Sunshine!

     The weather outside is transitioning from winter to spring and for that I'm so very grateful.  I love the blue skies, the spring rain, the feeling of sun on my face and the spring flowers coming up through the dirt after a long winter as life begins again.  Today as I was out in our backyard I looked over to see "popcorn" on our little apricot tree and interrupted the pair of ducks courting in our front yard.  I love the smell of flowers and the uniqueness that each flower brings. Spring is a wonderful season of transitioning. 

     Our lives are also changing and hopefully providing new life.  Because most people proceed directly from collection to transplant, we were a bit nervous that insurance would decline collection only, but we heard this week that they have approved collection and things are moving forward.  Collection will start late next week. 

       We're still learning about collection and will understand more after our consent appointment next week.  I thought however I'd try to share a bit about what it is.  There are two types of transplant, autologous (from Chris) and allogeneic (from a donor, usually a sibling).   In order to do to transplant they must first harvest stem cells.   Stem cells are the basic building block of many cells in the human body.  The collect these "baby" cells, then during transplant us a high dose of chemo that kills everything.   Shortly after they reintroduce these stem cells into his system in hopes that these new cells will develop correctly. 

      There are two overlapping parts to collection.   It starts with daily shots that will cause his body to overproduce stem cells, which can often cause bone pain as they kick into overdrive producing stem cells.  As described above stem cells then develop into other types of cells.  In the case of blood cells they will become red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Luckily stem cells are found in the blood as well as the bone marrow, and they will be collecting them from his blood.

      In a process very similar to dialysis (and likely plasma donation) called aspheresis they will temporarily remove blood from his body and filter out the stem cells and then return the blood.   The cells will then be taken to a lab, processed and then stored until transplant.   Most people tolerate it pretty well and there are usually very few complications. 

    So as we celebrate Easter this Sunday we are very grateful for the opportunity to be soon undergoing collection.   A break from chemo has been a wonderful blessing.   It has allowed Chris to continue to regain some of his strength.   He's had a bit more energy, and is in great spirits.  We both are still reveling in sleeping in bed, and also enjoying the luxury of a safe and relaxing shower.   We've enjoyed going out a couple times together for errands other than doctors appointments and driving around with the sun roof open.  May all of you enjoy this weekend and the coming spring weather.