Sorry we didn't get a chance to update the blog for quite a few days. Not that we didn't have some great news to share, to the contrary. Here is a little recap of what happened the last few days.
Since Daniel and I are writing portions and gluing them together, this blog could be a bit confusing. Sorry for that, but the most important news is that Carol continues her progress at a very steady pace, not just by her own doing, which is quite remarkable, but we must also give credit to her extraordinary donor.
This portion is written by Daniel.
Yesterday I went with my mom to her appointment with Dr. Thomblyn who did her weekly checkup and gave us some great results from the last bone marrow biopsy!
She told us that there is no evidence of disease in the bone marrow.
The number of blood-forming cells in the bone marrow is about 40% which is where it should be at this point.
Bone Marrow Post-Transplant Engraftment: Percent Donor: 98%
Blood stream cells (a.k.a. myeloid cells, neutrophil): Percent Donor: 100%
T-cells (lymphocytes): Percent Donor: 97%
Her blood type will not change over to the donor's blood type for 3 to 6 months because of the red blood cells life span being about 3 months
30 days after her bone morrow transplant Carol needed another bone morrow biopsy to see if any of the Leukemia blast cells were present on her morrow, and how the donor stem cells propagated (engrafted) onto their new (Carol’s) body.
Bottom line: NO LEUKEMIA BLAST CELLS
And 98% & 100% DONOR BLOOD SUCCESS.
So to recap, Monday the 9th. Cathy Lankenau took over the caregiver’s job and stayed with Carol until Thursday the 12th. This allowed me to take a short business trip and then some time taking care of things at home. Thanks to Cathy for being here and for such a nice break for all of us.
Daniel was able to take over for Cathy on Thursday and then again, it was my turn on Friday.
This week started also with Daniel being with Carol until my return tonight.
Confused? We all are, but it’s great to have some relief, not only for me, but also for Carol. We all appreciate having such a great group of friends and family that so willingly cooperate under these circumstances.
Again, Daniel’s notes here.
To catch up from last week:
Cathy and my mom began their girl time, got some tea going and before long, went for a yoga session. Afterwards they came back for a walk and dinner.
Tuesday morning they visited the fitness center for the first time since being given permission from Dr. Thomblyn. Wednesday was another fun day of yoga and delicious foods and walks.
I came Thursday to find the girls playing on a Wii that Cathy and Gary have lent for the duration of my mom's stay here. They hadn't played it much before due to lack of batteries for the Wiimotes. Cathy had to go and we've been hoping to find time to play some more between all the other things going on.
Friday I left early to get to work and my dad came here to stay until Sunday night when I came back to stay with my mom until Tuesday night. My dad is back now.
OK, now we have to think about what we forgot to tell you and prepare another blog soon.
Thank you all.
Jaime
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I am so happy to read this post. For everyones information, I did not find this post confusing, on the contrary I was excited to read it.I . Eagerly awaiting the day (soon,I'm sure) when I will be walking with Carol on the beach and having trouble keeping up. Michael and I send our love to all- family and all of the friends, some of whom I have not met, who are helping to support Carol throughout this process.
ReplyDeleteDear family--Lonnie and I were very excited to read this news. We are so happy to hear that everything is going so well. We join you in looking forward to more good news, continued success and many happy days to come!
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