As much as we hoped to provide information and a timeline for the stem cell transplant (SCT), she was told yesterday that it has been delayed – after waiting a full week for information.  Since March, the SCT had tentatively been scheduled for June 7.  After seeing communication of the delay in her online portal, she talked with the transplant team nurse and doctor, and they indicated June 7 didn’t fit within the timeframe of the donor.  So, the SCT has now been pushed back to “late June”.  As you can imagine, this was VERY disappointing news.  A donor and a backup donor were identified, so we were just waiting for confirmation.  Due to the 24/7 caregiver requirement and needing to be within 10 minutes of Mayo for 100 days post SCT, some of us had started to rearrange schedules & vacation, along with her trying to secure housing.  Now, without a confirmed date, all of that is on hold.  We’ve assured her we’re all here for her and we’ll make it work - whenever that may be.

She has an appointment in Rice Lake on Monday and is expecting to be told she needs to return to Rochester ASAP as the neutropenia #s are declining again.  While being home these last few weeks have been wonderful and a big boost for her mental health, yesterday’s news was a blow.  In addition, we’re all concerned about how they’re going to keep her in remission until “late June”.  Doug returns to work next week and cousins in Sun Prairie will be taking Ripley for the foreseeable future.  Needless to say, it’s been a stressful week.

We agree that next week is going to be quite chaotic.  All of us are on standby to make sure she gets to Rochester – whether she is told to report on Monday/Tuesday or later in the week for previously scheduled appointments.

I think these next few weeks we will really need to follow our mantra of "one day at a time".

As always, please keep Doug & Connie in your thoughts and prayers.

One day at a time . . . Strohman Strong!