Appointment Day & New Prayer Requests

Ed, Joy, and I made it to Chicago last evening after a little bit of rush hour “slow down.”  We easily found our hotel, then walked around the hospital campus to orient ourselves for our appointments.  We ate supper at Tallboy Taco (and no, Ed didn’t choose it because he is tall and likes tacos!) - the food was delicious but we received inconsistent service!

Overall, our appointment day (today) went well, but for me, could've been a bit better.

I finally got to meet my transplant coordinator, Stacie, in person.  I think we could’ve chatted all day!  She went over my transplant timeline, had me sign consent forms, and answered my questions.  I had blood work drawn - only 7 vials this time! - and then had my fourth bone marrow biopsy…which did not go quite as well as my previous ones.

The culprits for the subpar biopsy are likely my low blood counts.  In a nutshell, the APRN performing the biopsy could draw blood/tissue from the bone marrow, but could not get to "something" more essential.  When she tried a second time at a different angle, I began feeling pain down my leg despite a lot of lidocaine, so she halted the proceedings.  Dr. Mehta was consulted, and the decision was made to simply use the blood/tissues that had already been taken.

As I was recovering from that procedure, Dr. Mehta came in for his visit with me.  The main takeaway is this:  if today’s biopsy results show that my bone marrow is “full of leukemia,” then the transplant is postponed.  He said this outcome would be very unlikely— and I hope by now I would’ve had some indication of an increase in leukemia cells, whether in a physical symptom or a clue in bloodwork.

When the biopsy results have been received, I will receive a call (later this week or, at the very latest, Monday morning) letting me know if the transplant will proceed as scheduled.  It feels like now there is something new and additional to worry about even though it makes complete sense that something could be discovered or go wrong in the next week.  I guess I’m very anxious to get this show on the road and get to the other side - no roadblocks, please!

Ed had a more successful day!  He met with the doctor overseeing his stem cell donation, who went over health history and answered questions. Ed and Joy were able to tour the room where the stem cell harvest will take place, which included the machine which will remove millions of stem cells from Ed’s blood, one cup at a time and using centrifugal force.  Ed had a chest x-ray, EKG, basic health exam, and nineteen vials of blood drawn.  (He had to one-up me, yet again.)

Ed and Joy had down time this afternoon as they waited for me to finish my appointments so they walked to Michigan Avenue and Lake Michigan.  We headed home an hour later than expected, but glad the appointments were done!

New prayer requests:  Please pray that the blood taken in today’s biopsy shows my current bone marrow condition has little or no leukemia and nothing “new” which might postpone the transplant.  Also, pray that the transplant confirmation phone call comes sooner than later!

I also would request prayers for my friend, Sara, and her husband, Allen. Allen is in the midst of a cancer journey which just got more challenging and concerning. Please pray for Allen and Sara as well as Allen's oncology team...and that Allen's upcoming treatment plan is successful.

Ongoing prayer request:  Please pray that Ed and I remain healthy and safe throughout the next week (for me) and two weeks (for Ed).

Thank you, everyone, for your support, love, and prayers...and your interest in my journey!