Where the Rubber Meets the Road

All,
The ball is rolling. We have started. Today Beck and I went to UCSF accompanied by Diane, my donor sister, where Diane learned to give herself the injections that will increase the production of blood stem cells. She will administer two injections each day for each of the next four days. We will return to UCSF on Monday at which time the stem cells will be harvested through a catheter that will be installed for that purpose. The goal is to collect 3-8 million stem cells for each kilogram of my weight. Suffice it to say, that’s a BIG number! If more are required after harvesting on Monday, she will do it a second time on Tuesday.

I will be admitted to the hospital on that Tuesday, Feb. 5. I will undergo various procedures then chemo will begin that afternoon. I will receive chemo for 5 days, then rest 2 days. On Feb. 12, I will receive Diane’s stem cells by IV infusion. At that time, my immune system will be gone and we wait 10-14 days for engraftment to occur. Then the fun starts. More on that as events unfold.
What has been learned? If someone asks if you want a massage, say “Yes.” If someone asks if you want a bone marrow biopsy, say “No.” If you haven’t told those you love that you love them, do it today. If you find yourself with a terrible disease, you will be surprised when the encouragement comes from many unexpected places.

To all of you who have provided us with love and encouragement, we love you and can’t put into words what you’ve done for us. Keep it up. We need it now more than ever. We’ll be in touch.