After 16 Years with Aplastic Anemia, a Sudden Deterioration: At 62, He Found a New Beginning Through Transplant

Summary: Mr. Zhang (pseudonym) was diagnosed with aplastic anemia accompanied by paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) in 2009. For more than a decade, regular treatment and follow-up kept his condition stable. In 2025, however, his disease suddenly worsened and could no longer be controlled with conventional treatment, making hematopoietic stem cell transplantation an important option for long-term remission. After arriving at Beijing GoBroad Boren Hospital at age 62, he was evaluated by Dr. Tong WU's team. Given his age, underlying health conditions, and severe pulmonary infection, the team developed an individualized plan and first focused on controlling the infection to make transplantation possible. In December 2025, he underwent a related-donor haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplant and successfully left protective isolation in January 2026. He is now recovering well, with gradual hematopoietic recovery and improvement in PNH-related findings. His 16-year journey reflects both the progress of medicine and the perseverance that can carry patients through difficult turning points.

In 2009, Beijing resident Mr. Zhang (pseudonym) was unexpectedly diagnosed with aplastic anemia accompanied by PNH (paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria). For years afterward, he attended regular follow-up visits at a hospital in Beijing, took his medications as prescribed, and remained relatively stable. Then, in August 2025, his condition deteriorated rapidly. His doctors told him that hematopoietic stem cell transplantation had become his only potentially curative option. At 62, Mr. Zhang came to Beijing GoBroad Boren Hospital in search of that possibility. After overcoming several major challenges around transplantation, he successfully left protective isolation in early January 2026 - closing one chapter of a 16-year illness journey and beginning another.

Successfully Leaving Protective Isolation After Transplant

Sixteen Stable Years, Then a Sudden Turn for the Worse

In 2009, Mr. Zhang began experiencing intermittent fatigue, poor appetite, and weight loss. After strenuous activity, his urine would sometimes turn a dark tea color. A bone marrow examination at a major tertiary hospital in Beijing led to the diagnosis of aplastic anemia with PNH, bringing sudden uncertainty into what had been an otherwise ordinary family life. Fortunately, with appropriate treatment and oral medications, his condition was brought under stable control.

"For more than ten years, we followed the doctor's advice, took the medications, and went back for regular checkups. He couldn't do heavy physical work like other people, but overall life was stable. We thought we could keep going like that," recalled his wife, Ms. Zhu (pseudonym).

But in August 2025, things changed without warning. Mr. Zhang became increasingly fatigued and dizzy, and his usual medications were no longer able to keep the disease under control. "They tried all the medications available at the hospital, but his numbers just kept falling. Our whole family panicked," Ms. Zhu recalled, still remembering how anxious that period felt.

As the family struggled to see a way forward, Mr. Zhang's treating physician offered a crucial recommendation: "At this point, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is the only potentially curative option. Dr. Tong WU at Beijing GoBroad Boren Hospital has extensive experience in this field. You could go and speak with her." For the family, that recommendation offered a clear direction at a time when they desperately needed one.

At 62, a Serious Infection Becomes the First Hurdle Before Transplant

In November 2025, Mr. Zhang and his family arrived at Beijing GoBroad Boren Hospital and met Dr. Tong WU. What they had not expected was that the first major challenge would not be the transplant itself, but a difficult pulmonary infection. "When he was first admitted, he was coughing badly, with chest tightness and shortness of breath. The lung infection just wasn't coming under control, and we were very worried he might miss the right window for transplant," Ms. Zhu said. Watching him struggle during those days was extremely difficult for the family.

The medical team responded quickly. Taking into account Mr. Zhang's age, overall condition, and the severity of his pulmonary infection, Dr. WU and her team developed an individualized plan with one immediate priority: bring the infection under control and create a safer foundation for transplantation. His vital signs were closely monitored around the clock, the lung infection was assessed every day, anti-infective therapy was adjusted as his condition changed, and the nursing team provided careful supportive care throughout. After more than 20 days of intensive treatment, the infection was effectively controlled and his clinical indicators gradually stabilized, allowing him to proceed to transplantation. "Once the infection was under control, we finally felt we could breathe again. It also made us even more confident that coming to Boren was the right decision," Ms. Zhu said.

Through Transplant: Care, Determination, and a New Beginning

In mid-December 2025, Mr. Zhang entered the transplant unit and began hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. To stay close and support him, Ms. Zhu rented a room near the hospital and settled into a daily routine of traveling between the apartment and the hospital, preparing all three meals herself. "The doctors specifically reminded us that infection can sometimes be linked to unsafe food during this period. We didn't want to take any chances. I bought fresh ingredients every morning, paid close attention to hygiene when cooking, and disinfected the tableware after every use." Preparing and delivering meals every day was exhausting, but for Ms. Zhu, knowing that he could eat safely made it worthwhile.

The nearly month-long stay in the transplant unit tested both Mr. Zhang's body and his resolve. Side effects from the conditioning regimen were difficult to endure. Whenever he felt discouraged, however, the medical team was there. The doctors checked on how he was feeling each day and adjusted treatment as his condition changed. The nurses not only managed infusions and daily care, but also talked with him, reassured him, and kept encouraging him. That combination of clinical expertise and compassionate support helped him find the strength to keep going.

Leaving Protective Isolation and Starting a New Chapter

On January 12, 2026, after nearly a month of waiting and treatment, Mr. Zhang successfully left protective isolation. He had lost about 10 kilograms since admission, but he was in good spirits and smiling again. "The moment he came out, we saw how relieved the doctors and nurses looked. Our whole family was overwhelmed with emotion. It felt as though a huge weight had finally been lifted," Ms. Zhu said.

Mr. Zhang continued to recover well after leaving the transplant unit. His blood cell counts steadily increased, his appetite improved, and he felt stronger day by day. Looking back on their experience at Beijing GoBroad Boren Hospital, Mr. Zhang and Ms. Zhu said they were especially grateful for both the medical care and the way the team communicated with them. "From the admission assessment and infection treatment to the transplant and post-transplant care, we felt supported at every step. Whenever we had questions, the doctors and nurses took the time to explain things carefully and patiently."

During the hospital stay, the family also met patients who had traveled from many parts of China - Shanxi, Gansu, Guangzhou, Hainan - as well as patients from overseas. Many told them they had come after recommendations from other patients or physicians. For Ms. Zhu, meeting so many families on similar journeys was reassuring. "We also want to share our experience with other people living with aplastic anemia, so that those going through a difficult time can see that there may still be options. Even for an older patient, transplant can sometimes offer a new chance at life."

Today, Mr. Zhang continues to regain his strength and is moving closer to returning to everyday life. Looking back over 16 years, the journey has included the challenge of living with a chronic illness, the fear of a sudden deterioration, and the relief of reaching a new beginning after transplant. His experience is a story shaped by both medical care and the resilience to keep moving forward.