We got a lot of information from Ted's appointment today. Ted's transplant doctor is Dr. Vance. He sat with us for almost two hours today and went over everything. When we arrived, they gave us a three-ring binder titled "The Transplant Journey." It has tabs from A-L that cover more than you'd ever want to know about a transplant.
Ted will be admitted to Baylor on Friday. They will do a surgery on that day where they will remove his port and replace it with a triple line port. The itinerary says he will also receive hydration and teaching on that day.
Saturday, Sunday, and Monday he will receive chemo to prepare for the transplant. Tuesday is listed as a "rest" day. On Wednesday (12-24), he will receive full body radiation, after which he will receive the donor stem cells.
Dr. Vance had the results from the PET scan that Ted got on December 12th and seemed very pleased with the results. In his words it was "unimpressive," which he explained meant that the lymphoma had minimized to a point that he felt was good. He said several times that Ted was at a good point to receive the donor stem cells.
Ted asked Dr. Vance (just out of curiosity) if he knew where the donor was from and Dr. Vance jokingly said that he might be from Kamino (Star Wars reference to Boba Fett) ... a joke wasted on us, because we definitely aren't Trekkie's and didn't get it? Poor guy!
We really like Dr. Vance. He never seems like he's in a hurry to move on and really wants to help us understand everything that is happening. A transplant coordinator (Jennifer) was also in the conference with us, and she seems very caring and genuinely interested in Ted's care.
They said he should expect to be in the hospital for two weeks, maybe three, it will depend on how things are progressing.
We were told that Ted will have a phone in his room that he will be able to check the voice mail on, so as soon as we have a phone number, I will give it to you. I know he will enjoy hearing from everyone. At this point, visitors will be asked to be "by appointment only" so that Ted can rest as much as possible.
Your words of encouragement and all the cards he has received have meant so much to him! As far as what we are asking from you now ... and this probably goes without saying ... but continued prayers for strength for Ted and prayers for the transplant team would be our request.
We talked about it tonight, and as much as Ted and I would love for him to be home on Christmas, there really isn't ever a good time for things like this. We continue to count our blessings, which are many, and have so much to be grateful for! (Ted and Tina)
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4 comments:
Yeah, isn't it great of have it down in writing and know his journey to healing is right around the corner. I can't think of a better day to start this new life than Christmas Eve.
I still think the donors name is Hans and I'm a little nervous that when you see Ted on Chrismas morning that he will greet you with Frohe Weihnachten!
That might be okay because you have always loved men with accents. As long as he doesn't try to dress like one with his long white socks with velvet shorts and a german bib and hat, he will be okay.
I have been following the blog (although not commenting as much recently) and was anxious this morning to see how the appointment went. Thanks for the post update. I will continue to pray for the transplant team and for both of you. While it may not have been your "first choice", there is no greater Christmas gift than the one that "Hans" will be bringing this year.
Yeah and for the record - I'm with Lolly...JUST SAY NO TO LEDERHOSEN!
Lolly, you are too funny! Daddyio.... Good luck and God Bless! We couldn't ask for anything more for Christmas then to see you get better!
I can't believe it's next week! We are praying for a quick... SUCCESSFUL... recovery! And as soon as you feel good, we'll be taking the kids down to see you!
Agree with all! What better Christmas gift! Lolly, I can see Ted dressed just like Heidi's grandpa and my image includes one of those long horns - Ricoooollaa. Too much visual.
Love our Fabuous Fetts!! Postings are great to keep those that love you up on the latest. Praying in Bedford.
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