25%? How about 100%!

Yesterday, both Ed and I were informed that he is a 100% match to be my bone marrow donor! This means the transplant process is being scheduled, and we should have a timeline soon! This is such a relief for many reasons! We are still not sure why the odds of sibling matches are so low - 25% - but at this point it doesn't matter!

Ed will have to undergo preliminary health testing prior to his bone marrow donation. He will also have to be at Northwestern about a week into my transplant process so that the transfer of bone marrow can happen as "freshly" as possible.

On Thursday, June 4, I will begin a third round of chemo; however, it may be "abbreviated" so that I have time between the round ending and the transplant process beginning to allow my body to recover. This is also a relief because I was concerned I might have to pack and get myself ready to spend many weeks in Chicago while feeling the immediate effects of the chemo.

I am thankful for the advances in modern medicine which make such a transplant even possible. I will be forever grateful that Ed had no hesitation about agreeing to be tested and then to be my donor.

I've also had a very good week - my blood counts are slowly rebounding and remained high enough that I've not needed any transfusions. I've been able to take care of errands, have a couple of visitors, get some things done around the house, and rest without the disruption of transfusion appointments!

I was also able to have a wonderful conversation with a new friend, Sharon K., who had a bone marrow transplant under the care of the same doctor as I have, Dr. Mehta. It was so helpful hear a patient's perspective about that process. I appreciate all who have offered connections to other transplant patients - there are more people who have traveled this same journey than you can imagine!

Thank you for your continued interest and support in my journey!