Mobilizing Stem Cells

ON SCHEDULE

     The past couple days have gone well for Ethen. His hemoglobin maintained a good level since his transfusion on Friday, and his white blood cells have improved to the normal range of a kid his age. Good levels of white blood cells is a sign that the bone marrow is producing the stem cells Ethen will need later. We will go tomorrow to collect these stem cells. 

     

COLLECTION

     

     Prior to collection tomorrow morning, Ethen will need to have a short surgery to place a stronger line into Ethen's leg. This line, the "central venous catheter," will allow for drawing from and returning blood to Ethen's vein. The blood will be separated into its constituent parts from which the stem cells will be collected, then Ethen's blood can be returned through the catheter. The process will take most of the day tomorrow. Please pray that the surgery goes well and the line is established without incident. Pray also that the stem cells are present in high concentration in the blood.