The Plan....

The last infusions went without a hitch. The chemo was there on time and the nurses apologized repeatedly for the day prior even though it was not in their control. Both sessions had nurses familiar with Florence and Brittney had even worked with Florence on 5C. Sara cared for her this evening and it was kind of appropriate for her to do the last consolidation since she also gave the first consolidation infusion.

The PM infusions were on 7C the last 2 nights. The nurses she had Karen, Sara, Brittney, and the CNA’s were great as always.

We managed to watch the 1st half of the DUCKS CRUSHING Michigan while at the clinic. We caught the last of the game at the RV Park. GO DUCKS…………

We attended a required transplant class on Wednesday and have been able to talk with members of the transplant team about what is in the future. So the plan is still to come home tomorrow after picking up meds and then watch blood counts. On the 14th Florence will have her arm PICC line changed to a larger central line that will exit her chest just below the right collar bone. This is needed to harvest the stem cells for her transplant.

So, next week when the stem cell count in her blood gets high enough, she will go back to the clinic for harvest (stem cell collection). That is expected to take 1 to 3 days. Question will be where to stay. They will then add a little DMSO to the stem cells and freeze them unit transplant time.

We will again return in October for harsh chemo to open up the marrow so the transplanted stem cells will have a place to graft. That chemo takes about a week and the once frozen stem cells will transplant after a couple of days; then, a stay in OHSU while the stem cells take hold and blood counts come up. After 2-3 weeks we should be back in the RV Park for 2 additional weeks with frequent clinic visits.

Now as for the rodents….

They are watching…


Just look at those beady eyes….


They can’t be trusted….....

Until we return to Albany and keep the good vibes and prayers coming….. Larry

Stats from 09/08 labs…
White Cells 3600 (4500 - 11000)
Neutrophil 3.5 (1.8 – 7.7)
Red Cells 2.99 (4 - 5.2)
Platelets 87 (150 - 400)