Stem Cell Transplant Day!

Happy Day To Everyone!

Obviously, Katy has made it to Stem Cell Transplant (aka Bone Marrow Transplant).  After 3 rounds of Vidaza, Katy's leukemia cells fell to 1%, which is the best her doctors felt they were going to get.  She was strong and healthy overall, so the transplant team gave the green light for the transplant.

Last Friday, November 3, Katy had a triple lumen central line placed, got admitted to the hospital, and started an ablative chemo regimen (to kill off as much leukemia as possible, and her immune system as well).  She has received 6 days of chemo and today was the infusion of Emily's stem cells.  I'll post some pictures in the photo albums.

So it is a wait and see time.  Katy has been receiving IV tacrolimus and steroids for over a day now (an anti-rejection regimen).  It will take about 2 weeks for the stem cells to start building a new immune system, and even when that starts happening, it is an immature system.  It will be like a new born baby's immune system.  She is watched extremely closely for 100 days post transplant with 2-3 days a week appointments after discharge.  She cannot ever be left alone during that time, as fevers and infections can come on quickly.  Rejection in stem cell transplantation is called Graft vs. Host Disease (GVHD for short).  Katy's lungs will also need to be watched closely as the new immune system could reject her lungs as well.  These are the 3 biggest risks for Katy at the moment.

Before transplant, we were able to take a short trip to Zion National Park, Antelope Canyon, and the Grand Canyon during Emily's fall break.  We had a great 4 day weekend until the last evening.  We went to a lookout to see the sun setting over the Grand Canyon.  I stopped looking at the rocky steps I was going down, rolled my ankle, landed on it, and broke my fibula.  Needless to say, I had to slow down for a good week.  I'm almost 3 weeks out and am getting around much better now.  Luckily, it was my left foot so I can drive, and I can also weight bear.

I'll post some pictures of our Grand Canyon trip as well.

Thank you to everyone for your support of Light the Night fundraiser for Leukemia and Lymphoma.  And many thanks to those who are providing us meals and other support.  We could not do it without you.

Christina