In addition, you can click the next link to view a map of the journey from Day 0 (the date of transplant) and beyond. Although there are some differences, this link gives a pretty good overview. Currently, we're in the Day -30 timeframe. As you read, replace 'Kohl's House' in your mind with 'Ronald McDonald House or Relatives'.
In case you're wondering which kind of transplant he will be receiving, Tom's process will be an autologous stem cell transplant; he'll be getting back his own stem cells that were harvested in July of 2009, which will significantly reduce the potential complications.
Wednesday morning Tom goes for a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy at the Pasqua Hospital. He will be under general anaesthetic for the procedure. They will take a sample of bone/tissue and then use a syringe to draw a sample of the bone marrow liquid. This will help the team assess the current health of his bone marrow. We likely won't get these results back until early next week.
Sometime this coming weekend we'll set out (depending on when I get the laundry all caught up!) and Mike, Tom and I will head to Calgary. Our girls - Laura, Jeanine, Nancy and Neesha - will hold down the fort here at home. They've made up a schedule for cooking, cleaning and taking Neesha for walks, and we know that lots of our friends and neighbours will check in/help out if need be - so we aren't too worried. Plus, Mike says "We have insurance for a reason!".
I have a specific favour to ask: can you mark the following dates on your calendar and think positive thoughts, pray or meditate on everything going well?
04 May: Bone Marrow Biopsy and Aspirate
11 May: PET/CT Scan in Calgary
14 May: Beginning of Chemo
21 May: Stem Cell Transplant Day
Of course, these dates may be subject to change, so I'll update the calendar at the top of the blog if they do.
Please don't underestimate how important your well wishes and prayers are - we have no doubt that they have played a key role in keeping Tom strong throughout this process! Please pray for his body, mind and soul continue to be protected and strenghtened.
In Calgary, we will have internet, email and cell phone access, so we'll be able to update the blog, send and receive messages - so please stay in touch! It will be a long 3 months without contact from our friends. If you're going through Calgary, let us know.
On a lighter note, and with heartfelt apologies to Boston...here's what the Fab Four are up to tonight:
(double click to view some Guitar Hero Band World Tour Video - of course Laura thought it was a great excuse to dress up in some 80's retro-wear!)
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| Double Click to Play - From 2010-05-04 Rockin Out - The Video |
P.S. Laura really is a much better singer than this video might otherwise indicate! Honest!
