This is the first week of radiation. On Monday we will go in for the radiation simulation; this is where she will literally go through all of the radiation procedures without actually receiving the radiation. The reason for this is that they need to prepare; they will create the soft plastic mask that will cover her face during the fractions as well as the breast plate used to protect her lungs. Once they have completed these two shields, they will measure the fields of radiation so that everything is prepped for the 8 days of radiation. Erica will receive 4 days of cranial-radiation and 4 days of TBI (total body irradiation). The radiation and the subsequent chemo is considered the "conditioning phase" of the BMT.
We were given some news the other night that was surprisingly touching. We had been asking our nurse coordinator (almost daily) for information about the donor. We knew that there was a lot of information that could not be shared, but wow . . . just knowing something felt like it would help as we try to get a vision for this transplant. Also, who were we praying for, a male, female, how old . . . where? One question would lead to another. Well, we got a couple of answerers. Erica's bone marrow donor is a 25 year old male.
This could not be better news. We needed a male and a young male was icing on the cake! I won't get into why these unrelated donor demographics are better than any others, just know that this is answered prayer. This young man has a A+ blood type which means that when Erica is done, she will no longer be O+, she too will be A+. I pray for this guy every night, that he has been chosen to give Erica life is beyond a mother's imagination. There is nothing Bob and I wouldn't do for Erica and yet, giving her our marrow was not an option . . . or what about the hundreds of others who know her and would donate to her? And yet, there is this young man that we have never met, who, for what ever reason, became a donor, and he is her hero!
Those are the only pieces on information we have on the donor; gender, age and blood type. Oh, and I also know that he is being harvested on the 22nd. So, where ever he is in this world, his bone marrow will be harvested and transplanted all in one day! January 22nd!
Tonight I just want to say, God Bless this young man, Erica's hero!
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5 comments:
My eyes swell with tears reading your story. I know how hard it is going through it; you guys are champs! It's your postive attitude that's making the difference. We are all out here praying for your sweet baby girl and strength for her parents. Congratulations on the good news of your donor. I will continue to pray for your successful treatment. The Lord is with you. God Bless your beautiful family. Love, Camie and family
We are so happy for you and for Erica. What a blessing to find the "perfect" donor! You all continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. Erica is lifted up each day with the love and support that surrounds her. All our love, Jennifer, Ryan & Brayden
Bob, Meg & Erica - It was SO wonderful to see you all on Saturday and share some time with you. We LOVE you and we are with you every step of your journey. This is such heartwarming news to hear of the information about the donor. We love him and pray for him too!! See you soon, much LOVE and good wishes - Nick & Tuck
I feel so much better everytime I read your blogs knowing things are progressing so well. What a blessing to know that little but if info about Erica's donor. Is he awesome or what? You know with Megs athletic genes and a young chaps marrow, Bob- you will be chasing her before you know it. We love you guys and will be thinking of you every day.
Kel
I'm all teary after reading your blog. This wonderful young man - whoever and wherever!- will be in our prayers tonight and throughout the month. We will be praying today, Monday, that the prep goes smoothly and doesn't cause her any distress. You will continue to be in our prayers. Love and Hugs, Andrea Wilson and family
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