Hi everybody!!

It’s about 3.30 p.m. on Friday afternoon…

After her early morning dialysis treatment the stem cell transplant was underway about 1 p.m.  Candidly, for being the “main event”, it was somewhat underwhelming.  About 2.94 million stem cells (previously harvested from her body then frozen) were thawed in a water bath to attain body temperature.  Two bags were then “dripped” into her system…the process took about 30 minutes.

On the lighter side, Irene will smell like “spaghettios” for about 2 days… it’s a by-product of the preservative used for the stem cells.

For the next 24 hours her stem cells will be making their way back to the bone marrow…. the nurse explained that the stem cells know how to find where they belong - similar to a “homing device”...

Irene is resting comfortably and very much appreciates everyone’s support.  Hopefully in the next day or two she will get a private room for the balance of her hospital recovery which will help her rest more comfortably and be less likely to be exposed to infection. 

The next two to three weeks are critical.  That’s when her immune system will be most vulnerable and the ability to fight infection at its highest risk.  Please pray that she will stay healthy and get stronger every day…

Stay tuned….
Dave