Thursday, May 28, 2009

OK, first update, as I just got off the phone with Susan. Nothing dramatic to report, but then "boring" is what we want.

Susan and Bob got up to Boston about 7:30 PM last night and she checked into Dana Farber. The admitting procedure was quite meticulous -- everything she brought with her had to be wiped down with some kind of sterile solution and then sealed in individual plastic bags before it could be brought into the transplant wing. Think "clean room" as in chip fabrication plant. The night passed uneventfully. Bob stayed in a nearby Hampton Inn. Guess he wasn't clean enough.

This morning Susan had her PIC line inspected and x-rayed. This line is like a port into a vein, to be used to draw blood and to inject solutions, so she doesn't have to be stabbed every time. However, instead of being installed at a usual injection site, it is threaded up like a catheter to a position near the heart. Assuming the PIC line is still clean and in good shape (results of the integrity check are still pending as I write), it will be used for the conditioning chemotherapy, starting later today and continuing through Sunday, and then for the stem cell infusion (the transplant) next Tuesday.

Susan has her laptop with her but has not yet been able to log on. She knows that your good wishes have been pouring in and looks forward to reading them when she is able to connect at some point later in the day.

6 comments:

  1. Thanks so much for providing this blog for us, Jerry. How nice that technology can be used for such a wonderful service to Susan and all of us who are cheering her on!
    I hope that the news continues to be boring. That's the best kind. Sending much love and healing energy to Susan and everyone surrounding her.

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  2. Dear Susan and Loving Family,
    My heart and love are with you all. May you move through this time with grace and humor.

    I hold you in my healing thoughts.

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  3. Thank you so much for doing this! Our thoughts and prayers are with Susan. Please let us know if you need anything.

    Steve, Liz, Charley and Lauren

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  4. Thank you Jerry! Susan's friends here at the NYC chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society are keeping her in our thoughts and sending loads of healing vibes her way! Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help support her and /or her family and friends. My direct line is 212-376-4772 or email at meg.harrison@lls.org. As the Patient Services Manager - I'm happy to answer any questions or to provide information.

    Again, wishing all the best!
    Warmest regards,
    Meg

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  5. Susan, You're the one doing the hard work but we want you to know that you've got all of us West Coast Siegels (Dick and Catherine et al.) behind you. You are in our hearts and our thoughts...call on us at any time.

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  6. Thanks so much for these updates, Gerry.
    Susan, you are in our hearts always.
    Bob, you look pretty spiffy in that mask!!

    Love you guys...
    Mimi and Jeff

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