On October 11, during one of Jordon's night shifts he decided to have his blood drawn to check his CBC levels. The results were not what he wanted to see. He called me that morning after his shift ended. The oncologist was going to meet us at eight to do a bone marrow biopsy. After the biopsy Jordon was given a platelet transfusion. We didn't get the results for the test for a fews days. Each day seemed to be an eternity. Jordon and I appreciate all those who prayed, fasted for use during that time..
When we got the results Jordon and I were in shock.
APLASTIC ANEMIA.
Here is Wikipedia's definition
Aplastic anemia (AA) is a disease in which the bone marrow, and the blood stem cells that reside there, are damaged.[1] This causes a deficiency of all three blood cell types (pancytopenia): red blood cells (anemia),white blood cells (leukopenia), and platelets (thrombocytopenia).[2][3] Aplastic refers to inability of the stem cells to generate the mature blood cells.
It is most prevalent in people in their teens and twenties, but is also common among the elderly. It can be caused by exposure to chemicals, drugs, radiation, infection, immune disease, and heredity; in about half the cases, the cause is unknown.[2][3]
The definitive diagnosis is by bone marrow biopsy; normal bone marrow has 30-70% blood stem cells, but in aplastic anemia, these cells are mostly gone and replaced by fat.[2][3]
First line treatment for aplastic anemia consists of immunosuppressive drugs, typically either anti-lymphocyte globulin or anti-thymocyte globulin, combined with corticosteroids and cyclosporine. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is also used, especially for patients under 30 years of age with a related, matched marrow donor.[2][3] In February 2014, the oral thrombopoietin analog eltrombopag was approved by the FDA for the treatment of patients who are refractory to immunosuppression. This additional treatment option is the first of its class, and represents a significant advancement in the prognosis and treatment of patients with aplastic anemia.[4]
We were told at that point Jordon would need a bone marrow transplant. This started what Jordon and I call the hurry up and wait time. We hurried up and got tests done then waited for results. We hurried up and got test kits to Jordon's siblings, then we waited for them to arrive. His siblings hurried up and sent their vile of spit back, then we waited for the results. Hurry up and get to LDS hospital for more tests, then wait for more results. We found out Mckay was not a match then we waited to hear about the other two. Jordon and I were both at our breaking point when we got a call from LDS Hospital saying that Sara Jane was a perfect match. Now we hurried up to get her here then we waited for more tests.
During this hurry up and wait time Jordons immune system became weaker. He ended up in the Hospital in Pocatello for three days with a neutropenic fever. His buddies at the Hospital made sure he was well taken care of. The nurse on the floor who took care of Jordon after he was admitted said you would have thought the president was coming. The staff from the ER wanted to make sure he was well cared for.
Our waiting was coming to an end. LDS hospital email and told Jordon if all the stars align he would start his treatment on November the 14th. All of the stars did align and Jordon was admitted to LDS hospital November 14th.
We both want to thank everyone who has helped us up to this point in our Journey. Jordon and I are both humbled and in awe at how amazing people have been during this time. Words can not express how we have been carried by all of you during this time. Thank you!!!!!
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