Yesterday Charlie and I went to Duke to discuss the upcoming events. Everyone there is very efficient and the day went well. They were pleased with my progress and gave me the OK to proceed. However, the procedures are not as simple as I had hoped:
On February 10th we will go to Duke for a day. I will have a series of preliminary tests (EKG, etc.) to determine if I am healthy enough for the transplant.
On February 17th we will go back and spend 4 days. I need to have a major dose of chemo to get my body "prepped" for the transplant. I also need to have the catheter inserted in my chest; this is used for the harvesting. They will monitor these procedures before discharging me.
On March 1st I will return to Duke; harvesting begins on the 2nd. This will take 1-2days.
On March 8th my stem-cell tranplant will begin. This will last 2-4 weeks.
This is a lot to digest! Some things I am thankful for: I get to return home between each of these procedures, this will all be over much faster than I had anticipated, my protein levels were satisfactory to proceed. Some things that are difficult: there is a lot of traveling, I'm not sure I was mentally prepared for this to happen so quickly, fear of the unknown. I only share these concerns with you so you can join us in prayer. I feel like you all are and have been my support through this. I cannot thank you enough. I will keep blogging to let you know how it progresses! Love to everyone, Fran
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Oh, Fran how I wish you didn't have to take this journey. Well, my prayer calendar is going to have a lot of FRAN on it! Ah, the rejoicing we will be doing! God is good and will see you through this. He has certainly gone before you two before. We love you! Boo
ReplyDeleteFran and Charlie, you are on my prayer list every day and will continue through all this.
ReplyDeleteLorry Smyth
Fran and Charlie - we are praying for you, although you both are two of the strongest, most resilient, God-exuding Christ-reflecting people we've ever been privileged to know. May God's strength continue to hold you together! Love, Susan and Bill Braden
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