Stem Cell Collection Day 1
Dear friends and family,
Stem cell collection day 1 is complete. Our day started out in slow motion. We arrived at 8:30 am and were told they were ready for Kate. However, due to an error in what was ordered for her accounts, we got bumped out of line. We never went for the procedure until 1:00. We tried to laugh and keep a positive attitude- but it was an incredibly long wait time.
The procedure to place the line in Kate's neck went well. Minimal discomfort from the line placement was an answered prayer request, evidenced by the fact that Kate opted for Tylenol for the pain rather than the morphine that was ordered.
The collection began at 4:00pm and ended at 8:oopm. This was an amazing process. In short the blood was drawn from a line in Kate's neck and went through the collection machime where a centrifuge separated the blood into 3 parts: plasma, RBC and WBC. The WBC are skimmed off the top of the RBC layer. The RBC and plasma are returned to Kate's body via the same line. The draw and return were simultaneous. Absolutely remarkable. The woman who did the collection was wonderful and very personable. She was very pleased with the collection and the color.
The collection has been sent across town and I am waiting for a call late tonight to tell us how many stem cells were actually collected out of the WBC. The goal is to collect 15 million stem cells. She said this a large amount and would not likely occur in one collection. We are anticipating the second collection about 8:oo am tomorrow (Friday).
Kate's platelet count going into the procedure today was 86- another answer to your prayers. Her stem cell count was a fantastic 12 today ! This really allowed for a nice, smooth collection. Now we wait and see how many stem cells were in the WBC collection. Post collection counts showed Kate's platelet have dropped back to 26- not a suprise, so she will recieve a platelet transfusion tonight. Right now she is getting an infusion of her Nupogen and then Lucine, both drugs to promote the production of WBC.
It's been a long but good day. I remain amazed at the grace and courage that God has placed in Kate. She is truly an amazing young lady!
Thank you to each of you for holding us close in your hearts and prayers thoughout this entire process. We have seen so many evidences this week of God's hand at work and answers to the prayers you have lifted on our behalf. Thank you in advance for carrying us in prayer though the days remaining in the collection process.
With a thankful heart,
Elaine
Stem cell collection day 1 is complete. Our day started out in slow motion. We arrived at 8:30 am and were told they were ready for Kate. However, due to an error in what was ordered for her accounts, we got bumped out of line. We never went for the procedure until 1:00. We tried to laugh and keep a positive attitude- but it was an incredibly long wait time.
The procedure to place the line in Kate's neck went well. Minimal discomfort from the line placement was an answered prayer request, evidenced by the fact that Kate opted for Tylenol for the pain rather than the morphine that was ordered.
The collection began at 4:00pm and ended at 8:oopm. This was an amazing process. In short the blood was drawn from a line in Kate's neck and went through the collection machime where a centrifuge separated the blood into 3 parts: plasma, RBC and WBC. The WBC are skimmed off the top of the RBC layer. The RBC and plasma are returned to Kate's body via the same line. The draw and return were simultaneous. Absolutely remarkable. The woman who did the collection was wonderful and very personable. She was very pleased with the collection and the color.
The collection has been sent across town and I am waiting for a call late tonight to tell us how many stem cells were actually collected out of the WBC. The goal is to collect 15 million stem cells. She said this a large amount and would not likely occur in one collection. We are anticipating the second collection about 8:oo am tomorrow (Friday).
Kate's platelet count going into the procedure today was 86- another answer to your prayers. Her stem cell count was a fantastic 12 today ! This really allowed for a nice, smooth collection. Now we wait and see how many stem cells were in the WBC collection. Post collection counts showed Kate's platelet have dropped back to 26- not a suprise, so she will recieve a platelet transfusion tonight. Right now she is getting an infusion of her Nupogen and then Lucine, both drugs to promote the production of WBC.
It's been a long but good day. I remain amazed at the grace and courage that God has placed in Kate. She is truly an amazing young lady!
Thank you to each of you for holding us close in your hearts and prayers thoughout this entire process. We have seen so many evidences this week of God's hand at work and answers to the prayers you have lifted on our behalf. Thank you in advance for carrying us in prayer though the days remaining in the collection process.
With a thankful heart,
Elaine
posted by Tracy @ 10:22 AM
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