Wednesday, June 11, 2008

The Big Plan...

I think I said that I would keep everyone updated and now I realize that I haven't done that very well. I promise to do better...

Kenyon will be admitted to the University of Utah hospital on Monday, June 16th. Am I freaking out? Pretty much. Some days it feels real and other times it really feels like this can't be happening. We have been to lots of doctors appointments, classes, meetings, etc. His brother was a perfect match on all their scales and that is such a blessing.

When he goes to the hospital the first 8 days include a series of chemo treatments and hydration and a few other drugs. It won't be fun but the goal is to kill that darn leukemia. Then when everything is sufficiently killed off, Kenyon's brother will donate his stem cells. The process is a little different that a bone marrow harvest where they suck the marrow out of the hip bones. The peripheral blood is collected from one arm and run through a machine that pulls out the necessary cells and then runs the remaining blood back into the donor. Pretty amazing. The next day, Kenyon will receive the transplant. It is really quite anti-climatic. It pretty much just drips through one of the tubes that will be hanging out of his chest and within an hour or two it will be done.

Then we wait...and stay healthy. We don't expect him to come home for 4-6 weeks. We hear different numbers every time we talk to someone.

I appreciate all the offers for help. Everyone has been so thoughtful and generous. Your prayers are definitely appreciated and felt! I think I have the kids squared away. They are looking forward to a super fun summer in Seattle and California. There will be opportunities to help - I am sure - but for right now we are doing fine.

I will definitely post often on his progress.

6 comments:

Kristine said...

thanks for the update. i sure wish i could be of help! sheesh i feel like a looser sister. but i loooove you guys. and i am anxious to hear of his progress.

Anon said...

wow, technology is amazing. I cant tell you how much admiration I have for your family. I will be checking back on Friday to see if it is a boy or a girl:)

Liz Morrey Romrell said...

Wow. I can't believe it's already going to start! We pray for you every night. I'll be anxiously awaiting another update!

Hilary said...

That sounds better than open surgery! We'll be praying for him.

Sunni said...

I love you Annie, I think we need to go to lunch for some distract Annie time, and congrats on the new baby girl!!! Any names?

Shanna said...

THanks, Annie. Ready to help whenever.