Charmaine is having a wonderful week. She's able to do almost anything she wants now with near normal energy. She is still sleeping till 930 to 10 each morning. I suppose just catching up on rest.
Yesterday we, with Natalie and Stefanie, went to Emory for an orientation session on the transplant process. It was very informative hearing a doctor and a nurse both speak on what to expect. We go back today for lab work and routine doctor visit.
We are still on the calendar to check in August 26th for conditioning and the transplant on September 1st.
As you might guess, she is getting very very anxious about having to go through this. Actually its more than anxious, it's more like dread but she knows she has no choice.
The biggest risk/concern is called graft verses host disease. That's when her body starts fighting a stranger being there for a while. Everyone gets it to some degree. They do have meds called immune suppressants to minimize it. It can have some very uncomfortable side effects. It may last a couple of weeks or up to a year. Yesterday I asked the doctor what the mortality rate on GVHD was. He said about 20%. That's scary.
Please pray that she will not have a severe case of this and that her body will not reject the new cells.
She is definitely getting a stem cell transplant instead of bone marrow.
Looking so forward to the next 2 weeks with feeling good.
Sam
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Charmaine I think of you all the time and pray for your healing every day. I can just imagine the dread and anxiety you must feel having the transplant date approaching. Know that I am feeling excitement because I know that God is about to do gigantic things in the weeks to come! He is going to heal and restore your body through this long difficult process, glory! glory! glory!
ReplyDeleteMay He shower you with His presence and comfort you as you wait for the miracle that is coming.
xoxoxo
James and Kristi :)