And we're off. . . . .

Ceomi, Ben and Ceomi's mom, Carolyn, went down to Atlanta tonight in preparation for tomorrow's admittance. She'll be admitted to Emory's University Hospital to begin the stem cell transplant. She should spend about 4 weeks in-patient at Emory. Once she's released from the hospital, she'll spend about 6 weeks at Hope Lodge (an Amer. Cancer Society facility) in Atlanta while her anti-rejection drugs are regulated.

She's due at the interventional radiology lab at 7 am to have her PICC line removed and a central line put into her chest. This central line allows blood to be drawn and medications injected without having to stick her each time. The line will be in place throughout her treatment and has a lower incidence of infection than the PICC line (which was in her arm).

They will start her chemotherapy Wed night and it will run for 6 days. She'll get a day to rest and the stem cell transplant will be on Wed, 3/25. We are hoping that the mucositis (sores in mouth and throat) that was so difficult during the first chemo will either be absent (not likely) or lessened this time. Please pray that the chemo side effects are manageable and respond well to treatment.

In transplant lingo, 3/25 will be her Second Birthday. Her brother Clayton is her donor. He will be coming to Atlanta this Friday and will undergo a series of Neupogen shots. These shots stimulate stem cell production. The stem cells are collected in a procedure (apheresis) that is somewhat similar to dialysis. A line will be placed in his arm and his blood will be pulled out, "strained" to remove the stem cells and then infused back into him. The days of drilling into the donor's hip bones and sternum are happily long gone.

Ceomi has been experiencing neuropathy (numbness & extreme sensitivity, particularly in her hands and feet) since her last chemo in Feb. She has monocytic leukemia and in this type the leukemia cells are more likely to invade the lining of the spinal canal or brain. She has had 2 spinal taps in the last 5 weeks to check for any CNS involvement. So far, while they have shown thickened spinal fluid and the presence of protein, no leukemia cells have been found. They did a MRI on 3/12 to search for any masses and found none. She has diffuse inflammation where the nerves exit the brain and spine but the neurologist attributes the changes to the treatments and not to the presence of leukemia itself. Her oncologist will have steroids administered during the chemo this week and is hopeful that the steroids will help calm the nerves and reduce the pain. A third and hopefully final spinal tap will be done this week to check again for the presence of leukemia cells.

Ceomi continues to be very focused and is in good spirits. Once we have her room number, we will post her address for anyone who wants to send a card. I would recommend using her home address as the return address, in case she is moved. This website is probably the best place to find out how she's feeling. If you plan to visit her, please call her cell or mine to see if she's up to visits before going. The unit she is on is restricted for the protection of the patients. Her immune system will be destroyed by the chemo and will not be re-established until the donor cells engraft. The hospital takes precautions to protect patients with these conditions. No children are allowed and anyone with cold/virus symptoms must not visit. Also, plants and flowers (and some foods) are not allowed due to possible bacterial infections.

We are all aware of the numerous prayers that have been offered on her behalf and are confident that God will see her through this. We are very grateful for the love and support that so many have offered. Please continue to pray for her, Ben and the girls.