Transplant Completed

Hi all – Sorry for the delay in updating the blog–George has been pretty tired since the pre-transplant chemo he had last week.  We're filling in for him to update the blog. 

His transplant was completed successfully one week ago and everything's proceeding as planned.  His doctors say that now we'll just wait to see how well the new cells are accepted into his system.  It's somewhat of a waiting game at this point. 

His nurses recommend that he walks 1 mile a day to help the recovery.  Cookie reports that, despite his exhaustion, he races through this exercise and is determined to speed up his recovery. 

His room is set up for a king.  What else would you expect from the guy who once lived in a place he called Camelot?  He's got two computers, wireless internet access and his iPod is hooked up to a stereo.  (I'm sure it was playing Jimmy Buffett today because of the nice weather.)  He's also got Cookie there with him everyday to keep him company. 

Though he's enjoying cards and messages on the blog, he's not up for calls or visitors quite yet.  His top priority is still to rest and concentrate on recovery.  We'll let you know when this changes. Thank you again for your continued support!  Your prayers have been working.   

With Love,

The Schaefer Family

Transplant due on Thursday, March 23

I checked into the hospital as scheduled on Sunday evening. On Monday and Tuesday I had chemotherapy to wipe out the unhealthy blood cells and bone marrow in my system so that they can be regenerated by the stem cells that I will be receiving. I am happy to report that I had NO side effects from the chemo and am feeling great. The transplant had been scheduled for today but there has been a delay is receiving the container of stem cells from the donor in Europe (damn flights!) so I will get them on Thursday. No big deal. The transplant is pretty much like a blood transfusion through an IV and takes about an half-hour. From that point the donor cells with gradually take over my system and make me all well — remarkable! The doctors say that I should plan on being in the hospital for 3-4 weeks but I’m thinking positive and am going to be out before then. I’ll be keeping you posted of my progress through this blog.

Thank you so much for your wonderful support.

Gratefully — George & Cookie

A Grand Time Was Had by All !

Anje & Nathan Cluxton’s wedding on March 4th was spetacular. Everything went perfectly! The tone for the evening was set by the wonderful smiles radiating from the faces of the bride and groom. Being the father-of-the-bride was one of the happiest days of my life. I could not have been more proud of my family and my extended family.

Thanks to all who attended from near and far in both body and spirit. We are so grateful to have so many wonderful family and friends to celebrate the joyous occasion. You sure are party animals!

All the best — George

DOUBLE Great News!!

When I set up this blog back on January 17 I told you that I would keep you posted with any significant developments in my medical condition. Well, as they say, no news is good news. I’ve been feeling fine and I’ve passed all of my pre-transplant physical exams — clean living DOES pay off.

I just received a call today from my stem cell transplant coordinator at Northwestern Memorial Hospital that an identically matched donor has been contacted, agreed to proceed and passed the physical exam. My transplant is scheduled for March 22! I cannot convey to you how fortunate I am and how relieved that all of us feel to have a date set. My life will be saved and enhanced thanks to the miracles of modern medicine and the willingness of an anonymous donor to unselfishly provide me with some of his or her stem cells. It’s really remarkable. In a future posting on this blog I will be giving information on how those interested can participate in the National Marrow (and stem cell) Donor Program.

The other great news is that our daughter Anje is getting married this Saturday, March 4, to Nathan Cluxton! We are all ready to celebrate this joyous occasion. I even received a transfusion yesterday in preparation. While I won’t quite be mistaken for George Hamilton in either complexion or on the dance floor, I’m ready to party. For those of you who will be joining us on this day, please do NOT bring up my health to any of our family. This is Anje and Nathan’s day and we want to soak it in to the max. Everything that is important to know will be shared with you on this blog. Again, ain’t modern technology great! If you want to just show a gesture of support you can give us a subtle thumbs-up.

Thank you so very much for all that you have done for us. We are so blessed.

Let’s celebrate! — George and the entire Schaefer Family