Carol’s donor cells will get a boost

Carol will be receiving a lymphocyte transfusion scheduled for March 8th at the Moffitt Cancer Center. The same bone morrow transplant donor (whom we don’t know but so much appreciate her cooperation and invaluable matching blood) is again volunteering her time and blood for her lymphocytes to be harvested.

All the scheduling had to be planned and orchestrated in advance. The harvesting, currier transportation from somewhere in Europe and Moffitt’s own screening procedures before going ahead with the transfusion. Only a small dose of the lymphocytes will be transfused on March 8th. Keeping the rest frozen and used if needed. All at once could cause acute GVHD (fancy word for rejection).

Ideally doctors are looking to have a moderate GVHD reaction to the transfusion. This will show the activity of the donor cells trying to overtake Carol’s own cells, specifically her Leukemia cells. Once the donor cells attack her Leukemia cells, more lymphocyte transfusions are an option if needed to reinforce the donor’s cells' to put her Leukemia into remission.

Doctor Tomblyn informed us that with Carol’s aggressive Leukemia cells, the odds of the donor’s cells plus the additional lymphocytes have a chance to work but are not guaranteed. We all know about Carol's reputation of not going by anyone else's odds. So here she goes to prove that she can beat this disease again.

While we are gearing up for March 8th, we are all excited about another visit from Alexia, Trevor and Isabella from March 4th til March 8th. And Susan from the 10th to the 14th. We all know how much Carol treasures her visitors, but when the visits are from her Sister, daughter, granddaughter and son in-law, words cannot begin to describe her excitement.

On a personal note, sorry to all of you that had to call about Carol's updates. Maintaining this blog as much as I would like to with so many other things going on at the same time becomes a bit overwhelming.
Thank you for your patience.
Jaime

Meds and more meds.

Last Thursday Carol resumed her Vidaza treatment after having to be admitted to the hospital twice in the last two weeks due to constant fevers. The first time she was admitted to SMH, and the second time to Moffitt.
She is now on the second cycle of Vidaza and it’s given at her local oncologist clinic in Sarasota for a total of 7 days. There are two more days left for this cycle. (today and tomorrow Friday)
3 weeks after the Vidaza cycle is completed a bone morrow biopsy will be done to monitor the blast cells. The objective of this drug is to put her Leukemia blasts into remission so the lymphocytes from the donor can be transfused to Carol, giving the original donor cells a much needed boost. Dr. Tomblyn said that additional Vidaza cycles can be given to Carol to accomplish this goal.
The weeks to come are again a waiting game until the next biopsy which will determine what the next steps will be. While at home, she continues with her 4 daily IV antibiotics along with her other meds.

The fun part.
Over the weekend Carol’s sister Susan visited and what a fantastic help she was (as always) not only for Carol's spirit, but also for the body and mind.
Susan took great care of Carol and then she found the time (twice) to cook the most delicious dinners, not just for Carol. She also managed to make some special meals for Daniel and me. We really enjoyed and appreciate it.
Also over the weekend, Carol’s Brother Mike, who was sailing from Burnt Store Marina to Venice, stopped by for a visit.
In the meantime, we are looking forward to Natalie and Al’s visit from Philly next week and Susan returning on March 3rd to be with Carol while I work away from home for a few days.
Will update more soon.
Thank you.
Jaime

Back to Sarasota to continue treatment

To resume her Vidaza treatment at her local oncologist in Sarasota, Carol is being released tomorrow Wednesday from Moffitt after being treated for her fevers during the last 4 days. The antibiotics that were started at Moffitt, will be continued via IV while at home.
Preliminary results of Monday's bone morrow biopsy continue showing signs of stubborn Leukemia cells, so Dr. Tomblyn will start the process of contacting the original transplant donor in order to set up the collection of the lymphocytes to give the needed boost to the transplanted morrow. This process could take one month, but if more time is needed Carol will continue with more cycles of Vidaza until the lymphocytes are collected.
Will continue updating soon.
Thank you.
Jaime