Sunday, October 10, 2010

Day 18: Quick Technical Update


So last week they did a second “chimerism” test on Jessie to see which cells, from which umbilical cord, were doing what.  The last test on Day 7 revealed that all Jessie’s white blood cells and neutrophils were from the expanded cord unit.  The most recent test showed that all the cells from the expanded cord unit had “dropped off.”  That means that all Jessie’s white cells are now from the unmanipulated cord units which will provide her permanent marrow and immune system.  For the past two days her neutrophils have been 120.  Two days ago they were 30, so the trend is upward and that is what the doctors like to see.  The goal is 500 for three days and no fevers and then Jessie can be released from the hospital.

Jessie is generally feeling better than the last time I wrote.  Mainly, she is achy and has an itchy rash on her arms and feet combined with a burning sensation.  As I mentioned in the last post, the achiness is probably from a drug to boost her white blood cells, the burning in the hands in feet could be from an immune suppressant drug, and the rash possibly from an antibiotic.  Most of these should go away soon.  Anyway, if all continues to go well we should be able to go home soon.  Good news and we hope it continues to go that way. 

9 comments:

Mary Jo said...

How wonderful to hear! Much love to all of you!

Dirk said...

That sounds positive news, great to hear. Sending you three positive thoughts!

Unknown said...

Sounds good! Thinking of you all! Much love,
Andrea

Patt Quinn=Davis said...

So good to talk to you today, Jessie. You sounded so, so like your old self. Can't wait to be with you Halloween weekend...or Nevada Day weekend, for those who know what THAT'S all about! Mom

Julie Quinn Kiernan said...

Wow!! Such a relief and good news. I continue to constantly think of both of you and your little princess. Tell Jessie I'll talk to you both soon!

Nichole said...

YAY!! Great news!! Sending continued positive energy from all three of us!!

LjW said...

Very awesome. Sending the power vibes.

tia susanna said...

Fantastic!

the skunkenator said...

That is great news! We are thinking of you every day!

Brian, Genie and Elizabeth

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