here's the plan...

So after meeting with the stem cell specialists here's our plan...

Right now mom's receiving chemo through IV every 3 to 4 days.  About once a week she will also receive chemo through her spine.  This will prevent/treat any Leukemia in her central nervous system (CNS).  As of now (as posted earlier) there are no signs in her CNS. (whew).  She also receives prednisone twice daily to assist her immune system.  This treatment for ALL is scheduled to last 29 days.  Only 27 to go.

After the 29 days, hopefully she will be in remission.  While in remission, mom might be able to come home!  She'll need to rest for a few weeks to see if she can stay in remission.  After that she'll start the Stem Cell Transplant.

Stem Cell Transplant:  This is the hard part!  Hopefully one of her siblings will be a perfect DNA match.  (we have about a 90% chance that 1 of 8 will match perfectly so that's great!)  Once they find a match, the donor will need to undergo testing and medication to assist with the transplant.  They will collect healthy cells for two days leading up to the transplant and then mom will receive the healthy cells.  This counts as day zero.  On or around day 100 mom can go home if everything goes perfectly.  She will be 4-6 weeks in-patient and 6-7 weeks at either the Kevin Guest house or the Hope Lodge here in Buffalo.  This will bring us to approximately Dec. 29. 

Then she'll need to be tested weekly to be sure she stays in remission and does not get graft vs host disease.. we won't go into that now.. no need to worry! 

There is a long road ahead of mom, and she's prepared to fight the whole time.  She's very optimistic and we do keep receiving little bits of good news so that helps!  We have a great support system not only here but through all our friends and family. 

Keep the comments coming... we'll keep posting and hopefully stick to the plan so we'll be able to celebrate soon!!  I've always said I could do anything for a year.. move to tampa, myrtle beach, the bronx... try a new job, etc.  I know this doesn't compare to what mom is going to face, but I have faith that the really hard parts will be over within a year, and while it won't be the most comfortable year of her life, she'll get through it.  we all will.



love.