I wanted to share a photo from a bone marrow drive at the end of November. Our friend Eddie, (who will always be a Pittsburgher even though he's now living in North Carolina) worked with Maria from CLLF and Pastor Elijah from Chinese Bible Church of N.C. to host a drive. We are so thankful to all three of them, as well as the church for their participation and prayers. If it weren't for all the people who are registering to be donors, Joe might still be searching for the right match.
Speaking of which...Joe's donor has officially been chosen, and the selection has been sealed! The winner is...the 21 year old female. Despite the initial doubts of the NMDP about her committment, she has been following through with all of her appointments. She was the ultimate winner because of her age, and because Joe's doctors prefer a PBSC donation to a bone marrow donation. (If you recall, the 37 year old male was only able to be a bone marrow donor.) Joe will be admitted to the hospital on January 3. That will be a tough day. Joe will be getting a bone marrow biopsy and a lumbar puncture. He'll also have a central line put in, and begin chemo. Joe will be given chemo for 5 days. On January 8th, Joe gets a "vacation day." At least from chemo. January 9th will be "Day 0" - transplant day. Meanwhile, Joe's donor will be getting five days of filgrastim injections. PBSC cells will be harvested on the 8th and the 9th. It won't be such a walk in the park for her either. We are SO grateful to her for doing this. Wow, everything is moving so fast.
Joe had his blood drawn today. Everything looks about the same. The good thing is that Joe still feels well, and there wasn't another drastic drop.
Thank you, thank you to everyone for being so loving and encouraging. As transplant day rolls near, and everything is actually being scheduled, we are realizing how real this is! Everyone has been amazing. Simply amazing.
Thank you to Mike & Amy, and Crystal for the fun gifts. You are each so sweet.
Thanks to mom and dad for the food! And thanks to Victor for playing with us and being such a great brother. (Awwwww...)
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
~Isaiah 9:6
3 comments:
You are right, it is real, and it is scary. But God knew this day would arrive even before He created either one of you and He will be the one to watch over you. Much love, Gretchen
Dear Karen & Joe,
I just phoned my family thru skype and they want me to let you know that they'll all pray for you for the important coming day. Of course, I'll pray everyday, too.
Wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Say "Hello!" to everybody!!!
Peichen
Hey . . . I recognize Eddie from PCC when I was in high school . . . that was a long time ago! Hi Eddie!
Glad to see you got some quality time with family & friends this past week, I hope it has energized you.
I will be praying for you, and keeping my fingers crossed and doing every other superstitious thing I can think of, that the transplant goes smoothly.
Happy New Year!
Jocelyn
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