their experiences, advice, coping mechanisms, updates, and tips to make this rare disease more manageable. We will hear from doctors at the forefront of research and treatment, as well as survivors, caregivers, and advocate-leaders in this space.

SEASON 19 : EPISODE 1

Chronic GVHD: New Hope, New Treatments with Dr. Joesph Pidala

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Joseph Pidala from the Moffitt Cancer Center to discuss chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a complex condition affecting many stem cell transplant survivors. We focus on the latest prevention strategies, treatment innovations, and the critical role that clinical trials continue to play in advancing care.

SEASON 19 : EPISODE 2

Fighting for the Little Things: Rebecca’s GVHD Journey

In this episode, we speak with Rebecca Heimsoth, a young mother and survivor of myelodysplastic syndrome who underwent a bone marrow transplant in April 2022. Diagnosed shortly after turning 33, Rebecca shares her deeply personal journey of navigating transplant recovery, chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and parenting two small children. Her story is one of resilience, support, and a constant fight to reclaim her life after cancer.

SEASON 19 : EPISODE 3

Surviving, Thriving, and Leading: Sue Stewart on GVHD and BMT InfoNet

In this episode, we sit down with Sue Stewart, a 36-year survivor of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and the founder of BMT InfoNet. Sue walks us through her transplant journey, beginning with a difficult diagnosis in the late 1980s and the grueling induction chemotherapy that followed. With limited treatment options, she opted for an autologous bone marrow transplant—a relatively new and uncertain procedure at the time. Despite the intense side effects, including confusion and delusions, Sue recovered and slowly rebuilt her life. Her story is one of strength and long-term resilience, shaped by medical challenges and a determination to help others facing similar paths.

SEASON 19 : EPISODE 4

Male Sexual Health After Transplant with Dr. Christian Nelson

Note: This episodes contains discussion and language of a sexual nature and may not be appropriate for all audiences.

In this episode of Marrow Masters, we sit down with Dr. Christian Nelson, a psychologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and an expert in psycho-oncology, to address a deeply personal yet often overlooked topic: male sexual dysfunction following cancer treatment. Together, we explore how treatments can impact not only physical function but emotional well-being, identity, and relationships.

SEASON 19 : EPISODE 5

Three Transplants, One Warrior: Synary Be’s Story

In this episode, we speak with Synary Be, a resilient survivor of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), who shares her powerful journey of enduring three bone marrow transplants over eight years. Diagnosed suddenly in March 2017, Synary’s story begins with a high fever that led to a shocking diagnosis: 93% leukemia. From that point on, her life transformed into a series of hospital stays, treatments, and moments that tested her strength and spirit.

SEASON 19 : EPISODE 6

Between Chemo and Home: A Caregiver’s Honest Look at Transplant Life

In this episode, we talk with caregiver Sylvia Chunn of Nashville, who shares her journey alongside her husband David through his diagnosis of AML, a stem cell transplant, and the ongoing challenges of GVHD. Sylvia walks us through their intense timeline, from David’s emergency diagnosis in January 2024 to his transplant in July and their extended stay in Atlanta, away from home and their teenage children, until February 2025. Her husband’s transplant was successful in its purpose, but complications like heart failure and GVHD turned their lives upside down.