Discharge Approaching :-)

After a couple stressful weeks post transplant, Kancho is regaining strength! He is taking daily walks around the unit and laughed at the magician that came by patient rooms yesterday. His blood counts are recovering which is confirmation that Engraphment has occurred. This means we have achieved one of the two markers that indicate the transplant was a success. The second will not come until his post-transplant PET scan in May, which we are confident will show remission. The doctors advise us not to throw any BIG parties until Kancho has clear PET scans for the next 2 years as indication of his CURE. Given the nature of his type of cancer, Kancho will need to get quarterly PET scans to watch for relapse indicators.

Kylee and I will be moving from Raleigh into an apartment close to the hospital this weekend in anticipation of Kancho's discharge (could be as early as this Sunday)! He will be required to attend daily clinic appointments here following discharge to make sure his body is strong enough to return home. Once we return home, he will be followed by our NEMC oncologist.

God Bless,

Ali, Kancho and Kylee

Transplant Complete :-)

Kancho did very well during his two transplant sessions on 2/11 & 2/12. We now wait for the transplanted stem cells to be recognized by Kancho's body resulting in Engraphment. This is one of two things that must take place for the transplant to be a success. It has been especially difficult for Kancho not having physical contact with Kylee, but they have been able to communicate daily via Skype. The next 12 days will be the most trying for Kancho with the likelihood of infection resulting in discomfort. I know he will pull through like a champ!
I am so very proud of him :-)

God Bless,
Ali, Kancho and Kylee

Admitted for Stem Cell Transplant !!!!!

We have enjoyed our time with Kancho's mom, sister and brother-in-law during our visit home.

Kylee's class threw a going away party for Kancho and Kylee before we left town abruptly on 2/4/10. We received the call that a bed had become available on the transplant unit and Kancho was next up on the wait list to be admitted. He is settled in now (room 4837), but is labeled "isolation protective" as he receives the chemo leading up to his transplant on 2/11/10. I am posting tonight as we watch the Super Bowl together in his room. We have been trying to set up Skye so Kylee and Kancho can see and talk to each other while he is hospitalized.

I will update again as I am able over the next couple weeks. Keep the positive thoughts and prayers coming!

Luv,

Ali, Kancho and Kylee