This update is a long time coming. Since my evaluation appointments on July 9 &10 we have been waiting to hear a consensus from the team regarding next steps. The evaluation appointments were tiring but overall uneventful. Now, a couple weeks later we are able to process and plan for next steps.

The Ovary:

My left ovary has to come out, there is no other way to tell if it is malignant. HOWEVER, praise to GOD the team has concluded we can wait until after my transplant. This is a big deal because surgery, even a laparoscopic one, would require a 4 week recovery before we could move forward with transplant. With my type of lymphoma, I don’t have 4 more weeks to wait. We are trying to beat the relapse clock. The team agreed that with it’s current presentation, we will monitor with repeat scanning every 6 weeks until i am strong enough to withstand a surgery. (Probably sometime in the late winter/spring 2025)

Transplant:

During evaluation appointments the transplant timeline was reviewed. I will be doing a hybrid model of inpatient and outpatient transplant. Once my central line is placed, I’ll have around 5 days of conditioning that includes outpatient chemotherapy and radiation. Then I’ll be admitted for the actual transfusion of stem cells and remain in the hospital for around 6 days. I will resume chemotherapy on day +3 for a couple days and then additional protocol meds. My counts will plummet and then hopefully start to recover by day +10-14.

These first 30 days are the most crucial and will be most at risk for infection. These first 30 days I will not be able to visit with my babies.

For the first 100 days post transplant, I will be monitored closely by my team. I will have appointments starting daily, then 3x a week and then 1x a week.

For these 100 days:

• I cannot drive
• I have to have a full time caregiver
• I cannot be around crowds
• I cannot prepare meals
• I cannot clean my space
• those visiting will have to be masked
• I cannot be around anyone who is sick, not even a sniffle
• I cannot care for my children
• I’ll be on a special diet

It’s a lot of restrictions. I feel the weight of my wings being clipped.

I will be staying at my dear friend’s condo that is conveniently located just a few minutes from the hospital. I will maintain that residence for the first 100 days. There is opportunity if I recovery well, that I’ll be able to return home before day 100. But it all depends on how I do.

I will write more posts in the days to come as we continue to clarify things. I will post very regularly once I start the pre-admission process.

As of TODAY (7/22/24)

Pre-admission is set for AUGUST 5

Line Placement is set for AUGUST 6

Chemotherapy starts AUGUST 7

Transfusion of cells (Stem Cell Transplant): AUGUST 13

We have updated the “how to support us” page. There are some unique needs we are encountering including needing to temporarily furnish the condo I will be living in. Please see the list and let us know if you have any of these items in storage and would be willing to loan them to us.

We covet your continued prayers. This is very intense and scary process. I pray you all have had a special summer. I know we have

Thank you for being a part of my healing journey,

Danielle