So I Got a Transplant

 

I know a lot of people have been wondering about how I am doing. I thought I would catch everyone up on what’s happening and what my transplant was like. Once again I wanted to say thank you all for the encouraging messages, emails, and texts. I truly appreciate everyone’s genuine concern and encouragement.

First of all, I want to explain what a bone marrow transplant is and what does it entail? Back in 2009, my siblings were all tested to see if anyone was a match while I was going through chemo the first time. Because the chemo did its job so well, we didn’t have to end up doing a transplant. Sibling matches are some of the best matches because they are dealing with your own personal DNA so closely. Your body would have an easier time accepting the stem cells if it’s from someone so close. But you can definitely find close donors elsewhere too. Luckily, Eboni was my match.

Ebbie, in preparation for the transplant, three days before she donated her stem cells, had to get small injections of Neupogen. . This shot causes blood stem cells to move out of the bone marrow into her bloodstream where they can be collected. Stem cells are immature bone marrow cells which will eventually set up shop to become mature red and white blood cells. The stem cells are programed to know where to go. They will set up camp in my bones and the goal is for it to completely take over my body. The main goal is for my whole body to be filled with Ebbie's blood. (She better watch out if I ever get in a crime and leave a blood trail. She's the one who will be caught, :))Then for 3 days, Ebbie came up to the hospital for 4-6 hours where she was hooked up to a machine. They placed needles in both arms and collected her stem cells. It would filter out the stem cells and return her blood back to her. It was pretty tiring for her, but she took it like a champ.

As I waited for her stem cells, I received full body radiation and chemo to help kill my residual cancer cells. The full body radiation lasted like 30 minutes (15 each side) but it went by relatively fast. It didn’t hurt; It just made me tired for the rest of the day. Then I just had to wait for Ebbie.

On Saturday October 12.the doctors infused Ebbie’s stem cells through my central line. It was just like getting blood any other day, so it was pretty anti-climactic. This day is known now as my “New Birthday”. All of the nurses came in with a cake and sang to me. That was so sweet of them. Ebbie was able to be there too to watch her marrow stem cells enter into me. It was a great moment.

It’s been a couple of days since the transplant and I’m feeling really good. We won’t find out much about the transplant stuff for about 2 weeks. We have to watch for graft versus host disease. This is when my body tries to reject Ebbie’s stem cells. We pray this won’t happen. It can appear in a lot of different ways like rashes and diarrhea. It’s something I could still live with but it would just be annoying.

Sorry this post may be a bit airy than my other posted but it’s getting late and I wanted everyone to know that I am doing really well. I know we may have a few setbacks here and there but all will work out how it’s supposed to. It’s all in Heavenly Father’s timing. President Gordon B. Hinckley said, “ You will come to know that what appears today to be a sacrifice will prove instead to be the greatest investment that you will ever make,” I have to remember these words of wisdom as I sit in my room feeling sorry for myself sometimes. It’s way too easy to do that. I know the time I am sacrificing from my family will only help me. It’s hard, but I have to do it and I’m grateful that things have lined up the way they have. My time away from Gray and Joe kill me. I know it’s necessary that I’m gone and I have an opportunity to get better and stronger for them. I’m grateful that I still get to see them each day and that Joe has stayed so closely by my side.   I love my family and my Savior. I’m thankful for their sacrifices for me. I couldn’t ask for any other family or friends. I love you all sooooo much!