In February 2008 I underwent a second stem cell transplant from the same donor. My recovery from the second transplant was complicated. I became delirious and had to have a brain biopsy done. I have been left with some neurological problems that require ongoing care. My life is far from perfect but it is still my life.
It is now 5 years after my first stem cell transplant. I am still without leukemia, but then that’s not the reason why you are listening to me today. It is that after five years without HIV medications, I still have no trace of HIV in my body. I have been poked and biopsied from head to toe. Samples have been taken of my spinal fluid, anal mucosa, and any other place you doctors can think of to stick a needle. But no virus anywhere.