Update on my mom.

[96 GTS]

I posted a while ago that my mom had cancer, and I'm realizing I haven't updated anyone on chaz...

She went in for her first round of stem cell collection today. Basically she has a tube surgically implanted in her aorta that they connect to this big machine. Her heart pumps the blood through this machine and the machine collects stem cells from her bloodstream, and then the blood returns.

Anyway, they've been giving her this growth hormone to get her healthy bone marrow to produce more stem cells, and she's responded very well. They were hoping for at least 10 parts per million, and she has 95. The collection should hopefully go well.

After they're done collecting her stem cells, they start aggressive chemotherapy that basically kills all her bone marrow, and everything else really... After everything's all dead, they re implant these stem cells which regrow into new bone marrow.

So the chemotherapy will be next week's challenge, but for now, everything seems to be going well.

 

[Renee750il]

Thanks, Ryan . . . Good to hear that her count is that high The chemo is rough, but you'll get her through it. Give her our best and let her know she'll be in our thoughts!

 

[smkie]

Good vibes for successful treatment. SOunds like she is off to a good start!
(((((HUGS)))) for all your worries.

 

[bubbatd]

That sounds very hopeful ...... good vibes all the was around .

 

[96 GTS]

Yup! I went down and saw her last weekend, and she seemed in really high spirits. That's the most important part I think.

Sucky part is she's 100 miles away, so I can't see her as often as I'd like, but it is what it is I guess. She's at the best clinic in the country right now


Oh, by the way, I'm gonna shave my head when she gets hers shaved. If you're nice to me I just might take pics.

 

[Renee750il]

Bet you aren't as cute bald as Typh was though

 

[Baxter'smybaby]

glad to hear things are going well so far--so hard to be away from her I bet. I will keep you in my thoughts.

 

[MyHorseMyRules]

I'm happy things are going well! I'll keep sending vibes her way.

 

[96 GTS]

Okay, so I just got a call. Apparently they were hoping to collect 10 million stem cells total, that's a pretty standard amout that they shoot for. They collected 30 million stem cells for her today alone. She's done with the collection phase, and she has enough for 3 transplants should the need arise. I'm so shocked I don't even know what to say.

 

[Renee750il]

That is fantastic news, Ryan! Tell your mom she RAWKS!

 

[RedyreRottweilers]

Keeping you and your mom and family in thoughts for a SUPER outcome. Keep us posted!

 

[PWCorgi]

That's awesome news!!!

 

[Doberluv]

I'll be sending my best thoughts and wishes for her continued success. It sounds promising. I'm glad that she is in good spirits. I think that's very important.

 

[cinnamon]

Okay, so I just got a call. Apparently they were hoping to collect 10 million stem cells total, that's a pretty standard amout that they shoot for. They collected 30 million stem cells for her today alone. She's done with the collection phase, and she has enough for 3 transplants should the need arise. I'm so shocked I don't even know what to say.

It doesn't sound right saying "that's good news", but it is good to hear they were able to collect more than the standard amount.

Are you able to phone her as often as you like? Keep us updated.

 

[noludoru]

Okay, so I just got a call. Apparently they were hoping to collect 10 million stem cells total, that's a pretty standard amout that they shoot for. They collected 30 million stem cells for her today alone. She's done with the collection phase, and she has enough for 3 transplants should the need arise. I'm so shocked I don't even know what to say.

Ryan.. that's really awesome. Give her a hug for me...

 

[Saje]

I hadn't seen your earlier post about this! I'm glad things are going well for the circumstances. Sounds like your mom is a fighter and I'm glad she's in good spirits. I'll bet years from now she'll look back on this as a minor obstacle. (((hugs)))

 

[96 GTS]

Thanks for all the thoughts guys, I'll be sure to pass them on.

Oh, and yes, I can call her whenever, so that helps

 

[Buddy'sParents]

I'm glad things are going so well. ((HUGs))

 

[Barb04]

Glad to hear the good news. Keeping your mom in my thoughts.

 

[skittledoo]

Ryan that is so awesome. YAY!