Sorry for the long hiatus. Things have been much the same since our last
posting. Gloria's blood counts have recovered to a safer level, so we
are breathing a collective sigh of relief. Once again, she escaped the
dreaded "fever" that indicates infection. The big news is that a date
has been set for bone marrow transplant (more accurately, stem cell
transplant). Admission to The James
Is scheduled for December 4 with actual transplant (infusion) of donor
stem cells to take place on December 11. We will post more detail about
the process later.
In the meantime, Gloria and Sidney will spend this Thursday and Friday
in Columbus to receive information and extensive testing. Although
Gloria is quite healthy, multiple sessions of chemotherapy through a
central line can result in damage to organs, particularly the heart and
kidneys. We are optimistic that she has escaped any real damage as she
has no symptoms and feels well. She will undergo another bone marrow
biopsy, described by her as "not much fun." This will show whether or
not she is still in remission and a candidate for the transplant. At the
same time, somewhere in the world, a very generous person, known by us
only as "the donor," is being tested to make sure that no hepatitis or
other disease that could be transmitted exists. We won't know the
results of donor testing until November 26. Fingers crossed!
This has already been a long journey, and we are all so appreciative of
the steadfast support and love we continue to receive from friends and
family. We still have a long way to go, but with your help, we'll get
there.
Love,
Karen, Rebecca, Sidney, and Gloria
This is wonderful news! I'm so pleased to hear you are feeling better and have the transplant scheduled. Now we can all focus our energies and prayers toward that date and successful transfer of healthy marrow from the generous donor. Are there any better souls that walk the earth than people who give part of themselves so others can live? God bless 'em! And God bless you, Gloria, and your wonderful team as you get ready for this next big step. I am with you in spirit and prayer.
ReplyDeleteI too will keep my fingers crossed for great news about the bone marrow! Well, this is it....stay strong, Gloria! We're all still here for you and thinking about you and praying for you daily if not hourly. A big hug and much love to you...and your team!
ReplyDeleteSo glad for the update! We will all be anxiously awaiting your results. And so glad you are feeling well. I will be sending well wishes your way as well as thankfullness for the "donor".
ReplyDeleteThinking of you often,
Keri
Gloria, this Thanksgiving I will be thankful to have you as a cherished friend... and will also be thankful for "the donor" and Team Gloria. Stay strong and healthy, my friend! Love - dave
ReplyDeleteHello Glow, I am happy to hear news of your progress. It sounds like things are moving in the right direction. That is wonderful that you found a donor! I think about you often, wishing that I could do something. I can only imagine how difficult this is for you & your loving team. Please know that we think about you all the time with love & prayers. Andy
ReplyDeleteI was just thinking about things I am thankful for this year... One of them is YOU! Thank you for mentoring me- trusting that I could do this "teaching nursing thing"- even when i had doubts- and imparting your vision for what could be- even when i did not see it. You have made a difference in my life
ReplyDeleteSharon
OK ... maybe a little Pinot Noir ... just a little bit.. would make that damn biopsy hurt go away. Thinking of you all this weekend and hoping you were able to put away some turkey and gravy ... and maybe a little oyster stuffing. You and your darling family are in our hearts every day. Love you, hug you! BB & Les
ReplyDeleteAlways thinking about you. Thankful that there is a good donor and that things are moving forward. FL FL FL FL
ReplyDelete