Stem Cell Retrieval Attempt 2

Its Kim writing for Wallace. He is having a lot of back pain and is having difficulty sitting at a computer today. He really was a trooper today. We started the day by being told they didn't get any stem cells yesterday and they were going to consider a plasma transfer with a donor to help. They consulted Wallace's doctor and it was decided to give the traditional retrieval one more try. We went up to meet Gwen and Doris from the Canada Blood Services. They hooked him all up to the machine and got started. Things weren't working.....there was a problem with his central line. They decided to put in a different I.V. in his arm to try instead(has he mentioned how much he now hates needles??). Whoopee!!! It started working and it appeared to be collecting what everyone so desperately wanted to see. After 6 hours of sitting in a chair unable to move with the exception of his right arm (hence the now very sore back) they were very pleased at what had produced over the day and would call us with the results.

We received a call around 8. Not only did the stem cell retrieval work, but they were blown away because not only were they able to successfully collect the stem cells but they were able to get enough for 2 transplants. So, tomorrow leaves us with only a small stem cell collection and a possible blood transfusion. We are staying positive that we could possibly go home tomorrow, but won't get our hopes up just yet.