Geraldine & John’s Story: Music, Mindset, and the Power of Community

Geraldine and John are passionate musicians. Together, they perform in a Neil Young tribute band called Harvest Moon, a five-piece band where John is the lead singer, guitarist and harmonica player, and Geraldine plays guitar, banjo, tambourine and sings backing vocals.

Fresh from a successful tour of Tasmania, the pair were excitedly preparing for their next big gig—five sold out shows in Perth. They also had a dinner party planned with friends on the Saturday night.

Shortly after returning home from Tasmania, Geraldine noticed unusual bleeding in her eye. She felt well otherwise—no tiredness, no loss of energy—though she had been bruising more than usual, especially on her leg from playing tambourine. Still, she didn’t feel like anything serious was going on.

A visit to her GP and a blood test changed everything. Her doctor rang and asked, “Are you feeling okay?”, explaining her platelets were low. He suggested repeating the test in three weeks. But with the Perth tour just around the corner, Geraldine and John decided to repeat it straight away—just to be safe before travelling.

Soon after, they received a call from Melbourne Pathology directing Geraldine to go to Box Hill Hospital immediately. Her platelets were dangerously low, down to 27. They cancelled their dinner party plans and headed straight in.

A bone marrow biopsy followed. In time, Geraldine was diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma with a TP53 mutation. Like many people who receive a sudden cancer diagnosis, they were shocked—“It came totally out of the blue,” they said.

With Melbourne Cup weekend approaching and no immediate treatment planned, Geraldine was allowed home from hospital for four days. The time together at home gave them space to talk and prepare for what lay ahead.

During this period, John began researching. He found Arrow’s website and discovered the Arrow Transplant Tribe, a support group for people preparing for, or recovering from, a transplant. He tucked this information away, unsure if Geraldine would need a transplant in the future, but wanting to be ready.

Soon after, their consultant at St Vincent’s Private Hospital advised them plainly: Geraldine would “hands down need a stem cell transplant. It is your only chance of cure.” Before the transplant, she would first undergo two rounds of chemotherapy followed by a targeted drug to keep the disease temporarily at bay whilst awaiting a suitable donor.

The preconditioning therapy was incredibly tough. “It really hit me terribly. Everything that could go wrong, did go wrong,” Geraldine said. But the good news came quickly. After the second round of chemotherapy a bone marrow biopsy showed the cancer had responded well to treatment, with a PET Scan showing only a few hot spots remaining .

Geraldine then began a targeted therapy drug for mantle cell lymphoma, fortunately covered under the PBS. She tolerated it well—almost feeling back to normal—but she understood it wouldn’t work forever. A transplant was still necessary.

At their appointment with the Head of Transplant at The Alfred Hospital, the risks of a stem cell transplant were explained in detail—confronting, but important. The haematologist encouraged them to take a couple of weeks to think it over. Geraldine didn’t need that long. By the end of the discussion, she had already made her mind up: she was going ahead.

Blood tests and tissue typing were done to start the search for a stem cell donor, and Geraldine and John turned their focus to preparation. They joined Arrow’s Transplant Tribe, which they describe as incredibly valuable. Hearing firsthand insights, from people who had already walked this path, gave them both knowledge and confidence.

Following the advice of a Transplant Tribe member, Geraldine committed fully to preparing her body and mind. “I did lots of exercise. I had a strong determination and gave it my best shot. I really think that played a big part,” she said. They hiked, played golf, and focused on staying physically fit and mentally ready.

A donor match was found quickly—a young man from Germany—and their doctor believed the rapid match indicated it was a strong one.

The transplant itself was surprisingly simple. The small bag of stem cells took just 20 minutes to infuse through her Hickman line. Geraldine stayed in hospital for just under four weeks.

She brought the same determination to recovery—using an exercise bike and stretchy bands in her room. She and John even walked on the spot while imagining strolling the streets of St Kilda, which they could see from their window. “We pretended we were stopping at cafés,” they laughed.

After discharge, they stayed close to the hospital in nearby apartments. Arrow’s financial assistance program, helping with accommodation, petrol and groceries, which made a significant difference during this period.

Back home, Geraldine faced graft versus host disease, first as a facial rash, then affecting her bowel and intestines. Steroids helped, though they were difficult—keeping her awake and alert at all hours.

A PET scan later showed activity in her pelvic area and spine. When they asked whether the lymphoma had returned, the doctor answered, “Most likely,” which was extremely disappointing to hear. Geraldine was then taken off immunosuppressants to allow her new immune system to respond. Three weeks later, she was completely clear. The results amazed everyone.

Eight months on from transplant, Geraldine says confidently:
“I believe I am cured. This is my mindset. I am living my life knowing I am cured.”

She continues with regular blood tests and appointments. During her recovery, she developed blood clots in her calf that left her with some minor nerve pain in her feet, and she remains cautious about infections as she receives her vaccinations and rebuilds her immunity. Crowded places still feel uncomfortable, and she checks on visitors’ health before they come.

Meanwhile, she and John continue to play and record music—though they aren’t ready for live gigs just yet. They’ve also fallen in love with mountain biking and golf.

Reflecting on her journey, Geraldine shares this advice:
Being fit, having the right mindset, and faith truly helps.
This was the encouragement she received from a fellow patient through Arrow’s Transplant Tribe—and now she and John try to pass the same support on to others preparing for transplant.

They know not everyone’s story goes well, and sometimes it can feel uncomfortable to share positive experiences—but they believe people want honesty. They want to hear the risks, the challenges, and also the hopeful parts. “Give it your best shot,” they say.

John and Geraldine wholeheartedly recommend the Transplant Tribe. Whether you ask questions or simply listen, “it is very useful,” they say. They’ve also appreciated the personal, compassionate support from Arrow’s team.

Interested in joining the Transplant Tribe?

Express your interest here https://mailchi.mp/arrow/transplanttribe_eoi