Tag Archives: myelofibrosis

Transplant Update 9-19-11 This seems like a good time to update Paul’s progress for several reasons.  First, he received the stem cell transplant one week ago.  Next, I attended a high school reunion last weekend and several people asked about him.  Finally, Paul is entering another very important phase of the process. Before getting to the update, letContinue reading “Transplant Update”

Transplant Completed 9-12-11 My brother has completed the chemotherapy, waited 48 hours for the drugs to leave his system and has actually received the stem cell transplant.  The proceure itself was uneventful.  The stem cells collected when I was in Houston had been frozen and stored until today when they were thawed and transplanted intoContinue reading “Transplant Completed”

Stem cell donation – One Week Later 9-6-11 As I said previously, the only thing that matters about my stem cell donation is whether the transplant my brother will receive next week is successful.  Still, some folks have been kind enough to ask how I am feeling a week after the harvesting process was completed.  ThankContinue reading “Stem Cell Donation – One Week Later”

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 notContinue reading “Beginning the Chemotherapy”

Stem Cell Donation – Day 10 8-31-11 Six point one million. For my brother’s stem cell transplant, at least 4,000,000 cells were needed.  Over the two days of apheresis, 6,100,000 were collected.  The bone pain from taking the Neupogen is worse today than it has been any other day, but I don’t care.  I accomplishedContinue reading “Stem Cell Donation – Day 10”

Stem Cell Donation – Day 9 8-30-11 At least 4 million stem cells are needed for the transplant.  I returned to the apheresis unit this morning to see if we made that goal yesterday.  The total was 3.26 million.  So, I had to take two more Neupogen shots and give some more blood. I learned thatContinue reading “Stem Cell Donation – Day 9”

Stem Cell Donation – Day 7 8-28-11 I had a bit of a surprise while attending church this morning.  The pastor mentioned to the congregation that my brother was going into the hospital and stated that I was present and was going to serve as the donor for a liver (!) transplant.  I don’t think I’m preparedContinue reading “Stem Cell Donation – Day 7”

Stem Cell Donation – Day 6 8-27-11 This is the second day of Neupogen injections, so I hope I am half finished with them.  My brother’s insurance company hopes so, too.  The prescription I received yesterday gave me enough Neupogen for four days.  The cost was $3,499.56, all of which was paid for by theContinue reading “Stem Cell Donation – Day 6”

Stem Cell Donation – Day 5 8-26-11 If you are reading this because you are going to be a stem cell donor, the summaries for the next few days should be of interest.  Today I started my Neupogen injections. Neupogen is a brand name for a type of drug known as Filgrastim.  It has beenContinue reading “Stem Cell Donation – Day 5”

Stem Cell Donation – Day 4 8-25-11 Because of the cardiology diversion yesterday, the medical appointments originally scheduled for today were moved to tomorrow.  I used this unanticipated free day to run four miles before it got too hot, do some work and spend some time sightseeing.  We also moved. Let me briefly mention the weather. Continue reading “Stem Cell Donation – Day 4”