Transplant Consequences

Kay has been having a rough time with the current chemo. She had a bad night and a difficult day. No particular medical reasons, just the (accumulated) effects of the chemo. She is grumpy and short tempered. Wants to eat but doesn't want to eat. Tired but doesn't want to sleep. Etc. However, tomorrow we should be able to head home, an event that is even more attractive than usual for the reasons below.

This evening we have had a follow up meeting with our specialist about the consequences of a bone marrow transplant. I plan to read all I can on the subject shortly. In the meantime I shall repeat what we have been told. On the subject of donors, there are three options: a sybling, the donor bank or as a final resort, a parent. In principle a donor is always to be found from the first two alternatives. We have the potential advantage that Natasha's stem cells are available, since when she was born blood from her umblical cord was taken as a potential insurance policy for Kay. (Long story, for another time). We heard today that these cells are still available and there is enough volume for a transplant. Both Kay's cells and Natasha's stem cells will typed next week to see if they are compatible. I hope that we can make use of this (amazing) insurance policy.

On the subject of timing, at lot depends on details. If all goes well the transplant could be in 10 weeks. But this could be delayed depending on the availability of donor cells and further a MRD measurement. In either case we don't know how long the resultant delay would be.

On the subject of the transplant itself, preparation takes 10 days - a countdown to the transplant itself. Then recovery takes minimally 4-6 weeks. So we can expect to stay a minimum of 2 months in hospital if all goes well. Any infections mean that the stay will be extended. Once her system has recovered enough for her to leave hospital she will have to stay at home for 4-6 months. No school! This means that once the transplant takes place Kay will not return to school this school year.

The idea of two months in hospital means that every minute spent at home between now and then will be a valuable, treasured minute. Kay is already looking forward to her post-hospital bath tomorrow!