Finding the right time to write an update amid this emotional rollercoaster has been challenging. We deeply appreciate all of you who continue to pray for and support our family.
Daniel has been doing great! His platelets, white cells, and neutrophils have stabilized or continue to rise incrementally. His red blood cells have been slower to recover, which the doctors say is typical after a bone marrow transplant (BMT).
On day +20 (discharge day), engraftment labs were drawn to analyze the success of the BMT. The results, which take 6-8 days, showed 65% donor engraftment. Although the ideal percentage is 98%, reaching 65% at this stage is promising. Labs were drawn again on day +30, showing 88% engraftment! We’ll continue to check engraftment every four weeks until we reach the target number.
Please keep praying that his body fully accepts the donor cells in his bone marrow.
At home, we take special care to protect Daniel from infection and sickness due to his significantly diminished immune system from the chemo/radiation. We follow special cleaning procedures, careful food preparation, daily showers, dressing changes, and persistent hand washing to keep him safe.
Ashly has taken on all responsibilities for administering Daniel’s medication, cleaning and flushing his central line ports, and changing his caps and dressings. She’s essentially become our live-in nurse and has been doing a fantastic job, despite the immense challenge.
Thank you all for your ongoing support and love.
Ray & Ashly
