Transplant Information.

We have had many questions about the transplant so if you are interested I will TRY to answer them, if not just skip this blog: Lance will have what they call a allogeneic blood or marrow stem cell transplant (meaning basically he will be receiving stem cells from a donor). In order to get rid of Lance's Leukemia (which starts for him in the bone marrow) He will first receive high doses of chemotherapy, to destroy this life-threatening process of his Leukemia. In doing so, this also destroys his own bone marrow stem cells (cells that produce normal red and white cells and platelets) so that means he will need to receive new stem cells from someone else. The transfusion of the donor cells from someone else is the transplant.


Bone marrow is the home to special cells called hemopoietic (blood-forming) stem cells, which work continuously to make new blood cells. Normally , a small fraction of these stem cells leave the bone marrow and circulate the bloodstream. If they filter the donor's blood, (which in our case is going to be our oldest son Nathan!! All three of our boys were perfect matches for Lance ,a huge miracle!!) they can collect his stem cells for transplant. By giving Nathan several injections of a medication before the collection, they can increase the number of stem cells in the circulation by 50 to 100 fold. They use this method 90% of the time now, rather than having to do surgery on Nathan and go in and take the stem cells from his bone marrow. It is easier on the donor! Although Nathan was very willing (as were all the boys) to do which ever one the doctors wanted for Lance. Thank You Guys!!


Lance will be admitted to the hospital on Nov. 23, if everything stays on schedule. He will get a PICC line again, and start chemotherapy, It is very high dose and will be for 6 days, they give him a one day break and then the next day is transplant day --Nov.30th! The transplant is given as a transfusion, similar to a blood transfusion. This day is considered Day 0. A neat side note is that the stem cells know that they belong in the bone marrow so find their way there, the doctor says they call it homing. Isn't it amazing the way God created our bodies!


It takes about 2-3 weeks after the transplant to begin making the normal bone marrow and blood cells that you need. "Engraftment" is when the donor's cells grow, and become normal functioning blood cells in Lance. During this time, they will watch Lance carefully for infection and other complications. He will get antibiotics and other drugs to help prevent and treat side effects and infections. He will receive blood and platelets transfusions. And most need IV nutrition for awhile. They tell us that the average hospital stay is 4-6 weeks although some do go home in 3-4. They also tell us that pretty much everyone ends up back in the hospital a time or two over the next few months. He will be taking lots of medicines for months to help him fight infections while his new immune system gets stronger..


There is risk of damage from the Chemo, then there is the risk of infection and probably one of the biggest risk is Graft vs. Host disease. This is where they want Lance's new immune system to fight and get rid of any cancer that might be left and to take over and give Lance a new immune system but they don't want it to get out of control and attack his body. I won't go into all the possible risk, the list is overwhelming, BUT this is also a chance for a cure! And the drugs are not working so it is a chance for life! They tell us that people don't even talk about Normal life again till at least a year out from transplant...... Lance is praying that he will beat those odds and he wants to get back to work as soon as possilble, doctors tell us that a few go back part time 4-6 months out from transplant... but most take longer... Praying to beat those odds too!


Please also pray for protection for Lance during all the chemo, transplant and after. Protection from organ damage, infections and the graft vs. host disease.


We are so thankful to our family and friends for all your love and support this past year. We are so thankful for all the prayers.... People we have never even seen are praying for us all over the world! Thank you!
Penny