There seems to be some confusion on Sam's treatment so I wanted to give another update on our inspirational buddy.
On the transplant: the procedure itself went as well as it could have. But honestly the day was a little anti-climactic. Jim's marrow cells were given through Sam's IV and apparently they just, "know where to go" when they entered Sam's blood stream through a vein in his arm. (Which I think is crazy. But admittedly, I don't science very well). So although we knew the weight of this transfusion was much greater, it looked and felt so similar to the blood transfusions he gets very frequently (he's had 2 bags today, for instance). We won't know if the transplant was successful for a while yet, so now we are waiting and dealing with symptoms in the meantime. If the transplant is working, we should start to see healthy cells in about two weeks. But it could be 60 days or more before we know if the transplant was successful. Basically, put on your patience pants, because that seems like FOREVERRRR to me. But alas, I've said it a million times and I'll say it again: one day at a time. On the symptoms: Sam is back to 'Immune system zero' now, and will be for a few weeks, which is dangerous and scary. So far though, he's doing great and seems to be right on track according to the docs. Still, "right on track" is hard, and has definitely been the toughest stretch he's endured thus far. The chemo he received leading up to the transplant left him with heavy fatigue, troubles eating and lots of GI problems. It is SO important that he stays healthy and infection-free during this stretch. So much so that the heavy cough of the patient in the room next door keeps me up at night worrying. What if he somehow gets it from a door knob or something? On other things that keep me up at night: Sam is also being given drugs to treat Graft-Versus-Host Disease, which is where Jim's healthy cells recognize Sam's cells as foreign, and tries to attack them. GVHD can be a really serious and threatening side effect of marrow transplants, but it has recently gotten much better. During the last time he went through treatment 5 years ago, patients & docs really avoided transplants due to threats of GVHD, which can destroy your liver and cause a bunch of other potentially-fatal problems. But during the past 5 years, they've made huge strides at preventing GVHD, and Sam started those drugs on Saturday morning. So while GVHD is still a big risk, we're obviously so thankful for the medical advances, and it just shows how much we're still learning about leukemia. On our souls: Emotionally, we go up and down with Sam's hard days and good days. Yesterday sucked, plan and simple. But today is better. Today he walked 9 laps around the floor while I snuck out for a run this afternoon and enjoyed a beautiful fall day in Madison. We'll take it. Does that help answer questions? Don't hesitate to ask in the comment section. Hope everyone is having a good weekend! If you did something fun, text Sam a picture and say hi :) Love, Jenny
Annie
10/25/2015 04:24:20 pm
Thinking of both of you!
marilyn tucker
10/26/2015 06:10:29 am
praying for both of you to make it through this ordeal - I have a friend battling cancer too - the last treatment she had was a 24 hour drip - her attitude is I WILL DO WHAT EVER I HAVE TO DO TO BEAT THIS - and I know that is the way the two of you feel too - and you will win the battle and Alaska here we come - love to you both
Abbey
10/25/2015 04:26:58 pm
Thinking of you guys every day. Love you!
Randy and Susan Booton
11/5/2015 05:09:55 am
Sam, you have endured so much, we so admire your strength and determination! We are praying for your continued health so that you push through this. Jenny your strength is amazing as well - thank you for the updates. Randy and Susan Booton Comments are closed.
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