Hi Mary, That’s great news about being able to stay in Chicago for the transplant. Much easier than relocating to Texas for a few months, though I know you’d both do it in a heartbeat if it was the better option.

Regarding your husband having another round of chemo before June, if it helps, my transplant doctor had also recommended that as well. As you said, with his last chemo early in May, this gives your husband time to recover his blood counts and some energy again before transplant in June. It also helps assure that he has minimal disease. The cleaner going into transplant, the better. My transplant was June 28th (2019) so basically a similar time frame. My last week of chemo was May 16-21, so I was feeling pretty perky again by the time I got to Rochester June 13th for testing and admission.

There is also one more round of chemo, called Reconditioning, the week immediately prior to transplant. The goal of this chemo is to clean out the bone marrow and lymphatic system. It creates a blank canvas for the new stem cells. In the event that there are any bad actors left, the new immune system should recognize those leukemic cells and quietly take them out as they reemerge from dormancy.

Excellent news on the donor too! Love it when a plan comes together! Now’s the challenge for everyone to stay healthy and keep the anxiety level down, huh? LOL I know!! Easier said than done. The thing that cracked me up the most was all of this drama leading to transplant and it basically takes about 20 minutes for the actual event of transfusing the stem cells! Pretty anti-climactic. But what a gift of a second chance at life! We get new birth certificates! 😉 And yes, tell your husband he will get to celebrate 2 birthdays every year now!

I hope you two are able to get away for a little break somewhere to just veg out and try not to think of anything medical for a while. This does become all consuming with so much focus centered on your husband’s condition. This gets better I promise and then life resumes again for both of you. It all can feel overwhelming with the responsibilities of most everything falling on your shoulders, Mary. So just choose your priorities and if some inconsequential things fall through the cracks, let them go and rest when you can.

Right now it’s so gorgeous with all the spring blooms. I hope you’re both able to relax and enjoy the healing benefits of Mother Nature. Sending a hug!