Connor has been in San Antonio, Texas at the Texas Transplant Institute for almost a week now...and he is doing very well. But things will get harder for him from here on.
So far Connor has gone through some routine tests and has been "marked" for the radiation treatments he will need in preparation for the transplant. He has also been found to be an acceptable candidate for the double donor transplant study. This greatly increases his chances of permanent remission!
Let me explain...instead of receiving cells from only one donor, Connor will be getting cells from 2 different donors. These cells will be taken from umbilical cord blood that has been clamped and separated after delivery. Two sources will be used. This allows one source to become the dominate cells effectively defeating the other set of cells. That means survival of the dominate cells...and success for Connor!!
Connor had one bad moment this week. The radiology department made a cast of Connor's face and constructed a mask for him to wear during radiation therapy. So it came time for the first radiation treatment and the mask was placed over his face. Now Connor is used to the way things are done at Arkansas Children's Hospital...slowly and with every step explained to him. So when the radiology team moved more quickly and with less explanations at TTI, it scared him when they placed the mask over his face for the first time. But the technicians were quite understanding...they took the mask off, talked to him, and when Connor was ready, they resumed the treatment.
And, of course, Connor came through with flying colors!!
There is a long and painful road ahead before Connor will be well. The worst and most dreaded part of the treatment will be the chemotherapy that will virtually destroy his immune system. It is going to be a very grueling road for an eight year old boy to travel.
But the transplant is scheduled for the second week in June and I know Connor will go through it as he has all of the last two years...like the brave warrior that he is!
I have to take a moment to thank everyone who has given time, money, emotional support and prayers for Connor. Thank you all so much. God bless you! And God bless Connor and all the children who are battling this insidious disease tonight!!
I am keeping Conner and family in my prayers. I hope the time goes by quickly for him during his treatment. He has to be a tough little fellow to endure what he has. Soon this will be all behind him and he can just be a kid doing what normal little boys do.
ReplyDeleteThanks to everyone praying for and helping out during all this! You guys are awesome. We have had so many people be so kind to us. The staff here at the hospital is amazing and Connor has some very good doctors. God bless them and all of you guys.
ReplyDeleteAmy
What a brilliant boy Connor is, so brave. Love that smile. He's in my thoughts and prayers. Lots of hugs to everyone. Mart
ReplyDeleteI wish you all the best in the tough weeks ahead.
ReplyDeleteHow goes the job search? Any luck?
#1Nana...No luck yet with a job. But the economy is VERY depressed in our area...jobs are scarce. Thanks for caring and for taking time to check up on us here in Oklahoma!...((Hugs))
ReplyDeleteI can only echo what "connorsmommy" has said...thank you all so much for your good wishes and prayers. We appreciate your support and will keep you posted on Connor's progress!
ReplyDeleteI pray that God will give Connor and you all the strength and courage to get through this time. I have heard that they are very successful with leukemia treatments for kids and I hope Connor will be one of the winners.
ReplyDeleteMy you do have full plate, don't you? Take a day at a time and trust.
Thanks, Bernie! Connor's doctors are really hopeful. So far everything is going well.
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