Don has been given the green light to get a stem cell transplant, which is the magic that begins a long-term remission of his "Multiple Myeloma" a cancer of some of the cells in his bone marrow. This is what we have been working toward ever since he began treatment over ten months ago.
There are three parts to the process:
Part 1: Medical tests to determine his over-all health, That is scheduled for Wednesday, December 4th. (out patient)
Part 2: "Mobilization and collection," where they get his stem cells ready to collect and then collect them. Right now that part is tentatively scheduled to begin December 6th or 7th and takes about two weeks. (out-patient)
Part 3: The transplant. This will probably happen after Christmas. It begins with two days of massive chemotherapy and then transfusions and reintroducing his own stem cells back into his blood. The rest is recovery. He will be in the hospital about three weeks. (In-patient)
They tell us that it usually takes several months to regain all of your strength and vigor.
We invite you to join us on this very interesting and sort of scary journey......
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| For 10 months Don has been making weekly visits to the Cancer Center see his doctor and to get various drugs to bring the cancer level way down in preparation for the transplant. Here he is hanging out in the infusion room with one of the wonderful nurses, Heather. |
8 comments:
Thank you for creating a place for us to join in your journey!!
The quotation at the end of your email says so much about the way you are meeting this difficult interlude with strength and love: "It's not about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about dancing in the rain."
Don, you look great, man. We're thinking about you and Sami. Love to you both.
Sami, this is my third try on your blog. I left a comment on Don's; this is the first time I have tried to read, or comment in, a blog, so I am stumbling. Thank you for including us in your journeys, Nancy and I will have you both in our thoughts and prayers during the coming weeks, even though we are far away. Don looks great in the photo! Posting this as "anmonymous" seems to be the only way I can get it to "take". Gary and Nancy Earney
Sami: Thanks for doing this! Hey, I'd dearly love to read the expressions on the faces of the "patient" and the care giver, but my eyes -- even wearing the "cheaters" -- just can't read that tiny photo. I'd like to see the detailed face of the "star attraction" and the kind and caring face of the white-coated person, plus any medical apparatus which might be in view. How about some bigger, vivid images, like the stunning ones that you post on FB, for the seniors among us with tired eyes? Thank you! [Bro' and BiL Sam I am]
Glad you guys set up this blog so we can keep in touch and not require a lot of individual effort from you guys. Your positive approach will carrying you though this next step.
Don and Sami we are thinking about you as you start the next step to getting heathly!
Don and Sami we are thinking about you both! You are both an inspiration to us all!
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