Elaine is not dying but her condition is serious. Earlier this year, she was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma (
http://www.cancer.org/cancer/multiplemyeloma/ (
http://www.cancer.org/cancer/multiplemyeloma/)). Her doctors have determined the next (and hopefully final) step is for her to undergo a stem cell transplant. (Here’s a quick explanation that sounds easy enough...it’s not...
https://www.dukehealth.org/treatments/cancer/leukemia/adult-bone-marrow-transplant.)
We'll use this site to keep you informed about what is involved with a stem cell transplant but for now just know the procedure is arduous and requires Elaine’s body to re-grow her own, perfect, charming, lovely, cancer-free cells over the course of the following MONTHS. Her treatment begins with 3 intensive weeks at Duke starting today. Then, she will return home and the real healing begins.
Elaine and I are bunking in Durham.
Annika is home with the boys.
I’m sorry to say during her time at Duke Elaine cannot accept visitors. Also, fresh flowers and live plants are off-limits. (The underside of leaves carry a fungus that is dangerous for her. Please don’t send them to Annika at home while she is away either as we are working to disinfect the house for Elaine’s return.)
Letters are appreciated:
900 Alexan Drive #108
Durham, NC 27707
We are going to use this site to keep you informed. Please share it with whomever you wish/can think of.
Now, everybody go wash your hands!
Love, Jenny
