The results of last week's biopsy show that Jeff is now in remission, which is exactly where we wanted him to be. The transplant process started today around 5 pm, with his first dose of busulfan. He'll receive 15 more doses over the next 4 days. They'll follow with 1 dose of cyclophosphamide on Christmas Eve, and one on Christmas Day, which will end the chemotherapy regimen and completely wipe out his immune system.
December 27th will be called Day Zero, and will consist of the transfusion of Mark's stem cells into Jeff's blood stream. This will also be around the time that Jeff starts to feel the unpleasant side-effects of the chemo. With any luck, he won't feel too horrible, and won't get any infections, but that is probably hoping for a little too much.
Some time around Day +14 to +17 post-transfusion, Mark's cells should be functioning inside of Jeff's body, and barring complications, he'll be discharged. In any case, our main goal is to get him out of the hospital before the baby makes an appearance. Because I'm 36 weeks along, the timing is a little tight. I really hope the baby isn't in any big hurry!
Mail can be sent to:
Hershey Medical Center
500 University Drive
Hershey, PA 17033
Attn: Jeff Eckert, Room 7220
1 comment:
Yay! I get to write the 1st comment! If 12.27 is day 0 for Jeff, then day 17 is 1.13.08. Einstein's official due date is 1.16.08. Yipes! Einstein gets to visit a Hershey doctor tomorrow. We'll see what that brings.
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