Everyone here at the Halter Campaign was saddened to hear that Win Rockefeller will be undergoing a second bone marrow transplant. Win is in our thoughts and prayers.
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Rockefeller transplant fails, second procedure planned
Thursday, Feb 2, 2006
By Doug Thompson
Arkansas News Bureau
FAYETTEVILLE - Lt. Gov. Win Rockefeller's first bone marrow transplant failed and he plans to undergo a second procedure within a month, his office announced Wednesday.
Rockefeller is receiving treatment at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance in Seattle, Wash. His doctors have not yet determined why the first transplant was not successful, the lieutenant governor's office said.
Still, Rockefeller said he expects to make a full recovery.
"I'm feeling great, following doctors' orders and getting plenty of exercise," the lieutenant governor said in a statement released through his office. "I look forward to returning to the Capitol, to being an assistant scoutmaster with my Boy Scout troop, and to fulfilling my other duties. But right now my focus is on my health and on my family."
Rockefeller said he had been planning to return to Arkansas soon, but the setback has delayed his return.
"I'm disappointed that I will not be able to come home to Arkansas as soon as I would have liked, but I am thankful that we have caught the problem early, and I am prepared to do this until we get it right," he said in a statement.
"The prayers and support I have received from the people of Arkansas have given my family and me much strength during this challenging time, and I ask that the prayers and support continue," he said.
Dr. Anne-Marie Maddox, professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, said Wednesday that failure of a first transplant in any case is definitely a setback, but not an irrecoverable one.
For example, a particular donor's tissue could be incompatible with the recipient, she said. If that is the case, the problem can be addressed by using a different donor.
Other possibilities include something incompatible in the particular cells themselves or the disease that prompted the transplant can recur despite the healthy marrow, she said.
The lieutenant governor underwent his original transplant October 7, 2005, after announcing in July that he had been diagnosed with unclassified myeloproliferative disorder.
He dropped out of a much anticipated Republican gubernatorial primary against former congressman and federal Homeland Security undersecretary Asa Hutchinson because of his health.
Rockefeller was planning to return to Arkansas until problems arose last month. Further tests late last week confirmed the need for a second transplant, his office said Wednesday.
Dean Forbes, communications director for the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, said in a telephone interview that the lieutenant governor has not authorized the hospital to discuss his case in detail.
In general, Forbes said, transplant recipients are required to stay at least 100 days after a transplant. He also said it is unusual for a patient to require more than two transplants.
Gov. Mike Huckabee said he was "so very sad" to hear that Rockefeller would have to undergo a second transplant after showing signs of progress.
"I also know what a strong resolve he has and believe that his faith and his courage will give him the right stuff to face the battle," Huckabee said in a statement. "I would ask that all Arkansans join in prayer for his total recovery."
Hutchinson said he and his wife "were greatly saddened to learn that Lt. Gov. Rockefeller will require a second transplant, especially after the initial reports seemed so encouraging. Win and his family will be in our thoughts and prayers in this difficult time, and we wish him a full and speedy recovery."
State Sen. Gilbert Baker, R-Conway, the state GOP chairman, expressed similar regrets and hopes.
Attorney General Mike Beebe, a Democratic candidate for governor was a state Senate leader throughout much of Rockefeller's tenure, called the lieutenant leader a "classy gentleman" and said he had held up well throughout his ordeal.
"I am confident that he is getting the best of care. My prayers and the prayers of my family go out to Win and the Rockefeller family," Beebe said.
Rockefeller's office has continued to function during his stay in Seattle. Staff members have communicated with him on issues of concern, represented him at public functions, and assisted constituents.