How does the Stem Cell Transplant work?
Stem Cell Transplant involves collection of Jan’s stem cell from her bone marrow. This was accomplished by giving her a growth hormone (Neupogen). This activated the growth of her blood cells to the point that they spilled over from her bone marrow and into her blood stream. A machine removed the white blood cells from Jan’s blood, and returned the rest to her. The stem cells are attached to the white blood cells. We collected Jan’s cells and kept them frozen for the transplant. On May 5th, 2003 Jan received High Dose chemotherapy. This effectively killed the cells in Jan’s bone marrow, what is refered to as Total Body Irradication. On May 7th, we then reintroduced the stem cells we collected into her system. They have attached to her marrow and started to reproduce. Stem cells create red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. We hope these will grow and reproduce, sans the abnormal protein cells that contained amyloid. This is not an easy process to go through, and is very chal
