How Tami is Feeling

Great news, yesterday Tami did not have to go get her blood drawn as an outpatient because her counts have been so steady. However, today her red blood count had dropped so she did have to have a blood infusion. 

The good news is that her platelet count is continuing to rise so she did not need a platelet transfusion. To be clear, her platelet level is still well below the lower normal range for platelets but her platelets are now higher then they've been since her diagnosis so the doctors are very curious as to why all of a sudden her marrow is once again producing some healthier platelets. The results of the bone marrow biopsy probably won't be back until next week but they may shed some light on the "why."

All in all Tami feels ok. When her red count falls it seems like she typically feels less energetic which makes sense because it means her body and vital organs aren't receiving as much oxygen as they need. Once she receives her transfusion she usually feels better right away. Her transfusions are still being washed and irradiated to reduce the likelihood of an allergic reaction to them.

How Tami is Feeling

Very good news today!!! Tami has made it one full week without needing a blood transfusion or a platelet transfusion. This doesn't mean that finding a donor isn't important. Tami's counts are still low but it's nice she hasn't had to have any transfusions since there is always a chance for an allergic reaction or other problem.

We are relieved it's been a whole week!  

New Facebook Application to Join the Marrow Registry

Team Anh had a great idea for helping people join the marrow registry! A Facebook application to order a marrow donor kit!! What an easy and fast way to learn how to join the marrow donor program. Anyone whose anyone has a Facebook page these days and it is so easy to add applications. This is a direct link to the application.  All it takes is a simple form that will take less than five minutes to fill out and you will receive your kit.

If you do not have a Facebook it is never too late to join.  It's a great way to catch up with old friends and relatives and an easy and fun way to keep up with everyone you know.  And, Facebook has hundreds of applications that can be informative or games or challenges or even helpful for remembering birthdays. So if you haven't already, join and have fun!

If you are already a member of the registry please send invites to the application to spread the word.  This is such an important cause and Team Anh has really found a great and easy way to help people register.

How Tami is Feeling

Today Tami had an office visit with her doctor.

While Tami's red blood cell count is down just a bit both her white blood cell and platelet counts have risen. However, all her counts are still below normal minimum levels.

Tomorrow Tami will undergo a bone marrow biopsy to see how her condition is progressing. It will take several days to receive the results back so we won't have any information for you right away.

Also it will be at least 2 more weeks before Tami is moved to Seattle to begin her pre-transplant evaluation. This is significant because our understanding is that the donor will not begin his pre-transplant health screening to ensure he is eligible to donate unless and until Tami has passed her tests first. At that time the potential donor will be screened and if he is deemed eligible to donate and is willing to donate then the actual transplant preparations and scheduling of the transplant begin.

So here's hoping Tami's marrow biopsy goes smoothly tomorrow and prayers that the results are good news. And, more prayers that the donor is eligible and willing to donate!!

How Tami is Feeling

A little bit of good news, Tami has not had to receive a blood or platelet transfusion since last Tuesday night to Wednesday morning. That is the night Tami was back in the ER. In fact, her blood draw yesterday showed her platelet count and red cell count had increased a tiny bit all on their own. That's a great sign that she is not just holding her own but has a bit of improvement.

Today Auntie Mary is making Tami Whoopie Pies. It's one of Tami's favorites that she had commented about not having had for awhile while she was still in the hospital. Whoopie Pies are a large, soft, chocolate cookie sandwich with a whip cream filling.

Here's the recipe Auntie Mary is using in case any of you would like to try them:

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Whoopie-Pies-107615

I don't know about you guys but I'm so hungry now!! They look awesome. I've never tried one but I know I would love them. I love all sweets.

Posted by Wendy. Learn more about her in this blog post

How Tami is Feeling

Tami is feeling better and better. Her apetite has come back and she's eating more kinds of food since she's been home from the hospital. She still has her protein shakes but along with that she's had more variety like nigiri (rice balls) with minced marinated beef short rib meat, a fresh orange every day and broccoli and green bean tempura.

The only odd thing is that she can eat fresh fruit again but only if someone else peels it for her. So each day someone peels her an orange. I don't know why this is but am thinking it might have something to do with bacteria or toxins like pesticides on the outside of the peel? If anyone knows please feel free to leave a comment and fill us in on the why.

Posted by Wendy. Learn more about her in this blog post

How Tami is Feeling

Yesterday Tami was feeling a little anxious.  The anxiety is probably caused by one of the various medications that Tami is taking.  Some medications can cause anxiety as a side effect.  Usually the doctors are able to give Tami something to calm those feelings.

Other than the anxiety, Tami had a good day:)  Let's hope there are more days like this to come.

Posted by Wendy. Learn more about her in this blog post

California Donor Drives

Hi All!  You know by now that the more people that register to be marrow and stem cell donors the better.  Donor drives are a great way to get out and meet new people and have fun talking and socializing.

Here are some great upcoming drives you can attend to get registered! The Asian Heritage Street Celebration will be a great way to attend a festival, have fun, and join the National Marrow Donor Registry!  The drives are conveniently scheduled on Saturdays or in the evening so more people are available. 

May 16, 2009 (Sat)
Asian Heritage Street Celeb, SF
Larkin St and McAllister St, San Francisco, CA 94102
11am – 4pm

May 16, 2009 (Sat)
South Hayward Stroll
680 W. Tennyson Park Rd., Hayward, CA 94544
1:00pm – 4:00pm

May 16, 2009 (Sat)
Red Mango, Valley Fair Mall
2855 Stevens Creek Blvd., San Jose, CA 95050
12noon – 4pm

May 22, 2009 (Friday)
Gujarati Day Celeb, Sunnyvale
7:30pm – 9:30pm

Dont forget to check out www.aadp.org. They're always updating their calendar with new drives.  It is a great feeling to know that one day you may be able to save someone's life. 

Posted by Wendy. Learn more about her in this blog post

How Tami is Feeling

Tami has returned home today after being brought to the hospital yesterday.  Since Tami's blood transfusions and platelet transfusions need to be "washed" to reduce the possibility of an allergic reaction, Tami did not finish receiving the transfusions until 4:00 in the morning. 

The doctors stressed that Tami will need to monitor her liquid intake so that she doesn't become dehydrated again. Tami is planning on using small bottles of water when she drinks so that her exact number of ounces she consumes can be counted. 

The one thing at home that bothers Tami that she didn't have to deal with at the hospital is the smell of food being cooked in the house. It makes her feel nauseated.  

Red Mango Donor Drive

The Red Mango Donor Drive has been confirmed!! We are so excited about this donor drive. Yul Kwon will be in attendance for all you Survivor fans out there. Thanks to the generosity of Red Mango VF new registrants will receive a free, small, single topping, frozen yogurt.

The drive will take place on:

Saturday, May 16, 2009

12 p.m. until 4 p.m. at:

Valley Fair Shopping Center

2855 Stevens Creek Blvd. (Space 1293 on the first floor)
Santa Clara, CA 95050
(408) 246-2720

Because of federal funding all Ethnic Minorities and people of mixed ethnicities are tested for free. The standard Non-minority testing fee is $52 but thanks to a federal grant this fee has been reduced to a $25 (tax deductible) tissue typing fee for Caucasian donors. To learn why only Caucasians are charged please click here.

You can visit Red Mango's website for more information about their yogurt.

Yul became involved with AADP when his best friend in college, Evan Chen, was diagnosed with Luekemia. The donor program became important to him because Yul saw firsthand what happens when it takes too long to find a matching donor. Sadly Evan found a match but not in time. By the time his match was found, Evan was too sick to survive the transplant procedure.

If you're in Palo Alto this summer be sure to stop in Yul Kwon's Red Mango shop at:

429 University Ave
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 324-1811

(Please note that the donor drive will only be held at the Valley Fair Mall location.)

Posted by Wendy. Learn more about her in this blog post.