We had our family meeting with the doctor and staff this afternoon. I signed all the consent forms, heard all the scary stuff again, and I'm going into the hospital tomorrow to begin the strong chemo that will wipe out my immune system. I didn't expect to go in so soon, and it was a shock. I wanted to be able to be with Johnnie while she did the neupogen shots and had her stem cells collected, but that won't be possible now. I'll get Busulfan twice a day for the first two days, and Fludaribine for five or six days (I'm confused on that). Both start tomorrow. Then I'll have a day with no chemo ( a rest day), and then on Wednesday, Dec. 7, they will do the transplant. (Another new birthday).
Johnnie will start the neupogen shots this Friday, they will collect cells from her on Monday and Tuesday, and give the fresh cells they collect on Tuesday to me on Wednesday. Anyway, that's the plan.
Please pray for us. Pray that the cell collection goes without problems for Johnnie, that my body will accept her cells and not reject them, and that her cells will not see as my body as a foreign object and attack me. We want her "super cells" to just find their place in my bone marrow and start building me a whole new immune system. My doctor said that if everything works as it should I will be a chimera, with my body and Johnnie's immune system. So strange and wonderful what they can do!
The chemo will cause the usual side effects, but things probably won't be bad until a week or so after the transplant. Not looking forward to those two or three weeks.
He warned me again that my age and history of radiation and chemo puts me at a higher risk for failure, but I am putting all my trust in God. I have so much to live for and I am determined to fight with all my might, so I'm asking for a miracle. I want to be cured of this cancer and see my grandchildren grow up.
Thank you for your prayers. I'll offer up my sufferings for all of you, family and friends.
(PS: I'll take my computer with me; don't know how much I'll be able to post).
8 comments:
Hi! The pic of Reece sleeping with his hands tucked up like angel wings is precious. He has such a gentle soul.
Love and Hope and lots of prayers,
Kelly
prayers and hugs for you Kalona. I am also praying for a miracle.
Oh, Kalona. I don't know what to say this morning knowing that you step out on such an uncertain path. Your situation lies heavy on my heart and I will offer up my petty problems for you as sacrifice. I love you and am praying for your miracle.
Just seeing this this morning. You know that you have been in our prayers this whole time, and you will remain in our prayers until you tell us otherwise, and probably even after that :) But will add all of these intentions also :) When Tom was in Wichita at St. Francis, I went into the chapel there, it is hidden in the middle of the St. Francis hospital campus, this little church, beautiful thing, encased by this huge modern hospital. I went in and lit a candle for you. They have literally hundreds of relics in cases, hanging on the walls there, so am thinking all of those saints, who we asked to intercede, are still interceding on your behalf :) It's a beautiful place, I wish you could see it. Praying for you and for healing and for a miracle, for Johnny and her health, and for your Mom and the entire family, including those beautiful grandkids of yours :) Much love sent to you today as you start this journey. Wish I were closer, don't know what I could do, but would certainly give you hugs :) Let us know how you come along.
Jennifer
I haven't commented much lately, but I want you to know I'm still praying for you . . . and I think of you all the time! Aloha, and many blessings!
Sharon, Sending you love and hugs from me and Mom. Praying always and thanking God for your wonderful fighting spirit and constant faith.
I'm here ... holding you & Johnnie in my prayers. I love you!
AND
Thanks to you faithful friends who pray for Sharon & our family .. Bless you!
Thank you all, sweet family and friends.
Kel, I love that picture of Reece, too. I know I can always count on you, for prayers and everything else!
Therese, I appreciate your hugs and prayers; I know that you have a lot going on with your own family. Thank you.
Linda, you said exactly the right thing. Your problems are not petty, and I am also praying for peace and comfort for your heart right now.
Jennifer, thank you for continuing to pray for me. My sister Johnnie works near St. Francis, and knows the chapel well. She has been to Mass there, and she also said how beautiful it is. Someday I will go to see it, and remember you praying for me there. Thank you.
Sarah, thank you also for your continued prayers. It's hard to keep up with commenting on all the blogs we read, so never worry about that. I appreciate your friendship and prayers.
Sandi, I never doubt for one second that you are here, reading and praying for us. Thank you for alway being faithful. Give Mom hugs for me, and tell her that I love her.
Praying for you Sharon!!
Plesae have Ronkeep us posted if he can.
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