Update 2023-0902

Evaluation for Transplant

Greetings Dear Ones,

It’s been just more than three weeks since we arrived in the care of the Aqua Transplant Team. Thursday we had our “Data Review Meeting” in which we, um, reviewed all the data.

Spoiler Alert: We are moving forward to the next phase of the treatment.

There have been many appointments and tests and procedures! Every organ and system in my body has been accessed and assessed. There is only a small asterisk next to “cardiology.” A visit to the heart doc happens next week to determine the safest way forward.

We had a “dress (stress) rehearsal“ of sorts with a midnight run by ambulance to the UW Emergency Department a few days ago. It turns out that I’m allergic to the contrast material that was used for a Chest MRI. My reaction was severe and concerning to all. We were glad to have a quick resolution and only be in the hospital for 12 hours. Five days of prednisone (grrrhh, not a user friendly drug) and a few days of hydrating like crazy took care of everything.

There is more information online for those who like more details or further insights.

Readiness Evaluation

We are nearing the top of the rollercoaster and ready for the dizzying ride ahead. We will start Stem Cell Mobilization next week and the Stem Cell Transplant will likely happen in the last half of the month. We don’t use ink when noting treatment dates any more. Jackie and I have learned too well that anything can happen along the way and being nimble is a sanity strategy.

Jackie and I have done all we can do to be prepared. We are confident and ready to “git ‘er done.” Some days are really good. Some days must be called a “Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.”

Gratitude is still a driving factor for Team Rose. More than 200 days I’ve selected and posted an image that bring me joy and lifts my soul (no explanation) on FaceBook and behind the Joy tab on my SubStack. It’s a visual gratitude list. A huge source of the thankfulness Jackie and I feel comes from the loving kindness being expressed by all of you. We are constantly surrounded in caring. Thank you for being with us during this extraordinary time and always.

May you stay safe, be well, love much and be loved, and have a life of ease.  💕

With all our love,
Mary & Jackie