Yes, that sounds about right. I never had a transplant myself, but I understand they do some very intensive stuff shortly before the transplant to try to nail the problem -- either kill or disable the mutant stem cell(s) that are causing the problem. Sort of one last shot. I do not know about radiation, but the chemo will not kick in for a couple days. Hopefully he will be complete through the process and generating new blood with the donors stem cells or bone marrow by the middle of next week. I expect it will be somewhat of an ordeal for him but he will get through it -- please keep us up on things as they develop -- dave

Thanks Dave. Donor is my sister. If prayer can do it, he is getting those from many corners of the globe. We are ready for a rough ride but sure pray at the end, there is light and life.
I am so glad I found this support group - a place where I can ask my questions, as stupid as they might be.

Twilight
I was just thinking about you guys! Hoping your brother is tolerating the conditioning regiment. That sounds right, the chemo effects are delayed, and unsure about the radiation, as tony did not get any TBI. Tony had 5 days of chemo prior, then 2 days "rest", then transplant, and did great but then got very nauseous w vomitting at day -1, but was better by next day. Stem cells take 10-14 days usually to generate new cells, it'll be here before you know it.
Best of luck and prayers being sent your way
Lea&tony

Sent you a note in your thread. I do wonder why some get radiation and others do not. We hate the idea of the radiation but I guess we are willing to trade the future for now because without now, there is no future. It is scary though.
So far, so good. Sis is donating and bro is up from radiation this am. Off to see him before ROOM CLEANING! Tomorrow is his birthday party!

Twilight do keep us posted. It sounds like things are going as planned and soon your brother will be on the road to recovery and good health.

I think whether or not they get radiation or not depends on the transplant doctor, some do it and some don't. My son has found out that he will get a combo chemo and no radiation as his doctor does not like to do radiation on the younger patients (he is 33 yrs old).

Tell your brother Happy Birthday tomorrow. I will keep him in my prayers.

Worried mom, thanks for the kind words and thoughts. Will post updates periodically. I know how hard this is on my mom who is 89 so I have some sense of what you have faced.

Twilight

Praying for great success tomorrow and beyond!!!!

Blessings.

Julie

Go cells go!!!!! Good luck today

Brtwilight,

I am glad the time has finally come! With regard to the radiation, I think it is a matter of preference. I got TBI and there are times that I think about whether I could have been spared that fun. In any event, Sept 8 will mark 3 full years, and although I am now suffering with the shingles, I have been generally well.

I cannot complain.

Cliff

Hey Cliff,
I know about shingles --- no fun!!! Trust that the first few days are the worst.
Thanks for all for the kind words. Everything seemingly went well today. He slept through much of the transplant - 2 bags of cells. Had some crackers when done. Some nausea but not much so far. Tired, of course.
I can't help but wonder at God's ways. I went to Mass today and the reading was Isaiah 38, the story of Hezekiah. He was sick and near death and told to put matters in order because he was to die. Then Hezekiah turned to the wall and pleaded with God and wept bitterly. God then told Isaiah to tell Hezekiah he had heard his prayer and would add 15 years to his life.
Oh, how I pray that God hears the pleas of all of his children made ill by this awful disease. I know if my brother recovers it will be a gift from God, an acknowledgment of the power of prayer. Science and medicine are amazing but I believe only as amazing as God allows.
Blessings to all of you ---

Twilight,

So glad ask went well today. Thank you so much for the reminder about the story of Hezekiah and it's relevance to this horrid disease. I talk to my daughters all the time about God's will and how our minds are not capable of understanding it. We just have tho trust and surrender to almighty God, that is hard but necessary for our faith.

I'm praying for a cure for your brother

Julie

Happy to hear that the transplant went well today and in not time those little cells will be building a whole new system for your brother.

He is in my prayers.

Karen

My prayers are with all of you too. I am grateful I found this site. The support and knowledge here are very important to me.

Had an okay weekend. Not much appetite. Some diarrhea that is causing discomfort. WBC .9. Platelets 21 hgb 8.
Don't know exactly what all this means. Tired of course. Guess the next week may be rough from what I read here.
Praying a lot

Twilight -- yes it is going to be a rough couple of weeks, but several here have been through just that, so if anything major comes up be sure to bring it here for help. I have great confidence in their collective knowledge and wisdom -- as well as their prayers -- you and your brother surely have mine -- daveB