Second Chance for Life After Stem Cell Transplant

For 37 years, Kevin Ganton loved listening to the stories of courage told by residents in the assisted living homes that he owns in Jackson. But when he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, he would have his own war story to tell. It would involve his tenacious care team at Henry Ford Hospital in Jackson. And later in downtown Detroit, stem cell transplant experts would act as armed special forces in his battle.

An outdoor sportsman who loves to travel, Kevin was nearing retirement, the greatest time in his life. He had been coasting along when a bothersome pain in his back didn’t respond to chiropractic services, physical therapy, supplements, and other self-help treatments.

Early one morning after he returned from a fishing trip in Alaska, he nearly slid down the stairs in excruciating pain. His wife Leigh of 37 years rushed him to a Henry Ford emergency room.

Tests were performed. Steroids were ordered. Numerous masses were found on his spine. Then a laminectomy was performed to remove several tumors and to relieve the numbness. Following surgery, he spent 13 days in the intensive care unit. His diagnosis was determined: stage 4 large B-cell, non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

“You’re never prepared for this. You think this always happens to someone else,” says Kevin. “I have strong faith, but this diagnosis rocked my world, and I found myself doubting my faith.”

Although friends advised Kevin to go elsewhere, he still chose Henry Ford Hospital in Jackson.

“We are well equipped to care for cases like this,” says Devin Malik, M.D., a specialist in medical oncology and hematology. We have an excellent working relationship with Henry Ford in downtown Detroit where new developments and advanced cancer treatments are moving forward every month.

“Dr. Malik was very compassionate, and he made the visits enjoyable with his laughter. He was very thorough and personal, and never rushed as he walked me through the process of chemotherapy,” says Kevin.

After months of treatment, Kevin was referred to Edward M. Peres, M.D., a stem cell specialist at Henry Ford Hospital Detroit.

Dr. Peres explained that Kevin would require high-dose, intensive chemotherapy which could damage his immune system. But before treatment began, doctors used state-of-the-art technology to rescue, protect, and freeze nearly four million stem cells from Kevin’s blood.

“Dr. Peres was as good as it gets,” says Kevin.

During the intensive chemotherapy treatment, Kevin spent 30 days in an air-controlled hospital room. Visits with his immediate family were brief. Sleep was sketchy due to 24-hour monitoring of his blood. Constantly exhausted, his emotions were tricky. And his weakened immune system made him susceptible to disease, causing him to develop a serious C. difficile infection.

“I’m normally an upbeat, social person. But my biggest challenge was keeping my spirits up. I prayed a thousand times that God would take me home,” recalls Kevin. “I don’t want to say I made a deal with God, but I did. If I got out of the hospital, I’d love more and serve more.”

During treatment, he lost 40 pounds and all his hair twice managing 10 chemo side effects. After chemotherapy was complete, Kevin’s own stem cells were returned to his body, allowing his immune system to fight infection normally and produce healthy blood cells.

When Kevin was released from the hospital and approaching his home in Jackson, he saw the street lined with folks cheering and waving signs. People delivered meals. Friends and family made visits. His neighbor David exercised daily with him. Within four months, Kevin had progressed from walking only 40 feet at a time, to walking four miles a day.

Through it all, Kevin says, “The nurses, especially Aimee, were on the front lines. They are heroes. They kept tabs on me and set up all my appointments. When there was so much fear of the unknown, the doctors provided confidence and encouragement. They were fun and professional. I was extremely satisfied to get great care close to home, and I will always be thankful for them. God used Henry Ford to make this turn-around in a beautiful way.”

Because I have my life back, I want to make my final years count for something, says Kevin. These days, he sees each day as a gift – a second chance for life. He adds, “It’s all about people, family and friends.”