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