Tag Archives: bone marrow transplant

Transplant Update – 3/19/13

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The University of Iowa has found a ‘perfect match’ for my bone marrow (stem cell) transplant. They are working toward admission on 3/29. This is good news; from the medical viewpoint this is my best chance for survival to two years and beyond. Here are answers to some of the questions posed to us:

What is a stem cell transplant and why do you need it?
The transplant transfers bone marrow stem cells from a healthy donor to a recipient whose body is unable to produce healthy blood cells. The transplant is intended to reduce the risk of a relapse of the cancer.

How do they find a donor?
People under the age of 45 can register at www.BeTheMatch.org to be a marrow donor. DNA is collected using a cotton swab sweep of the mouth and simple blood sample. The HLA tissue type is entered into the computer and made available to transplant centers around the world. Later, a blood sample is taken to do a tissue type match of ten markers (5 each for the donor and recipient). My donor is a 10/10 match.

What does the process involve for the donor?
The donor is given a medicine to increase the number of stem cells released from the bone marrow to the blood stream. In an outpatient procedure lasting 5-7 hours, they will have their blood withdrawn through an IV, processed through a machine to remove the stem cells, and then have their own blood returned to them through another IV.

What is the process for the recipient?
The recipient is admitted to the transplant center a week before the transplant. A regimen of high dose chemotherapy is given to destroy the recipient’s bone marrow and suppress the immune system. Then the donor’s stem cells are infused via IV.

How long do you have to be in the hospital?
The recipient stays in the hospital for 4-5 weeks or up to three months if serious complications arise.

What type of complications might there be?
The donor’s blood cells may attack the recipient’s body or the recipient’s cells may fight the grafted cells. Both problems are common and range from mild to serious even life threatening consequence. Infections are also a significant threat since the immune system is compromised.

Will you be cured after the transplant?
There is no real cure, but generally healthy recipients who survive the transplant have a good chance of living their full lifespan if they can make it to two years without relapse of the cancer.

Thanks for your prayers. We believe God is not done.

U of I Update: Feb 9

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image Several folks have asked about the results from our consultation with the University of Iowa. They took 11 vials of blood (!) and pretty much confirmed what we knew and filled in more details about this journey with cancer.

My particular Leukemia is a very resilient one. But we’re told that I am a good candidate for bone marrow (stem cell) transplant which is my only realistic medical option. They suggest a transplant offers me a good chance of living another two years, if I don’t have a relapse or get a severe infection or other potential complications. Patients who make it to year two can still have relapses, but also could live for many more years, with or without complications.

As we quoted Dr. Steve in an earlier post, statistics are pretty much insignificant compared to the plan of God. We believe, and are responding accordingly, that God intends to bring us through this valley together; that the plans he has established for us are not yet complete.

Meanwhile, I will get more chemo, monthly for 3-4 months to keep me in remission. I will continue to get blood and platelet transfusions because my body is not keeping up with production demand. There will be both harder and productive, rewarding days ahead.

We think we are doing a better job of being attentive to the numbers but also not being controlled by them. We are challenged by this daily but God continues to graciously bring our attention back to Him.

This is of course one of the life lessons from this ordeal: regardless of the trial you face (cancer, chronic pain, relationship problems, financial, work, over eating, etc), the solution always is to take our focus off the problem and turn to the One who can lead us through it. It is not enough to know the truth; we have to practice it many times daily.

Thank you for prayers. As God is using this time to draw us even closer to Him, we encourage you also to draw close to Him. He always is ready to listen to us and to speak to us through His Word, through circumstances, through His people, and through His Holy Spirit. Seek Him for the very best adventure of your life.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13

Can You Sleep Through A Storm?

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Mark tells a brief, lively story of men who were tossed about in a boat by a violent storm. They woke up Jesus who was sleeping through it all. Awakened by their pleas, Jesus spoke and the storm was instantly calmed. His question to them is a challenge to each of us:
“Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Mark 4:40

We visited the University of Iowa hospital today regarding bone marrow transplants and other options for my Leukemia. It confirmed many assumptions, answered many questions, and raised more. We are not afraid – God has seen to that. But all the numbers and statistics and prognostics raise more questions, until one has to just stop the craziness and ask God, “What do YOU want?”

It isn’t easy for an evidence based analyst like me to turn my attention from “the facts.” But in the midst of any problem, we have to evaluate whether the facts are actually valid or if there are other perspectives to challenge them. Faith is believing and living what is true even when the “facts” don’t add up.

Sarah Young wrote a marvelous daily devotional called “Jesus Calling.” (Thank you Connie for this gift.) I would recommend it to anyone, whether you believe in God or not. (I say this, though I think she might have written the book specifically to Marcia and me. :-))

We usually share our devotions at the beginning of the day. Foolishly, with today’s travel and appointments and follow-up discussions, it was delayed until late this evening. (Am I the only one who sometimes makes this mistake?) Today’s message says:

“Slow down and cling tightly to my hand. I am teaching you a difficult lesson, learned only by hardship. When your focus turns away from me, you grasp at other things. You drop the glowing gift when you reach for lifeless ashes. Return to me; regain my presence.”

A few minutes before reading this I had written these words in my journal: “FROM ASHES TO BEAUTY!”

Are there certain “facts” that are making you weary or beliefs you need to surrender today? Perhaps it is time to believe in a new direction…and to let God guide you through the uncertain future. Who knows? You may find a way to sleep through life’s storms.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Matthew 11:28-29

Reflecting On The Gift Of Life

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One of the Leukemia patients on the unit is dying tonight.

Appointments are God ordained. As we talked ever so briefly with a family member, we find that the end has come quickly. Severe infection set in suddenly before a bone marrow transplant could be performed.

Sometimes a hug speaks what words cannot.

The staff carry on, but it is obvious this is not just their job. They become involved and attached as they walk a difficult path along side patients and their loved ones.

We pause for reflection on the gift of life and the relationships that make it worthwhile.