Oh Brother

**a Jer Diddy post**

While recovering from round 3 of chemo we learned my oldest brother Don was a donor match. As a result we had a decision to make on my treatment plan- whether to carry on with chemo for 2 more rounds, or proceed with a stem cell transplant.

We met with the doctors and the transplant team and were provided with all the statistical outcomes for each treatment plan, the risk factors and the possible outcomes for my genetics, age, health, etc. After going back and forth on a decision, we decided to proceed with the transplant. While the transplant comes with higher risks and are told will be more physically and mentally challenging than what I have experienced to date, it offers much greater odds for a full recovery than does continuing with the chemo alone.

The transplant is scheduled to occur on June 1. Both Don and I are going through numerous medical tests in preparation for the transplant. I will be admitted back into the hospital a week ahead of time to receive chemo and total body radiation. This is to help my body accept Don’s stem cells. On morning of June 1^st they will take Don's stem cells from his blood (a process that takes 5 to 7 hours) then that night transfuse them into me. The following 90 days are critical in the recovery and dealing with grafting issues and other possible complications, mostly risk of infection. Similar to chemo, I will be immune suppressed and most of this time will be spent in the hospital.

I can't thank Don enough for doing this. Don has always been a big brother who has always looked after his younger brother and been there for me throughout my life. Again he has stepped forwarded without even asking, Thanks bro.

Other than trips to the hospital for appointments I am spending my time resting and my new job – eating… as much food I can to try and put back the weight I have lost; as it will be all coming off as food intake becomes a problem during the stem cell procedure. (Sam note: Its awesome having all these high calorie foods in the house and watching someone try and GAIN weight, when I am eating my rice crackers and going to the gym… every woman’s dream roommate) We also plan to take a quick trip to Victoria to spend some time around the ocean and smell the flowers.

A big THANKS to everyone for your continuing prayers and positive thoughts as I go through the next round in this fight.

**Sam note: For everyone that is wondering…. We DID get out of the hospital in time to have Easter chocolates at home! No hospital Easter egg hunt, unfortunately.