Treatment continues to go well

Jill's doctors continue to be pleased with her progress. They have begun to taper her immune suppressing drugs. The new cells generated from Harley's transplanted stem cells aren't causing any problems so far (no graft vs. host disease).

Jill has been getting blood transfusions on a regular basis since the transplant to boost her red blood cell level. This is not unusual for patients undergoing this treatment. Because Harley and Jill have different blood types, Jill's cells are producing anti-bodies to fight Harley's red blood cells. This reduces her red blood cell count and makes it necessary to replace these cells. She will likely continue to need transfusions of red blood cells on a regular basis for up to 1 year. But the doctors see this as a minor issue. Over time, Jill will change to Harley's blood type and she will not need further transfusions.

Jill and Sylvia are enjoying occasional periods of sunshine during a rather rainy winter in Seattle.

tom

Happy New Year

Hi everyone. We hope you all had a great holiday season. It was nice getting the Johnson/Korn family together in Seattle. Jill and Sylvia wrapped up their holidays by watching New Year's Eve fireworks at the Seattle Space Needle from their living room window.

Now it is back to work. This week Jill has a bone marrow aspiration to get another reading on the progress being made at engafting Harley's stem cells. This week Jill will also have the third of four chemo treatments to her spinal fluid. Mean while, Jill is getting her exercise by taking daily walks with Sylvia or Scott. They are also exploring different areas of Seattle by car. Overall, she continues to feel a little better and have more energy all the time.

tom