A Timeline at Last!

Since Jim was accepted in the bone marrow transplant program, we have had so many ups and downs just trying to learn what the timeline for the procedure would be. We first understood that the procedure would begin in October and that everything would likely be finished by the end of the year. But different entities along the way caused delay in many frustrating ways. Slowness of the insurance to authorize necessary treatment caused much of this, because until the new treatment began, Jim's proteins could not reach the needed level.

We have been given several dates when Jim would start the transplant process. The latest information is that Jim will begin the process in Seattle on January 4, 2011. This means that he will now be responsible for another $10,000 deductible--but there are also reasons for this being a good time for it to begin.

Here is the timeline we have been given:

1-4-11: Check in and blood work

1-5: Meet with Physician

1-6/7: Bone marrow biopsy, MRI, EKG/EEG, x-rays, pulmonary function test, dental exam and urine collection

1-10 to 1-12: Meet with Nutritionist, Social Worker, Pharmacist, Finance. At this time he will also be getting information on at home food safety, IV class, how to work the pumps.

1-13/14: Review of all test result, including bloodwork, x-rays, etc. and mental/physical health evaluation

1-17: Installation of Hickman Catheter –

1-19: Start chemo to mobilize his stemcells. Daily injections of Nupagen to stimulate bone marrow production

1-24 to 1-26: Stem cell collection - 3 hours daily for 2-3 days

Approx. 2 weeks off, when he can go home.

2-7 or 8: Additional chemo to get ready for transplant. One day of rest after chemo. Then they will give him back his stem cells. He will go into the hospital for two weeks, during the most critical time when his immunity is the lowest.

About two weeks later, he will be moving into a rental unit near the hospital, where he will remain with his caregiver until the physicians feel his immune system has recovered enough for him to return home.


We'll keep you up to date as we learn more. In the meantime, thanks so much for your support and prayers. They mean the world.