FULL REMISSION

Full Fricken Remission

Kristina’s BMA test results came in with two more supporting tests and it’s unanimous.  Full Remission! 

This was the much hoped for news with the added bonus that her Neutrophil count is at 590.  The counts need to climb, and they are, but just a few weeks ago her count was zero followed by too low to count. 

Progress.  

The next BMA test is the 13^th to ensure the progress is maintained and the blasted blast cells are not emerging.

There have been a few bumps in the past 10 days – not huge, but her first donor became pregnant so now a back up has been identified, but that pushes the transplant by a week or so.

In addition the handoff from UW cancer care alliance to Fred Hutch wasn’t smooth.  Supplies hadn’t been ordered and appointments hadn’t been made.  It’s a complicated, large system of support and while it is one of the best in the nation, it’s another reminder that the patient and their advisors need to be strong advocates for their own care.   Aside from the various medical opinions she’s receiving it’s the management of the bureaucracy that takes effort.

The transfer process is now patched up, appointments have been made and it looks like everything is in order and yes, she got a sincere apology and admission the ball was temporarily dropped.  Other than some confusion and perhaps a bit of annoyance, no harm was done and the dropped ball was successfully recovered.

In other news, the calendar is full for her post transplant care.  The tribe came through and now it’s the backup slots that could be filled in.  This was a major hurdle that needed to be completed by June 6^th and it’s done.

Now Kristina is squaring her shoulders to the transplant.  Her body needs to do its part and an array of tests will occur in the next several weeks to ensure that her body is up for the challenge. 

She needs to go on the transplant diet now.  She met with a nutritionist and there are an array of ‘do and don’ts.  Here’s a link.  And another one.  It’s not only what you eat, it’s how the food is handled or prepared.  Some of it is common sense, but it is restrictive.  Especially for Kristina, whose cooking expertise is the equivalent of her earlier neutrophil counts.  By her own admittance, her skills are, well, too low to count.

Her other challenge in this ‘pre transplant’ stage is simply to get stronger.  Today it’s a walk to the zoo, and she needs to get out and walk more.  When you call her ask her about her recent exercise.  Remind her to drink water.  She knows all this, but let’s spread the nagging around.  It’s our way of showing love.

Authors note:  Speaking of dropping the ball, I certainly did by not promptly posting the test results.  The fault is mine (aided by some texts that didn’t come through, but it was a busy week).