Denys had a very challenging week! She was supposed to have her first stem
cell collection on Monday but the insurance company held it up unexpectedly
and she didn't know if and when they would approve it!!! She was very upset
of course! Healthcare in the U.S. really needs some serious help!!
At any rate, Denys finally received clearance to begin on Thursday so she
was in the hospital on an outpatient basis all day Thursday and Friday. The
collection was done in those two days. A new, larger port was installed in
her neck to collect the cells but it was removed after collection on Friday.
She was transfused with more blood and platelets and she also saw the
doctor.
The doctor indicates said that she is "off" for 10 days. She just has to
check into the hospital this coming Thursday for bloodwork. After the 10
days are up, the transplant will be done. Plenty of risks in that as you
know. If all goes well, Denys will go home in July for two months. Then the
procedure will begin again for the second transplant.
She has put on some weight and her spirits are a bit better than they have
been. Geneen, her friend who has been there for this past week, is leaving
tomorrow and Sonny, Denys' husband is coming in for a week. They will move
Denys, if necessary (there may be a chance of her being able to continue to
rent the little house she is in presently), and celebrate their anniversary
together. I am going back to Little Rock to be caregiver to my sister for the month of June . I am scared because she will have had the first Stem Cell Transplant and I don't want anything to go wrong.
Have a Happy Memorial Weekend!
Susan