Choosing Hope: Deb Brandt's Cancer Caregiving Journey

In this episode, we talk with Deb Brandt, caregiver to her husband, JR, a survivor of Philadelphia-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Deb shares the journey that began in September 2016 when JR noticed unusual symptoms that led to an urgent diagnosis. Within days, he began an aggressive chemotherapy regimen, with the hope of a bone marrow transplant as the only cure. The search for a match took seven months, eventually expanding internationally until a 10/10 donor was found, leading them to relocate to Stanford University for the procedure.

We discuss the practical realities of caregiving, especially the financial side. Deb emphasizes connecting early with medical teams, social workers, nurse navigators, and financial departments. She details how they tapped into resources from organizations like the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, utilized a GoFundMe campaign, applied for Social Security disability benefits through its "blue book" criteria, and discovered that many medical bills are negotiable. Deb highlights pharmaceutical assistance programs, including the Medicine Assistance Tool (MAT), NeedyMeds, and Triage Cancer, which help patients access affordable medication.

Deb also shares the importance of proactive communication with insurance providers, especially when facing financial hardship, and leveraging housing support networks such as Ronald McDonald House and Hope Lodge when treatment requires relocation. Don't be afraid to use your personal network, too!

On the emotional side, Deb describes how caregiving is deeply personal, with strategies unique to each person. She and JR found joy in music, storytelling, birdwatching, and creating comforting hospital environments. She underscores the need for caregivers to take their own breaks — whether walks, massages, or naps — and the value of long-term follow-up care, especially when complications like chronic graft-versus-host disease arise.

We explore life after transplant, the strengthening of family bonds, and Deb’s practical lesson of “learning the job” by taking over JR’s household roles. Professionally, Deb works in Montana’s vocational rehabilitation department, helping people with disabilities — including those recovering from cancer — re-enter or adapt to the workforce. She shares that similar resources are available in every U.S. state.

Deb’s closing message is about consciously choosing hope. She encourages caregivers and patients to find daily glimmers of light, allow space for tears, but always return to gratitude and positivity. JR is now eight years post-transplant, living with ongoing health challenges but embodying resilience and determination.

This season is sponsored by Sanofi: https://www.sanofi.com/

And Jazz Pharmaceuticals: https://www.jazzpharma.com/

Check out JR's Survivor Story from Season 14 here: https://marrowmasters.simplecast.com/episodes/jr-brandt

Additional Resources:

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is now Blood Cancer United: https://bloodcancerunited.org/

Be The Match – https://bethematch.org

Medicine Assistance Tool (MAT) – https://medicineassistancetool.org

NeedyMeds – https://www.needymeds.org

Triage Cancer – https://triagecancer.org

Ronald McDonald House Charities – https://rmhc.org

Hope Lodge – https://www.cancer.org/support-programs-and-services/patient-lodging/hope-lodge.html

Vocational Rehabilitation Services Directory – Search “[Your State] vocational rehabilitation”

National Bone Marrow Transplant Link - (800) LINK-BMT, or [phone].

nbmtLINK Website: https://www.nbmtlink.org/

nbmtLINK Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/nbmtLINK

Follow the nbmtLINK on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/nbmtlink/

The nbmtLINK YouTube Page can be found by clicking here.

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