(A picture of how Laura's day started... Yes, all those test tubes are for her!)

Update from Lisa:

Today Mom spent a full day at Emory having her labs checked, a lumbar puncture and a bone marrow biopsy. Tomorrow she'll have an EKG and an Echo. All these tests are required in order to have clearance for the Bone Marrow Transplant.

We also found out definitive dates (I say definitive lightly [Yes, I know that's an oxymoron--but in my mind it IS definitive because nothing is going to go wrong. Period]. We are expecting all the test results to come back clear and to be given the go-ahead; if anything comes back abnormal then the transplant will be postponed). So on Wednesday, January 19th Mom will be admitted into the hospital: she will have FIVE days of chemo, a day of rest and then the actual transplant which will take place on Tuesday, January 25th. Starting from the 25th she will have to stay in the hospital 2.5 to 3.5 weeks--all depending on her white blood count and how her body and the new bone marrow react to the transplant.

A few things the doctor did want any caregivers to take note of:

-The first three days after transplant (26-28th) will be her hardest--supposedly; but knowing mom it'll be a walk in the park

-Any person coming to visit her in the hospital is STRONGLY advised to have a flu shot; they say shot instead of mist because the shot has dead flu cells whereas the mist doesn't

-Parking isn't free but the main caregiver can get a discount the first week (I know y'all find that really urgent news. I certainly did) ☺

Other than that, she has a few appoinments tomorrow and next Monday, the donor will have their blood drawn at some unidentified hospital on the 11th AND she is allowed to take walks around the block PLUS there is a stationary bike on the floor she will be staying at in Emory!

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Thank you, unkown donor!!!

And, now, a word from Laura:
The unknown donor and I are in this together....we are going to make it happen! Scheduled transplant date....1-25-11! We are both doing all kinds of stuff from now till then. The unknown donor has a lot going on too. What a sacrifice! I am so thankful for whoever you are.
--Laura