Margy's Progress after Transplant

Margy continues to do well after the transplant. Certainly she is experiencing some side effects from her many medications, and from hour to hour, she may feel quite different. We are taking each day as it comes. She continues to be in good spirits, however, and all of your cards and support have been so helpful.

Margy had another plasmapharesis after the transplant because although the antibody level was still considered negative, it had increased slightly. They did this as more of a precautionary measure and to make sure the antibody levels remain as low as possible. They will check those levels again this week and once a week thereafter for several more weeks. The doctors at Johns Hopkins are very please with her progress so far.

Margy spends at least several hours every day at the clinic. Some days are longer if she needs blood, platelets, fluids or electrolyte replacement. Our main focus at this point is engraftment. What that means is that the donor marrow becomes the predominant marrow, producing white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. On day 30 they will do a blood test to see if the donor marrow has engrafted.

We continue to watch closely for any signs of rejection. This remains a critical concern especially for the first year after the transplant. Margy will need to remain in Baltimore for at least 60 days after the transplant if all goes according to plan. So, if you could all please concentrate your thoughts and prayers on this goal of engraftment, we would greatly appreciate it.