a beginning

To make it easier on myself, I'm moving to a blog format for updates during Kristen's transplant journey. Here you will find updates on how Kristen is doing and my ramblings. This way my ramblings won't clog up your inbox!

Looking forward. Yesterday we heard from the transplant coordinator regarding our timeline. We are headed to Houston and MDA on June 3rd. Testing prior to transplant will begin on June 4th. We sign admission papers on the 11th and she enters the hospital on the 12th. She can expect to be hospitalized for 3-4 weeks. The donor will begin on the 18th and on the 19th Kristen should receive her first stem cell transplant. We will be getting an apartment in the Houston area. I will post the mailing address as soon as I have it. We expect to need to stay in the area Until approximately the end of September. I believe that our 100 days starts the day she receives her first transplant.

This is the goal we have been waiting for anxiously. It is both scary and exciting. Many complications can arise. But in the end we should reach the goal of being AML free! Once again this is not a sprint but a marathon. Even when we are back home she will be susceptible to infections and diseases. A year after transplant she will have to be completely revaccinated. Her blood type will change during this process. She will have the same type as her donor. We know that the donor is a 30 year old male and Kristen will be allowed to write to him.

Praises and Prayers:

• Praises to God in providing a donor and putting this desire to donate stem cells upon his heart. The gift he is giving Kristen is beyond words.
• Praise to God for the many blessings we have received during this time of trial. For example, time as a family to bond and learn about each other.
• Please pray for the health of the donor, make his side effects few. Strengthen him in body, mind, and spirit. Bless him for this gift.
• Please pray for our choice of accomodations. Let us choose with wisdom. Thank you God for going ahead and preparing the way.
• Please pray for Kristen to stay healthy and for no delays. Keep her amazing spirit strong.
• Please pray for Devin, Steven and I. Allow us to remain healthy, keep our eyes daily on the Lord to give us the strength and stamina for the battle ahead.
• Please pray for the doctors and staff at MDA who touch so many lives. Give them wisdom and courage and bless them for their career choice.