- (Update from Lisa) Roger got two units of umbilical cord stem cells late in the day on June 16. The process, which was similar to a blood transfusion, took less than two hours. Just before the stem cell infusion, he had a heavy dose of Benedryl to control nausea, but the combination of Benedryl and the preservative Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), which prevents the stem cells from dying when they are frozen for storage, seemed to cause an unexpected reaction (spiking blood pressure, low heart rate, and a range of other challenges). The attending oncologist and nurse managed all of this as best as they could, but the process and long night that followed was rough on Roger. He’s feeling much better at this point (mid-day on Tuesday), but still pretty wobbly.
- The docs say they’ll focus their efforts in the days ahead on managing side-effects and quashing any infections that may develop before the stem cells engraft and start to build a new immune system.
- We’re so grateful for your notes of support and positive thoughts. Thank you for all of your help.
June 17, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Happy Re-BIRTHDAY!!!!!!! Lisa, thanks so much for updating the blog. My husband did it when I was tired or not feeling great and people are following your journey each day. These are big days- but you got your new cells…awooooHOOOO. As the counts come down I know there will be tough days (and probably a few fevers too- I had a couple and had to do the whole chest x-ray thing) but you are already on your way. Say good bye to the ole cells and those new cells are fighting so hard (as is your entire body). REST and EAT as much as you can! I liked those little milkshakes they have but I always ordered two of them. Then Billy my husband started liking them and I would have to order 4 of them!
You both are doing great-
Lea
June 17, 2008 at 1:28 pm
Hi, Lisa!
Thank you for the update. I prayed all through the day Monday, and was wondering how Roger was doing. It sounds like we need to focus our thoughts and prayers now on what the doctors and nurses are–side effects and possible infections. You got it.
It’s easy to focus on the problems and forget the miracle of the cure. Thanks to Lea for the reminder.
Love and prayers!
Karen
June 17, 2008 at 6:26 pm
Dear Lisa and Roger,
Thank you, Lisa, for the update. We also were thinking of you both all day on Monday, and today. In spite of the rotten side effects, is it not
a modern miracle going to work? We hope for the best in dealing with those side effects–we are all behind you!
As usual, in our hearts and prayers,
Suzanne
June 17, 2008 at 8:58 pm
Thanks Lisa!
I received the news from Connie that the stem cell infusion took place yesterday and have been thinking of all of you today.
Keep us posted.
Love,
Alya Baker
June 18, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Hi Lisa and Roger and those great girls,
The news sounds promising and productive, today.You are all working hard on the patience gene, I know. Brandon is very keen about your progress,too, and send healing thoughts. Love, Bette
June 18, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Thank God ! I think a corner has been turned. We are now in Ithaca and sending our support from here. The girls were fixated on the photos and send their love to their friends Mimi and Iszy !!
June 19, 2008 at 11:26 am
ROGER, LISA &GIRLS Your Indiana cousins are all thinking of you as Roger fights the side effects of the cord blood transfusion. Its sad that you are not close enough to stop in for a visit, but this website is a fabulus alternative. Lisa–I just sent a more detailed email.
June 19, 2008 at 12:39 pm
Hi, Kennas;
I’ve been lurking, reading your posts, and thinking of you often. Now that it’s officially your birthday anew, just wanted to say Good luck to your brand new cells!
Say hi to the girls from Laura and David. We love the photos and the school newsletter.
Take care -
Janet
June 19, 2008 at 8:37 pm
HI! I’m getting caught up w/blogs. Did not have my computer while in the Smokies w/family. Angi spoke briefly w/Caleb while in Seattle, and we’ve checked his website. Really fabulous.
So glad you’re feeling better. Stem cells: ENGRAFT…AND BUILD THAT NEW IMMUNE SYSTEM.
Always in our prayers and in our hearts.
Jan and Bill
July 14, 2008 at 10:52 am
I just wanted to say I am happy to read something positive about this and wish you the best. My Dad is going to have the same thing done soon, at Indiana University. He also has leukemia and a very rare case at that. We are waiting on the results from my aunts and uncle to see if they are a match for this. I was wondering if you could tell me where I can find more information of the process and what to expect. It would be greatly appreciated. Good luck and congrats on what sounds like a wonderful new beginning for you.