Post Stem Cell Transplant: Day +2

I will continue to update this post throughout the day as I receive news as to how Tami is feeling. I'll also add a wrap up at the end of each day after I check in with Seattle each evening.

Update 12:00 am: Due to the chemo doing such a good job destroying Tami's original marrow she will need a red blood transfusion today. The lack of red blood cells is almost certainly adding to the exhaustion she has been experiencing since yesterday. Without healthy red blood cells her body and major organs can't receive the oxygen they need to function properly.

Post transplant it's normal for a patient to need 1 red blood transfusion per week and up to 3 platelet transfusions. 

Each day Tami will have her blood drawn and tested. The complete blood count (CBC) will show if her new donor stem cells begin to produce new blood. The first signs of engraftment can appear in as few as 10 days but the average amount of time is 20 days. 

Update 10:45 am: Turns out Tami is going to need both a platelet and red blood transfusion today. She is feeling very nauseated this morning. Again, the chemo is most likely the cause. At this point I'm relieved that all she is suffering from is feeling "yucky" discomfort and not pain. That is something to be thankful for.

Tami did have a light breakfast this morning so that's good too.

Update 10:55 pm: Overall Tami had a pretty rough day today. The nausea did not let up and now she is also sufferring from an upset stomach. But her doctors are pleased with her progress. They've been pleased since her arrival. Tami's been doing exceptionally well through this entire process since arriving in Seattle. They are predicting her engrafting should take place in another 10-14 days.

Posted by Stacie (Tami's cousin)