Update 2023-0914
Lots of cells!
Greetings Dear Ones,
I asked for help and a heart-warming amount of stem cell-focused support ushered in the hoped for result. The goal was to harvest enough stem cells for two transplants— that’s eight to ten million stem cells.
We harvested 23 million stem cells!1
Yes, that is more than needed for four transplants. The docs will figure out how to divvy out the counts, but it is for sure we’ll be putting a lot of cells on ice should they be needed in the future. I wish I could donate some of the excess cells for some good purpose.
Now both Jackie and I rest for a few days. Oh, there are still daily trips to the clinic for blood tests and appointments, but otherwise we are resting after what was a more tiring effort than expected. When I consider the paces we just put my body through and look at my blood counts now, it’s no wonder I’m exhausted. The difficult fluctuations are all expectable — after all, we’ve been messing with the makeup of my blood for months.
The Aqua Team is watching closely and keeping me safe with additions of magnesium, calcium, potassium and other elements that are getting out of whack. Soon they will not only be my external hypothalamus2, they will also function as my surrogate immune system as they watch for signs of new infection or the resurfacing viruses from yesteryear.
That is the very good news for now. If you are curious for more details about the Aphaeresis Stem Cell Harvest, it’s all on SubStack.
Aphaeresis Stem Cell Harvest
For the three days prior to the stem cell harvest, I was given G-CSF growth factor injections every 12 hours. This was to stimulate Stem Cell Mobilization to coax out the number of stem cells needed for the transplant. Beginning the aphaeresis process
Jackie and I continue to feel gratitude for having so many wonderful people being with us on this quest to turn a life-threatening cancer into a chronic illness.
May you stay safe, be well, love much and be loved, and have a life of ease. 💕
With all our love,
Mary & Jackie
Why yes, 23 is Mary’s favorite number.
The hypothalamus is a structure deep in the brain that functions as the body’s smart control coordinating center. Its primary function is to keep the body in a stable state called homeostasis. It does its job by directly influencing the autonomic nervous system or by managing hormones.
Big yay for the awesome news--an impressive 23 MILLION stem cells!! Hope a few well-earned days of "rest" will be restorative. Hugs to you both & ongoing sparkles. <3
Dear Mary, you must be absolutely exhausted and both of you doubly elated that the stem cell harvest was a success. The collective of all your friends and family blowing dandelion seeds for a stem cell tsunami was very impressive. I love the visualization of the Aqua team being your external hypothalamus. You both deserve solitude & rest. Love from Europe! J&A