March 27, 2008 - Lock and Load

They got the remainder of Troy's stem cells Wednesday morning - something like 4.5 million. So he has plenty of stem cells for two transplants if needed!

The next step is to knock out his immune system with a high dose of chemo on Monday and then infuse his stem cells on Wednesday! The recovery is underway and he is EXCITED about moving on to the next level - getting that MM out of his body!

Thank you Easter Bunny! Bawk Bawk!

It's harvesting time!

I hope that you have overalls and a pitchfork, because it's time to harvest! Okay, maybe that would be more appropriate for, say, corn or soybeans, but instead we're harvesting stem cells. The Neupogen worked wonderfully and stimulated lots and lots of cells. The wonderful staff at Northside started harvesting today around 9 A.M. and collected over half of what Troy will need for his transplants. His collection goal is 10 million cells total, and today they collected 6.09 million. (I bet Troy busted many a curve in school. Overachiever. ) There will be more collecting tomorrow out of his "udder" (as he calls his port) and then it's on to another round of chemotherapy, after which, the collected cells will be infused back into his system. Troy sounds upbeat and positive, and it definitely looking forward to tomorrow.

If you haven't made your travel plans for spring break, I know a great place to visit! All of the cool kids aren't going to St. Barts or Daytona or Gulf Shores; instead, the place to be and be seen is the donation room at Atlanta Blood Services! I'm signing up for my movie and cookies, and I'll report back to let you know how easy and painless it is.