Preparation for Stem Cell Transplant

Here is just a short little update on what has been happening for Marty in preparation for the Autologous Peripheral Stem Cell Transplant.  Last week Monday Marty had a pheresis catheter inserted into his clavicle (shoulder/neck) area.  This was just a short procedure but has caused Marty some neck pain which is to be expected.  This catheter will be used to give drugs and fluid to him during the stem cell transplant.  
This past Friday, Marty did go home with the expectation that he'd be at home for the weekend.  However on Saturday, he was having problems with his balance and then started running a fever, so Erica did end up taking him back to the hospital early Saturday afternoon.  The doctors have given Marty antibiotics and by Sunday evening he was starting to look a lot better already.  
Sunday Marty received his first neupogen (growth factor) injection to increase the production of stem cells so there are enough stem cells to be collected on harvest day.   As it stands right now we are gearing up for Thursday, January 31st to be Harvest Day.  Marty will have to go to Oncology Day Ward from 7am until 7pm while his blood will be cycled through a pheresis machine.  By way of this machine his stem cells will be collected and then the remaining cells will be returned to his bloodstream.  By Thursday evening we should know if they were able to collect enough stem cells.  Optimum amount of stem cells is 2 million per kilogram of body weight.  
We will continue to keep you updated on what will be happening with Marty's care.  Thank you again for your continuous support and prayers.