He’s back.
Longtime Lawrence doctor Rod Barnes has returned to practicing family medicine after taking two years off to fight leukemia and undergo a bone marrow transplant.
“It feels so good to be back,” he said during an interview Monday in his office at Lawrence Family Medicine & Obstetrics in west Lawrence. “I’ve been taking more than I’ve been giving. It feels so good to be kind of on the other side of that now.”
On Feb. 16, 2010, Barnes stepped away from his practice to battle chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. He had been fighting the disease for five years and this was the third recurrence. This time, doctors at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston recommended a bone marrow transplant.
After undergoing several months of grueling chemotherapy treatments, he was in remission and ready for the transplant.
Barnes said they found two perfect matches through the National Marrow Donor Program’s Be The Match registry, and his donor was a 46-year-old female; that’s all he knows for now. He hopes someday to be able to thank her.
Turn for worse
Barnes had the transplant on July 15, 2010, which he calls his second birthday. He described the transplant as pretty uneventful; he said it was like getting intravenous therapy. The goal was for the donor’s stem cells to take over his bone marrow and replace his bad cells.
Barnes said he responded so well that within three weeks, he was able to move into an apartment in Houston and visit the ambulatory care center daily. Then, he began having a shortness of breath which escalated into respiratory failure. He ended up in the intensive care unit at the hospital and he didn’t think he would make it out.
“Things were looking pretty grim at that point,” he said.
A month later, he left the hospital and moved back to the apartment. He had checked into the hospital weighing 194 pounds before the transplant and he left weighing 158 pounds. He was barely able to step onto the bus to get to his apartment and he was using a walker.
“I didn’t think I would ever do anything again — physically,” he said. “It was appalling. I was just skin and bones with no muscle tone.”
Road to recovery
Three months after the transplant, he returned to his rural Lawrence home and continued to slowly gain strength.
He said the support from family, friends, colleagues and patients helped in his recovery. Not only did they turn out in droves for a bone marrow registry drive at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, but they filled his CaringBridge website with well wishes.
“I’ve received so much support through all of this and I am so grateful. People have been so kind to me,” he said. “It’s been overwhelming.”
Barnes visits MD Anderson every six months and he sees Dr. Sherri Soule at LMH’s Oncology Center about every six weeks. He said his feet are numb, he has a rash on his chest and he can’t smell or taste very well, and then added: “They are just nothing things.”
“I feel every day is a gift,” he said. “I shouldn’t be here really. To be here working again is a blessing.”
Dr. Rod Barnes laughs with his patient, Jim Lewis, Lawrence, as the two discuss Barnes's return to work, during an exam on Monday, Jan. 30, 2012, at Lawrence Family Medicine and Obstetrics, 1220 Biltmore Drive. Barnes returned to his practice last week after being away nearly two years while undergoing and recovering from chemotherapy and a successful bone marrow transplant for treating leukemia. by Nick Krug
He’s easing back into work per his wife’s and doctor’s orders.
Last week, he worked until noon, seeing about five patients per day. This week, he’s working until about 3 p.m. and seeing between seven and 10 patients. He can’t see patients who have acute illness — a fever, cold or cough — because of his weakened immune system, so they are referred to his partners. He is able to do wellness exams and take care of injuries and chronic illnesses. He does believe his personal experience has given him new insight.
“Now, I think I have something to offer in addition to what I had before because of what I’ve been through,” he said. “I think we all have a tendency to lose perspective and I think this has given me new perspective.”
At age 62 and after 34 years of practicing medicine, a lot of people have asked Barnes: Why not retire? His reply is two-fold. First, he wants to retire on his own terms. Second, he loves his job.
“I really missed being part of people’s lives,” he said. “I get so much out of this. This truly is from the heart, I get more out of this than I give.”
Dr. Rod Barnes stops by the desk of Joni Lawrence, a registered nurse who has worked with Barnes since 1980. Barnes credits Lawrence for keeping his practice together during his absence. by Nick Krug
Lawrence Family Medicine and Obstetrics employee Trisha Tyree wears a T-shirt in support of Dr. Rod Barnes during work on Monday. by Nick Krug
Comments
happypill4014 (anonymous) says…
Welcome back, Dr. Barnes! Glad to hear you are doing well!
forgetful (anonymous) says…
Welcome back, Rod! We're truly blessed to have you back!
riverdrifter (anonymous) says…
Rodney! Welcome back. Er, you *can't* be 62!
1julie1 (anonymous) says…
What a happy day! Such good news and such a wonderful thing to see Dr. Rod back in the office. Welcome back - you were so missed!
patgilbey1 (Pat Hubbell) says…
Go Rod Go!!!! It is great to see you back in action. You are one of the most sinere people I know with upmost integrity!!!!!
Native72 (anonymous) says…
Welcome back, Doc! Glad to hear you're doing better.
kbritt (Karrey Britt) says…
Dr. Barnes is planning to host an event where he could talk about journey with leukemia and answer any questions. He wants to have it soon — maybe in February, and is thinking the library. He hasn't nailed down any details yet, but thinks having a open and honest conversation would be good. I will let you know when he makes any decisions.
berehmer (Belinda Rehmer) says…
What a way to start my day! Following Dr Barnes' recovery has been such a roller coaster ride, but to see him back in action is exhilarating! Welcome back Rod & thanks for the update Karrey!
agtprovocateuse (anonymous) says…
Welcome back, Dr. Barnes! We've missed you!
jedbarnes (anonymous) says…
Rod Barnes. I'm so proud to be his brother. Always a role model to look up to.It is so heartwarming to see everyones support and appreciation for him... Jed Barnes
saticon (anonymous) says…
Dr. Barnes is a wonderful guy. I was under his care for almost 15 years until my job's insurance change made me go to another doctor. Wish I could go back. Glad to see he's back in action!
ValBarnesMcDonough (Valerie McDonough) says…
Congratulations Cousin Rod! You are a wonderful inspiration to your patients, peers, family and friends. We are all better off for knowing you. Keep up the great work. Looking forward to seeing you and Mary at the next family gathering!
CharlesBarnes1935 (anonymous) says…
I dropped by your home years ago shortly after you had delivered and separated Siamese/joined twins. Your focus and absorption into describing the process told so much about your character and professionalism. I am so proud you are a part of my family and that you will be able to serve for years to come....Welcome back....Uncle C