The Girls Club

I have been reflecting lately on the state of my health, which is excellent, thank you very much. Less than 2 years out from my Acute Myeloid Leukemia diagnosis, I am training to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. It is extraordinary. Many bone marrow transplant recipients become disabled by complications of the transplant. My transplant and the ensuing recovery have been remarkable because I have had so few complications. I suppose some of this good fortune is attributable to luck. I believe my superior outcome is a direct result of the care I have received from medical professionals, all of whom are women.

My primary care physician, Michelle Goh, diagnosed my leukemia. I don’t give her too much credit for that. My white blood cell count was so far out of whack she couldn’t miss it. She did however; diagnose me with Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. For most of my adult life, I have battled respiratory issues. I have been treated for chronic bronchitis, asthma and allergies. Finally, Dr. Goh discovered the root of my problems. I have a genetic disorder that affects my pulmonary function. It is an enormous relief to have an answer. Why didn’t other doctors (males) notice? This did not occur overnight; I was born with Alpha-1. I have been symptomatic since my 20’s.

All of my care providers at MGH are women. From the technician that draws my blood to the Oncologist that directs my care, women all. The oncology nurses administer my intravenous medications and vaccinations. They ask questions and observe me keenly. If anything seems amiss, they report directly to my Bone Marrow Transplant team. My BMT team is Julie Vanderklish N.P. and Areej El-Jawahri MD. They love me. I am not kidding. I feel loved when I go to my appointments. They put up with my foolishness and bone headed maneuvers. At one point, I threatened to stop taking all my meds and discontinue my follow up care. Julie talked me off the ledge and convinced me to follow the treatment plan. Occasionally, they have to be firm with me. I was sick for 6 months straight because I disregarded my compromised immune system. Dr. El-Jawahri gave me a bit of a talking too. They remind me from time to time that I am a success story and I shouldn’t screw it up.

Over all they are kind, compassionate and fiercely intelligent. I don’t know where I would be without them. It is an honor to have these ladies in my life.