We have a Date for Transplant

We were hoping for sooner, but we have a date for the start of transplant!  The process is planned to start on March 11.  That will be the when Michael will get the heavy duty chemo that will wipe out his bone marrow.  On about March 17 he should get the Stem Cells.  He will be in the hospital for a few weeks for this.  We will stay in Houston for at least 100 days after the transplant.

It is kind of borderline if he will get more chemo prior to the transplant.  We will be seeing his doctors early next week.

The donor has agreed to proceed, although not all of their testing is done (this is their protocol).  If the donor does not clear for transplant after their testing is done, then The Donor Registry would go back to the alternate donor who is on hold for testing and do more testing on the alternate donor at that time.  So if the first donor doesn't clear, then the transplant will be pushed back.

In between now and the transplant a lot of final testing for Michael.  Michael has been feeling pretty good and he looks great.  If you saw him you would never guess he is going through this.  Melissa will be coming down this weekend for a visit, so that will be great to see her.  

As always, we thank you for your prayers.  Here are our special prayer requests:  for the doctors as they are making decisions, for Michael to remain strong and healthy, for the donors health (and thanks again to them), and for all to proceed without delays.  Thank you!