ISLET TRANSPLANT
When the
specialist
explained the
diagnosis and
treatment, it
blew my mind.
This was space-
age stuff.
A series of diagnostic tests determined that
Stone needed an autologous islet cell transplant.
“When the specialist explained the diagnosis
and treatment, it blew my mind,” said Stone.
“This was space-age stuff. I was relieved to get a
firm diagnosis, but I was a little nervous about the
surgery. My biggest concern was that I could be a
diabetic for the rest of my life. But, my quality
of life was so poor at the time, I was ready to
go for it.”
Stone received his transplant on Dec. 15, 2016.
“I remember waking up and thinking, ‘I’m glad I
made it through,’ and, of course, wondering if I
was going to be permanently diabetic. I thought
of everything they had to do during the 13-hour
surgery, and I hoped everything had gone well.”
Today, Stone said his quality of life is like night
and day compared to before his transplant. He has
returned to work and looks forward to continuing
to improve, especially regaining some of the 100
pounds he lost because of his disease. Stone has
reason to be optimistic. His sugar levels are good
and he has been told that his islet cells are
responding well.
“My care team was remarkable,” said Stone.
“From my surgeon, nurses and dietitians to the
staff that kept my room clean, everyone was
outstanding. They not only cared for me; they also
cared about my wife. As far as I’m concerned,
I’m a Baylor patient for life.”
27