When I began this journey 3 months ago, I was pretty confident that one of my four siblings would be my match (a 10 for 10 match of HLA-types; it’s not about matching blood type). Each had a 25% chance, so wouldn’t 1 of the 4 have to match? That’s not how probabilities work, I learned. … Read More »
It’s in! A PowerPort is now a part of me. Goofy grin courtesy of anesthesia! Glad the head cap matches my shirt, too. I was relieved to learn that they would give me anesthesia before cutting into my chest to place the port and guide the catheter through a large vein (superior vena cava). While… Read More »
Port of Pireaus, Greece When I think of a Port, I first imagine a place near land for boats to find shelter from rough seas or load and off-load goods and passengers. The second thing I imagine is a glass filled with a dark, heavy, rich dessert wine made in Portugal. This coming Wednesday,… Read More »
When I first heard about bone marrow transplants, I envisioned the donor getting drilled in the hips for bone marrow extraction (like the bone marrow biopsy and aspiration) and then a surgeon drilling into my large bones to implant the donor marrow. I am happy to say that I was way wrong!In most cases, blood… Read More »
After an absolutely wonderful escape to Sicily, Robert and I returned home ready to tackle the next big adventure. Where should I go for the stem cell transplant? Who will be my donor? Robert, Mom, and I met with Dr. Lawrence Morris of Bone and Marrow Transplant Group of Georgia in Atlanta. This group is… Read More »
After several days of tests and consultations with experts at Mayo Clinic Scottsdale, I returned home with a worse-than-expected diagnosis. Here’s the quickie Bad News/Good News version:My bone marrow has gone from over-achievement to under-achievement. Instead of producing too many red blood cells, it is now in the “spent phase” and is not producing enough… Read More »
