First Stem Cell Transplant!

Hello Everyone!
Sawyer started his First Stem Cell transplant on Tuesday the 11th. His last MIBG scan on November 28th did not show much change from the previous scan on November 1st and was still scored as a 3. Even though he did not reach a curie score of 2 both our team and the stem cell team thought it still would be effective to proceed with Stem Cell. The goal here is to kill any cells around the central mass or cells that may be hiding in other parts of his body. Removal of the central mass will occur during Radiation and Immunotherapy. He has been receiving high-dose chemotherapy since Tuesday (11th) and Sunday (16th) will be his last day for the chemo. He will have Monday off and will start protective precautions which means that he will not be allowed to leave his room. He receives his cells on Tuesday (They call it a cell-abration!!). Other than being annoyed the first 4 days about having to take a bath every 6 hours (4am baths are no fun), he has been doing very well. (One of the drugs he receives, Thiotepa, is secreted through the skin. If left on the skin too long it can cause burns—hence the baths.)
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This week he has been spending his time decorating his room, playing games and walking the floor while he can. About 3-5 days after kids receive their cells is when they start to feel bad and they typically don’t start to feel better for another 10-12. We will just have to take it day by day and the Drs. will adjust his treatment accordingly. Of course, this is not where we want to be spending our holidays, but we are very happy that we are proceeding with treatment.

Sawyer and our family got a special treat a couple of weeks ago. We were invited by United Airlines and the Cal’s Angels Foundation to participate in their Fantasy Flight to the North Pole on December 1st. It was a lot of fun! We arrived at O’Hare Airport and were greeted by festive employees and volunteers they escorted us to our gate where we had breakfast, played games and boarded the plane for a trip to the North Pole. The flight took about an hour and was filled with fun we sang songs and were joined by the CEO of United as well as the director of O’hare airport. When we landed we got to meet Santa, have lunch in Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen, and even go on a sleigh ride. As we left each of the boys were given presents from Santa. All the United employees volunteer their time and funds to make the day special for the kids. A big thank you to everyone at United and Cal’s Angels for making it such a wonderful day. Please check out our pictures page with photos from the day.

Our last bit of news is not very happy unfortunately. Last week we said goodbye to our family’s best friend our beloved dog Jack. Jeremy and I got him together before we were married. I still remember the day we went and met him for the first time. He was the first dog we were going to meet and on the way I told Jeremy not to get too attached because we should meet some other dogs. Well after our meeting I told Jeremy we don’t need to see anymore dogs. He was our first baby, a wonderful dog and a member of our family for over 12 years. We hated to say goodbye because we loved him so much, but we knew it was time. We will miss you Jack, love you buddy!
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Thank you as always for reading. Please continue to keep Sawyer and our family in your prayers and intentions. Have a wonderful holiday season! We will keep updating as Sawyer progresses with Stem Cell and his treatment.

Until next time!
Jen, Jeremy, Sawyer, and Calvin