Road to a BMT... oops just got there (Day+14)

[NMMP]

Hello all,

GREAT NEWS!

The Dr. just confirmed that engraftment began - Mark's neutrophils jumped from .06 to 1.12 overnight.....this BIG jump confirms engraftment has started. His platelets have doubled in count for the past couple of days and all other counts are climbing in the right direction.

We understand this is a HUGE and 1st milestone in this 2 year process - but after the last week we will celebrate the victories which give us the courage and strength to continue.

He is currently in isolation because he caught a viral infection and a CT of the chest showed that the infection is not in his lungs. The Team feels that the infection will remain in the sinuses and antibiotics will clear it up.

He is still really struggling with nausea, exhaustion and headaches - the isolation is very restricting and he is restless and ready to break out of this place. He is also struggling to keep any food down and has no appetite. Hopefully he will start to feel a little better in the next couple of days.

We are giddy with excitement!!

Take Care,

NMMP

[sumok]

terrific news! thanks for sharing!

please pass best wishes on to Mark and save some for yourself.

do take care of yourself too (((hug)))!

[cllady01 Former Volunteer]

Such good news, and will continue to hold you two in spirit as your journey continues.

[Newdawn Administrator]

This is such fantastic news and indicates things are progressing very nicely! It must be so tough for Mark being in isolation with the virus but it’s great to know you’re supporting so brilliantly. Hope we can support you in return.

Huge best wishes,

Newdawn

[NMMP in reply to Newdawn]

thank you newdawn - the support I receive from this group is overwhelming, can't thank you enough!!

[fell]

Wow! Amazing news 😊🙏😊

[Hoffy]

Great!!

[MsChief]

Is he on IV fluids? He needs to be very well hydrated to recover. He needs more than antibiotics for his sinuses. Get an ENT specialist as well as an infectious disease specialist in there to consult pronto. Best wishes.

[NMMP in reply to MsChief]

Hi MsChief,

Yes he is on IV fluids and has been since transplant and also infection control has been involved and has come to asses Mark daily.

Really appreciate the advise.

NMMP

[sandybeaches in reply to MsChief]

A team of transplant specialists would be working with Mark. They will have extensive experience treating patients.

Sandy Beaches

[NMMP in reply to sandybeaches]

Yes you are correct the transplant team has been exceptional - the Dr. could not stop smiling when he came to tell us the great news.

[MsLockYourPosts Passed Volunteer]

One step at a time. Celebrate all of the victories - big and seemingly little. Each step forward is BIG!

[Sallyurnotal]

Great news. The journey may be long but the end is great! May your days continue to improve

[sandybeaches]

I was so excited to hear that the bmt is starting to work! It's great news. I hope that things continue to improve in such a positive vein. Hopefully that sinus infection will get under control in the next day or so. Isolation is very difficult for patients, so if need be, take one hour at a time.

All the best,

Sandy Beaches

[cartwheels]

Send mark all our support thanks for updating

[nvp815]

Congratulations on this huge step forward. Wishing Mark further improvement each day and wishing you continued strength in your role as caregiver, as it can be an exhausting and difficult journey as well.

Best wishes for an excellent outcome!!

Nan

[pkpayne]

What great news for both of you! May it long continue and keep getting better!

Paula

[Ladydi49]

Excellent news and continued best wishes...let Mark know that we are keeping him in our thoughts and prayers...I'm 11 years with CLL and still on watch and wait. It's good to know there are options with this disease should the need arise.

[GMa27]

Yay!! So good to hear the update!!