Thursday, November 12, 2009

The Plan

My Mom went up and took a look at one of the transplant rooms today. With a little bit of frill and a whole lot of pink; I think we can handle it :)

Ceci vs. Decitabine round two. It's Thursday, November 12th. It's the fourth day I have had Decitabine this week, or how I like to think of it, the second to last day I'm getting Decitabine. This second course has made me very sluggish, extremely tired, and things bother me easily. It seems to be harder on me than the last course. However; I have some great news to share. I will be admitted to PCH to start the transplant December 14th or 15th, 2009. Dr. Adams is leaning towards a stem cell transplant versus bone marrow. The process only differs in the way that it is extracted from the donor. Having a stem cell transplant leaves a shorter window for infection. However; it also poses a bigger threat of graft vs hosts disease. Dr. Adams, Dr. Etzl, and all of their colleagues have weighed all of the risks and benefits. Although it is a tentative date, I am ecstatic. It seems like a long way away. Well, let's be honest, it is a long way away. But to have a date feels like such a big leap.

Here's the tentative plan. However; we have all learned they are very capable of changing them. November 23 and 24th, Ryan and I will undergo our pre transplant workups. My second 10/1o match, Allan, is ready if need be. On December 7th, another biopsy will be performed to check my blast count. On December 14th or 15th, I will be admitted to PCH. I will recieve six days of in-patient chemotherapy. They will give me 48-72 hours rest. They leave this time period open to give the chemotherapy enough time to leave my system. They don't want to put the new stem cells in to find that the chemotherapy destroyed it. Good thing they think this through. I'll get the stem cells and then proceed to wait for it to engraft. Give or take a day, I could actually get the stem cells on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. That would officially be the best Christmas present ever. Okay, back to the actual present, tomorrow is my last day of Decitabine! Although it has been nice having somewhere to go everyday; I am ready for Decitabine to end. I couldn't have said it better than Miley, "Ain't about how fast I get there, ain't about what's waiting on the other side. It's the climb.".

8 comments:

  1. Oh yes!!! That room could use some spunk...well..you're just the girl for the job right?? :) I know it's been hard Ceci, but you are ready!!! Keep on smiling, and we'll keep praying and cheering you on from the sidelines. Mind over matter right...healing begins with loving, living and giving..all of which you do daily!!! Thanks for the update and keep smiling that beautiful smile. We love you Ceci!

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  2. Sweet Girl, What alot of information! You know we don't have that much knowledge about it; however if you, your mom & Dad and the Dr's have all researched it, it's going to be good.!!!!!! Words of wisdom today: "Life is a voyage in which we choose neither vessel nor weather, but much can be done in the management of the sails and the guidance of the helm." I can't remember, have we told you today that we love you sooooo much.....

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  3. it looks great I can't believe ya have date now. I know one hting all with be fine. just from my first try six days after i got 64 with 37 last week

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  4. Hi Ceci,

    I am extremely confident that you will have the "best Christmas present ever"..remember, the Bible says, "I can do all things through Christ Jesus, who strengthens me"...
    Continue to be strong in faith...

    Mr. Lynch

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  5. Hey Ceci!

    The Arnett 6th grade class was thrilled to see you have a tentative transplant date!! We are so excited for you!!

    As of last night, every 6th grader had received their very own personal letter from you! They were surprised that you would take the time to write them individually, and once again were very impressed with amazing person that you are!

    So keep climbing! We're all behind you!

    Love,
    Miss Holloway & the Arnett 6th Grade Class

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  6. You and your strength continue to amaze me! What a special person you are!

    ~Mrs. Bray

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  7. I am thrilled to hear that you have a transplant date! What a great Christmas present. Your climb continues and we are all with you in that climb Ceci. I think about you all the time and send warm thoughts and prayers your way. Stay strong and fight the fight. Can't wait to be able to see you soon.

    Kindra

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  8. Hi Ceci, just want to thank you for the great information--just amazing--we are ALL learning so much. Mostly though, you are teaching so many about faith, climbing and never giving up. Much love, Kathy & Rexie

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