Yes, Another Birthday!

Deann had the second of her tandem transplants today, so it was another birthday celebration. She is doing fine....going a little stir crazy being confined to her hospital room, but that means she still feels good. Her blood counts haven’t dropped yet, so she is able to dine on the outstanding hospital cuisine, although she doesn’t seem to have a full appreciation for the house specialty, crusty Jell-O.
It’s old home week for Deann. Three plus years ago she was in the room next door having her first transplant. There are still a few of the same docs and nurses here and they have all come by to visit her. She’s even made some new friends. One is her attending doctor, Dr. Sauna. He’s a Middle Eastern fellow, maybe Indian, with a pretty heavy accent. Deann asked him how to pronounce his name and he said just like it sounds in English. She explained she was pretty bad remembering names but with that tip, she was sure to remember his. Sure enough as he made his rounds the next day and was leaving Deann said, “See you later Dr. Spa”. No wonder they remember her so well around here!

Round 2

After a few setbacks, the clinic queen is into round 2 of her transplant treatment. Last week, docs reviewed the results of the first transplant & were encouraged by the results. It had knocked the hell out of those bad cancer cells, but as we now know, she really needs a second transplant to improve the period of remission. Problem with the first transplant was she had to go on oxygen to assist her breathing and has been on it ever since. There was concern that a second round of treatment would further compromise her breathing. As Dr. Tricott put it, “We don’t want to kill you in the process of curing your cancer” (Hard to argue with that!) So, after consultation with pulmonary specialists, much praying, introspection, angst, etc., we’ve decided to move forward. Deann is so strong in her determination to get through the treatment with the best possible results, that it left little doubt this course of action is the way to go. She will need to be hospitalized for this one and will be closely monitored. In fact, she went into the hospital today and was treated to a big shot of chemo to get things going! She’ll get another on Monday, followed by the transplant on Tuesday. After that, we’ll wait for engraftment, usually in another 10-12 days. The clinic queen needs your positive thoughts and prayers again to help her get through this one....and she knows she can count on them!