Transplant Day 2

    This is the container that held Dennis' stem cells

    harvested 2 years ago. The cells were stored and 

    then shipped to us from Karmanos in vapor phase 

    nitrogen. Dennis' stem cells are in the case being 

    retrieved by an RN from Michigan Blood.

The bone marrow transplant is complete! Now we wait for signs of engraftment - when the new, transplanted cells start to grow and make healthy stem cells that stimulate bone marrow growth. Engraftment typically takes two to three weeks.

During this time, Dennis will be carefully monitored for complications that may arise. Until the stem cells engraft, he will be at high risk of developing an infection. This is because the chemotherapy destroyed the white blood cells in his body, which are the backbone of his immune system.

Wednesday evening finds Dennis exhausted, but otherwise feeling well. If you would like to read more about the bone marrow transplant process, you can find more information at BMTinfonet.org

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