Mary Jo Update

When Mary Jo had her colonoscopy a couple of weeks ago, the gastro-intestinal doctor did a process called "tatooing" where tissue samples are taken in several areas. The doctor told us that he took samples from an inflamed area in her small intestine where he was concerned could have lymphoma cells present. The lymphoma cells actually mimic an inflammatory bowel disease.

Today, he called to confirm that the pathology tests did indicate low grade lymphoma cells were present. Although this was disturbing for us, Mary Jo's oncologist called the transplant doctor, and she indicated that this would not affect plans for the stem cell transplant. It is hard to believe that the lymphoma cells were able to survive the two high dose R-DHAP treatments. The doctor said that the stem cell transplant should take care of the low grade cells that were found.

We are scheduled for more tests at Vanderbilt this Friday. It will be a full day from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. The tests include more coronary and pulmonary testing, along with some sort of blood test that they can detect every kind of virus that you have ever had in your life.

We will be going back for what is called mobilization and stem cell collection after that. The time on that varies from 4-7 days. They like to collect 4-5 milion stem cells. The mobilization part is the Neupogen shots that are given to promote bone marrow blood cell production.

After the stem cell collection we will go home for 7-10 days, then back for a high dose chemo treatment. Rest for 2-3 days. Then, the stem cell transplant. We will be there for another 10-14 days until the stem cells graft to her body.

Your continued thoughts and prayers are appreciated.