Saturday, 6-9-07-Proceeding with Add'l Tests for Bone Marrow Transplant

The results of Tuesday's Bone Marrow Biopsy indicated that I am currently in remission.

I kiddingly asked Dr. Birhiray, the Bone Marrow Specialist, if that meant that I was cured and we could suspend further treatment?
He said I was ''pulling his leg" in that it meant that we could now 'forge ahead' toward a hopeful total cure with a Bone Marrow Transplant with my sister, Nancy who is a near 'perfect match'.

But only after lots of further testing to make sure that the timing and physical condition of both my sister and myself are up to the actual procedure.

We both are meeting at the Hospital Oncology Out Patient facility 8:00 AM on Monday 6-11-07 for further extensive blood testing.
She will be meeting with another Doctor for a complete physical on Monday afternoon before heading back South to her home in Corydon, IN.
I have appointments on Monday for an extensive heart scan and X-rays of my chest, sinus and teeth.

On Tuesday, I have an appointment for an extensive breathing test, hospital papers to complete for a hopeful hospital self admission to the Transplant Unit at 7:00 AM on Tuesday, June 19th. (There is an 8 day period that I'll receive anti-rejection drugs and additional chemo in preparation & prior to receiving my sister's Bone Marrow.

If everything continues to check out OK, my sister will be back in Indy on Friday, June 22nd to begin her preparation for Bone Marrow harvesting with the actual Transplant occurring on Wednesday, June 27 and Thursday June 28
.
They anticipate that I'll be in the hospital for 10-17 days after the Transplant as they daily monitor possible rejections, infections, etc. (a portion of the time in total isolation).
After release from the hospital, monitoring will be done on a diminishing basis as an Out Patient for another 90 days.

We've seen lots of positive things come together to make this next step possible but there's lots of items to all come together for a completely successful Transplant.

Appreciate your keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.

P.S. It was great to be home and have Steve's family from Alabama with us during the week of my birthday, our 50th wedding anniversary and Sharon's big garage sale. (got rid of 'lots of our stuff' that should expand our closet space). :-)
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