Update on Jack Garman April 8, 2010

[View My TQS Profile Margo]

I'm way too excited to wait a week to do another post -- I have such good news to share! Yesterday, we found out late in the day that Jack had accumulated enough stem cells in his blood for him to begin the extraction process today. We got up at 4:30 this morning; I gave Jack his dreaded shot (think: 1000 hornet bites in the same spot at the same time - that's what they're like.... he has a max of 10 more... ouch, ouch, ouch), and we headed into town. By 8:00 a.m., the folks at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center started cycling his blood through a centrifuge, where the stem cells were collected (they have a unique specific gravity). You should have seen the smiles on our faces. For those who don't yet understand, those stem cells will eventually be transplanted back into Jack, giving him a new lease on life. Keep the prayers coming that all goes well. By the way - being the computer geek that he is, Jack refers to all of this as his personal "wipe and load" process. Not a bad analogy!

Seeing that bag of blood collecting over his head brought tears of joy to my eyes; this is a bag of LIFE for Jack! I've loaded three pictures -- 1) Jack in his new "man cave" at MD Anderson -- complete with tv and laptop at his fingertips; 2) Jack, 30 minutes into the stem cell collection -- during the process, he receives drugs that make him feel like he is freezing from the inside out -- you should have heard his teeth chattering unstoppably! And 3) THE bag of Jack's stem cells. Jack will repeat today's work several more days -- until they have collected at least 13 million stem cells. Then he gets a week to recover, and he will need it. The injections I have to give him not only hurt to receive - they also make Jack nauseous and make his bones hurt like the devil. For the past five days, he's been averaging 300 calories a day. We continue our mantra: we will get through this, one day at a time.

Thank you everyone, for your heartfelt prayers - we are so very appreciative!
Sue and Jack

(See the photos on my Member Blog here:
http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/myblog.p ... no/1008258)

[View My TQS Profile kfstitcher]

Yeah! Good news. I'm praying that things continue to improve. His pain sounds horrible and I know it must be so hard for you Sue to watch. I so hope his trial will be easing alot and soon. Karen

[View My TQS Profile luvquilting]

WooHoo! Jack is on his way to his transplant!!! One day at a time, one hour at a time.....you're on your way! Hang in there....our prayers continue for you both. Nancy

[View My TQS Profile gran5]

HALLELUJAH!!!! He looks like one happy camper. As I mentioned before, I had a friend go through this process around the first of the year and he is doing great. Here's hoping and praying for a positive outcome for Jack.

[View My TQS Profile RGold]

Dear Jack and Sue, Woo Hoo!! Hurray for the wipe and load! I just wish the pain didn't have to be soooo awful during this period. But at least you are making steps toward your goal! I'll keep praying all goes well!! And that Jack feels like eating!
Margo, thank you so much for sharing -- it means so much to be included!
Hugs to all, Robin

[View My TQS Profile WandaM]

Jack and Sue~The process sounds just awful, but that red bag is awesome. What a miracle! I will continue to pray for you both and I will lift you up in church on Sunday. I pray that the pain lessens. Keep up the good fight and good luck with the wipe and load.
Wanda

[View My TQS Profile dlquilter]

I am keeping you in my prayers Sue and Jack...and thank goodness for Jack to be able to do the stem cell treatment so soon.

"Courage does not always roar. Sometimes it is a small voice at the end of the day that says, I will try again tomorrow."

Blessings to both of you.

Dana

[View My TQS Profile KakeM]

Oh my that is one happy looking man in these photos....One more step towards recovery ...hooray for you Jack. I pray the pain eases some and he is soon clicking away on all cylinders. Bless you both for what you have been going through....prayers continue.

[View My TQS Profile CMOELLERS]

Margo, Thank you for the updates.

Sue and Jack, my prayers are with you evey day. So happy to hear the good news!!!! My God give you both the strength you need as you continue on the journey to remission/recovery. God Bless you both!!!!!

[View My TQS Profile MaryQuilts2]

Such good news and so good to see Jack's great smile. On the way to recovery!! I continue to pray for you both in your journey. May God keep you in his hands and carry you through this trying time. Hugs to you both, Mary

[View My TQS Profile Charmart]

My prayers keep coming. I can only imagine what y'all are going through but what a great outcome we pray for once this is all finished! Blessings to all involved.
Charlotte (charmart)

[View My TQS Profile Seesaw]

Thank you for the update. I am so happy for Jack. I know how hard it is right now, but what a miracle you are taking part in. We have a friend who has been through this process and last summer, six years after his treatment, they removed him from their watch list and pronounced him cured. Miracles do happen. Prayers and hugs from Carolyn in Kerrville, TX

[View My TQS Profile ritzy]

Praise the Lord--keep those stem cells coming, please.

[View My TQS Profile HAPPYCAMPBELL]

That is great new so happy to hear we will keep the prays coming

[View My TQS Profile clarbarba]

The courage and strength you and Jack have demonstrated is inspirational. What heros you are! Hooray for stem cell research and continued good news.
Barbara