DOT +1- post from Mom

DOT +1 (yippee... we are in the positive!)

Hey all...it's Mom...words cannot express the emotions I have felt over the past week.  I am so grateful that Patrick has the opportunity to get rid of this disease that has been "a thorn in his side" since birth. I just wish my mom and dad were here to experience this miracle! 

Today was a very quiet day. Patrick and I went to the clinic at 8:00 and were out of there by 11:15. Patrick's blood counts are starting to drop which is a very good sign that the chemo is getting 'er done! His white count was 7 yesterday and 3.3 today. Patrick spent the afternoon watching television and enjoying visits with Aunt Derry and cousin Detgen. Thank you for visiting!!

Many people have been asking if Patrick is having a bone marrow or stem cell transplant. Both terms are used interchangeably, but the important thing to remember is that ALL transplants are technically stem cell because it is immature blood stem cells that are used. They may, however, be taken from either the bone marrow or circulating blood.

We are ready to take the next step in this process which may be quite a roller coaster! During the next several days, Patrick's counts will drop very low which means his own white cells are literally being wiped out which will wear him out!!  In the meantime, the donor cells will grow and hopefully graft in the next 2-3 weeks. During this waiting time, blood and platelet transfusions are expected to be needed. Risk of infection is very high and will be closely monitored. We wash our hands and use hand sanitizer very frequently! One of Patrick's nurses says she has washed her hands so much she has taken her fingerprints off... ha! 

Taylor, Bennett and John came over tonight and we cooked steaks. Patrick opted for a pizza but having the company was so nice, because me asking Patrick how he is feeling is getting old very fast! Dad Dan returns from his work trip tomorrow afternoon, Patrick can't wait to see him so they can talk football which I am just not good at doing! Dan's mom, Pat, has been visiting the past few days and will head home tomorrow. 

Thank you thank you for all the love and support you all have given these past several days. Your support is making this process much easier. Lets pray that the donor cells like their new home! xoxo