Transplant Plan

4/1/2022 - 4/9/2022

Duke called with good news… there are 3 viable stem cell donors! HLA blood typing confirmed that each is a 10 out of 10 match with Ian. While a matched related donor is ideal, that is not an option for Ian. Siblings are the best bet for a match (with a 25% chance), but his sister was out-ruled due to previous cancer treatment. Because other relatives are unlikely to match, a perfect unrelated match is next best. The closer the match, the lower the chance of graft-versus-host disease (nasty symptoms). Out of the three donors, they chose the youngest (at 19), because younger cells are generally healthier.

After getting word, it was go time. Ian had another bone marrow biopsy (lucky 7!), which confirmed that his blood is still clear of Leukemia cells (yea!). Then we drove to Duke for Ian’s work-up. A slew of tests/scans/labs confirmed that his organs are strong and no underlying health issues exist that would preclude him from transplant. We celebrated by having a nice dinner on the town and watching Bull Durham (when in Rome!).

We are now home and have about ten days to tidy up the house, pack our bags and say farewell to the boys. Just after Easter, Ian and I will settle into our short-term apartment in Durham. On Friday 4/22, he’ll be admitted to Duke University Hospital to undergo a week of “myeloablative conditioning,” the most intense chemo yet. This bad boy will kill ALL of Ian’s stem cells, giving the donor’s cells a clean slate. On April 29, the new stem cells will be infused into Ian via IV. He is scheduled to stay in the hospital only another 5 days. Barring complications, Ian will be treated as an out-patient at Duke for the next 90 days (give or take).

So that’s the tentative game-plan. In the meantime, the donor has to clear medical hurdles and lab tests, then complete the stem cell donation process - and Ian has to remain healthy! Fingers crossed!