An Unforgettable Day!
From: “Smith, Dianne” Dianne.Smith@mpls.frb.org
Date: Sun, 7 Jan 2001 19:54:02 -0600
Just like our wedding day, or the days that Jenny and Jason were born on; we will never forget today no matter how long we live.
Jenny’s donor, Todd, was flying from Oregon to Tennessee today. He had an hour and a half layover at the airport here in Minneapolis, so we went there to meet him. When he hugged Jenny, it was so amazing – it was pure and moving and perfect. Then when I hugged him, I thought my heart would burst because it was so full of gratitude, love and joy. It was such an incredible experience to be in Todd’s presence knowing that his bone marrow makes Jenny’s blood and immune system. Jenny’s DNA is the same as Todd’s DNA. He did something for Jenny that no one else could do, not even her immediate family: TODD SAVED JENNY’S LIFE.
We all laughed, talked, hugged, took pictures, and got along like old friends; like we’ve known Todd all his life. It was hard to say goodbye and after we did we all prayed that he would have a safe flight home. Todd will be in our hearts forever.
After all of that, it is hard to image I could have any more good news – but I do. Jenny has not had a platelet transfusion since October 28. Her platelet count fluctuates between 85,000 and 122,000 (normal is 150,000 – 450,000 but you can remember that we couldn’t keep Jenny above 20,000 with transfusions every day or every other day, for months, a while back). Also, Jenny has not had a blood transfusion since December 5 and her hemoglobin is right around 9.5. Jenny’s white cells (immune system for fighting infections) has been around 3,000 to 6,000 (normal is above 5,000 – the more the better, up to 10,000). All of this means that Jenny’s new bone marrow is working and since she is not having any more graft versus host disease complications, it has accepted her organs – Todd’s marrow is now at home in her body. What a miracle all of this is. We have worked so hard for so long; it is difficult to realize that we finally got to our goal.
We have overcome some huge obstacles; thanks to God, Todd and Dr. Davies.
Jenny started physical therapy this past week. The physical therapist has determined which areas to work on to help Jenny’s balance and coordination issues. She feels that Jenny can improve significantly with lots of exercise and effort, and the results should make it easier for Jenny to get around. Since Jenny will be getting off the steroids (they make her weak) in the next few weeks, she will start to get stronger in the next 5-6 months as well. Also, she will begin her immunizations in July, 2001 and it will take about 1 year to get her immunizations current. After that Jenny’s condition will not be so delicate with regard to sick people and/or crowds.
Jenny will see the Neuro-Retinologist on January 9. We have seen some mild improvements in her vision in her day-to-day activities. We hope he will confirm that Jenny’s vision is still improving.
Keep thinking those good thoughts of Jenny and keep all of us in your prayers.
Love,
Steve, Dianne, Jenny and Jason
