VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System became the first VA medical center to perform a bloodless stem cell transplant this summer resulting in one Veteran’s cancer remission.
Marine Corps Veteran Keith Cody learned about bloodless stem cell transplants from his provider after experiencing severe side effects from chemotherapy treatments. He flew from California to Nashville VA Medical Center, the only VA in the country to have a fully in-tact stem cell transplant program, with hopes the procedure would improve his quality of life.
“Stem cell transplant is a very important part of treating some blood cancers. And for some blood cancers, it's actually curative. And for others, it's a life-extending procedure and gives them many years to enjoy life and spend time with their families,” said Stephen Cernawksy, TVHS nurse practitioner.
As an advanced and specialized procedure, bloodless stem cell transplants are increasingly offered, though still relatively uncommon. Notably, TVHS is the sole VA facility in the nation that performs this cutting-edge treatment. Stem cell transplants can cause a significant drop in blood count due to the effects on bone marrow, which produces the body’s blood cells. This often requires blood or platelet transfusions.
“From the experience from [Cody’s] case and what we have learned, we are going to expand this program to many more Veterans in the country and hopefully many more patients will be served by this procedure in the future,” said Dr. Bhagirathbhai Dholaria, TVHS hematology attending physician.
Cody urges other Veterans to inquire about TVHS’ Stem Cell Transplant Program citing VA health care improved his quality of life.
“The whole care team here ... They're very, very caring people. Everybody that we came across enjoyed the interaction. It's actually sad to leave people behind that you really felt treated you like family. They’ve been special,” Cody said.