Hallelujah! Mark's tandem stem cell transplant has been approved by Altius. Apparently approval of BOTH transplants is a first for this particular insurance company so this piece of good news was a bit unexpected.
Over the next couple of weeks, Mark will have to redo all the tests that he had done in the beginning (bone biopsy, CT, MRI, pulmonary function, and all the lab work). Then on February 5th, Mark will meet with Dr. Zangari to get the okay for starting the transplant process. If all goes as planned, that will happen on Monday, February 12th. The process will include high-dose chemotherapy, then two days of pills and labs, more chemo on the 4th day, then the transplant, which will take one to two days. Once the stem cells enter his bloodstream, circulation will deliver them to the bone marrow. This is called engraftment and will take up to 15 days.
Engraftment occurs when the bone marrow makes new blood cells after the stem cell transplant. After the stem cells are infused, the bloodstream carries them to the blood marrow. The body’s own chemical signals direct the stem cells to stay there, where they start to produce new stem cells and blood cells. In about 10 to 14 days, the marrow produces enough white blood cells to achieve an absolute neutrophil count of 500 or more for three consecutive days, when the transplant is considered engrafted. Red blood cell and platelet counts may take another one to two weeks to stabilize.
Mark's treatment so far has gone extraordinarily well and he is way ahead of most patients in the process. Hopefully he will be just as successful in this next step.
Dianna will need to find another place to stay in SLC prior to the 6th as The Chase Suites was not the most ideal place to live.
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2 comments:
This is wonderful news Mark & Dianna. I'm so happy things went so well for you today. I know that your Father in Heaven is by your side always. I told you Mark,why I believe this, with all my heart and soul. You have so many people who are praying for you and who care about you. Keep up the positive attitude you have had. You'll be back to your old self soon. Love Mom
Mark, It is very encouraging to here of the successful treatment your are getting. Your great attitude helps a lot. You are on my mind much of the day every day and I pray for you all the time. I make sure you are on the temple prayer rolls. Let your body and mind continue to be strong. Always turn to your Father in Heaven, and you and your family will be blessed. Also, I am availble on a moments notice to give you a priesthood blessing. Love, Uncle Toby
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