It was a long day at UCLA Medical Center. Here is a overview of the schedule:
9:00 am - Measured for full body radiology
10:00 am - Physical by Radiologist
10:30 am -Consultation with Radiology Team
1:00 pm - Lab work
1:30 pm - Consultation with Transplant Coordinator
2:00 pm - Consultation with Transplant Oncologist
3:00 pm - EKG
3:30 pm - Tour of Tiverton House
4:30 pm - 2 Hour drive home
******************************************************************
David had to check in at 8:45 am for the radiology scan so he can be measured for Total Body Irradiation (TBI). Because he had just had a Spinal tap and Bone Marrow Aspiration on Tuesday he has some very tender spots on his body that are difficult to lay on. It was painful for him to stay in one position . These measurements were taken so that they can calibrate the machines for when he is admitted. He will need to have Full Body Irradiation twice a day for 4 days ( a total of 8 sessions). He may experience nausea, vomiting, hair loss, skin redness and mouth sores. We were also informed there is a 10% chance that David could develop "pneumonitis" which is a inflammation of the lungs. He could mean that he would need to be put on a ventilator ( if it doesn't kill him, he will recover from it ). David was also informed there was a small risk that he could develop another kind of cancer because of the irradiation.
He will also need to have 3 sessions of Brain radiation prior to admittance and were able to schedule those sessions at UCI Medical Center.
The radiation is to help eliminate and fight any future leukemia cells that may be hiding somewhere.
After lunch they had a consultation with Sarah, the Transplant Coordinator.
Following the 4 days of radiation, David will receive 4 days of heavy chemo. Between the radiation and chemo they need to eliminate every Leukemia cell, one hiding cell could cause a relapse.
Sara informed us that after researching further they have decided against using the first donor. He had a very rare DNA and have since contacted the second donor. This has postponed David's admittance date to August 21st or 22nd. We also found out that the donor doesn't have to come to UCLA for the "collection" but can go to a donor facility near their home. The bone marrow will be hand carried and escorted by a personal carrier. As soon as the cells arrive at UCLA they will be given to David, even if they arrive in the middle of the night.
David will see a response with 12 to 21 days after the transplant. One of the first sign that the transplant is working and that the bone marrow is regenerating will be the mouth sores will start to heal.
Some of the risks and side effects that David may experience could be: Gastritis (aggravated lining of the stomach), organ damage or failure, fever, low cell counts, mouth sores, Sepsis (bacterial infection) or death.
David will need to stay on antibiotics and immune suppression medication and as he recovers he will be removed off of them one at a time. David will need to be re-immunized because he will have a new Immune system, much like a baby. He will have to continue to watch for temperatures and stay on anti-rejection medications for up to a year.
Following the transplant and immediate follow up, David will be transferred back to the care of Dr. Sender at UCI Medical Center.
 |
| Waiting for the radiology team and playing with equipment in the exam room |
 |
| The building is named "David Geffen School of Medicine". We liked the "David G" part of the name. |
 |
| Tiverton House is one of the options for housing once David is discharged. |
 |
| Kitchen at Tiverton House where David's caretakers would prepare food. |
No comments:
Post a Comment