Beginning the Chemotherapy

9-5-11

Happy Labor Day.

This is the first post-donation update on my brother’s stem cell transplant.  It is important to understand that stem cell transplants, which offer the only real cure for myelofibrosis, are not possible for everyone having the disorder.  It is a very intense treatment and many patients are not physically strong enough to go through the procedure.  Fortunately, Paul is one of those who is young enough and strong enough.

After the donor stem cells are gathered, which occurred last week, the next step is to kill off the diseased bone marrow using chemotherapy.  Paul received a test dose of chemotherapy on Friday, and then was permitted to go home for the long weekend.  Tomorrow morning he will be admitted to MD Anderson Cancer Center as an in-patient.  He will remain in the hospital for the next month or more.  On Wednesday, the chemotherapy will begin in earnest, continuing through Saturday.  Next Sunday his body will be given a day of rest, followed by the transplant of the stem cells one week from today.  For the next few weeks he most definitely can use all the prayers, Reiki, good thoughts and good energy he can get.