Victoria Day Update- 100 Day Bone Marrow Analysis

Well, the hundred day marrow examination has finally been completed. We waited with anticipation and fingers crossed for this test. We just received the results a couple of days ago. The news was good. We were told that my marrow is identical to that of my donor's marrow. In the bone marrow aspirate analysis the lab compares a sample of my old marrow, the donor's marrow and my "new" marrow. The the ultimate goal of the stem cell transplant has been realized - to have my marrow completely replaced by the donor's stem cells.

As my marrow is still "young" and not mature, I still have to take precautions to protect myself in crowds and to be careful about what I eat. For the first year after transplant there are a number of restrictions on my activities. I have to avoid dust and moulds which means I can't vacuum or dig in the garden (I'm lobbying to have the ban on vacuuming extended for life!). Camping and tenting are on the restricted list so Kevin may have to break down and take the girls and I on a holiday with running water! (rivers don't qualify!) I am no longer required to be within an hour of the Bone Marrow Clinic at the Foothills Hospital. I will have to return to the clinic for regular blood tests and to be monitored for Graft vs Host disease. To this point my symptoms have been minimal and the effects on my eyes and lungs have been well controlled with medication.

After my marrow has had a chance to

mature I will require re-immunization with various childhood vaccines. These will be scheduled at one and two years post transplant.

Life is gradually returning to normal. Having been spoiled by all of the delicious meals that friends delivered to the house, the girls are appreciating how much time and thought went into those gifts. Meals have been somewhat less elaborate since we resumed cooking for ourselves. Erin and Ali have decided that Kevin, the "FFF" (Full -Figure-Father) doesn't need quite as many desserts as he was regularly enjoying over the past seven months. They have been suggesting that he has had more than his share of "comfort food" and that his profile is looking a little "over-comforted"!

Looking back over the past 7 months, we feel fortunate to have gone through this experience with so much support and help from so many friends. We truly could not have managed without the positive energy directed to us by so many people, near and far. This outcome is a reflection of the strength of all of you in 'our village'.

Sincerest thanks,

Sara, Kevin, Erin, Alison, and Mona

Mother's Day Update

(Belated Edition)

Mother's Day is kind of a dynamic celebration around our house. I claim that everyday is Mother's

Day - with the unparalleled pampering that I have perpetually provided for Sara and my Mom. (They seem to report a slightly different interpretation of my efforts!)

I am endeavouring to peck out a few sentences to update those of you who have been wondering about Sara's progress. (I am hoping to get it posted before Father's day)

Sara has been at home in recent weeks with occasional trips to the hospital for blood tests.

The extensive array of pills and medications that she has been required to take in order to prevent rejection of the new Stem Cells has been gradually decreasing. With a decrease in medications she has also had a decrease in side effects like nausea and fatigue. She has been able to get out for walks with Mom and other friends when the weather has been favourable.

She is presently undergoing a series of follow up examinations and tests to compare her present condition to her pre-treatment status. She requires chest X-rays and pulmonary function tests to evaluate the condition of her lungs, and consults with ophthalmologic, dental and cardiac specialists prior to scheduling a bone marrow biopsy later this month.

So far, Sara's progress has been steady and positive. (but not quite fast enough for Sara's liking) She has not required re-admission to the hospital since the Stem Cell transplant. Her appetite has been returning and while some of her favourite foods don't appeal to her because of the effects of the medications on her taste buds, she is eating regularly in an effort to regain some of the weight that she has lost. (chocolate doesn't appeal to her - which has placed the responsibility for consuming entire boxes of Purdy's squarely on my mid-drift) Her blood counts tend to fluctuate a little but have been trending in the right direction over the past few weeks.

As some of you have recently commented, the blog entries have been a little sparse lately.

I consider that a positive development as we have been plodding along resuming the rhythm

of our old daily routines with nothing particularly exciting or out of the ordinary to report.

Erin is playing field hockey with her high school team and Ali has joined a roller hockey league.

Sara, Mom and I are off running around trying to take in as many games as we can.

We will update the blog again in a few weeks when Sara has had another bone marrow biopsy and we have had an opportunity to review the results with the Doctors.

In the meantime we have appreciated all of the positive thoughts and good wishes that have been coming our way.

Cheers

Kevin for Sara, Erin , Ali and Mona