The road leads to Tampa

Alice & Josh continuing their journey...

On Monday, June 24th, Alice and Josh arrived in Tampa.  The latest part of their journey to Alice's bone marrow transplant officially began at the Moffitt Cancer Center today, June 25th.  

Moffitt Cancer Center  ~ Tampa, FL

Alice's first procedure went well.  Alice's doctors inserted a central line which includes a port.  It is through the port that Alice will be administered chemotherapy and other drugs, receive blood draws and transfusions, etc.  

Alice will receive her chemotherapy treatments each day beginning tomorrow through Saturday, the 29th.  The high doses of chemotherapy drugs are used to kill the cancer cells in Alice, but will also kill any healthy bone marrow cells.  After the last chemo day, Alice gets two days rest.  A rest that will be much needed.

Meanwhile, Alice's brother and donor, Robert will also be in Tampa. Robert will begin receiving his Neupogen shots for 5 days.  The shots are critical to increase the production of Robert's own blood marrow stem cells.  This excess of blood marrow stem cells will be collected on Monday, July 1.  These precious cells will be transplanted in Alice.

On Tuesday, July 2nd, Alice will receive her transplant.  Doctors will use the central line to complete the transplant.  As the stem cells find their way to Alice's bone marrow, Alice will begin the rebuilding phase of her treatment.  This is a long process and does not happen immediately.

 

Although these are critical days, weeks and even months ahead, Alice and Josh remain positive and uplifted by the continued support of all of you, their family and friends.  

We continue to support Alice and Josh through our fundraising efforts on www.Give2Alice.com.  The fundraising page is also a great place to show your support by posting a "HUG" or message for Alice.  Just click on the tab and login with an email address or a Facebook account.  You can also leave your encouragements right here on our blog on Hugs and Support.  Either way is a great way to send Alice some love and hugs! 

Lastly, if you would like to subscribe to the blog, simply scroll all the way to the bottom of the page and click subscribe or click here.  You will receive our updates as we post them throughout Alice's journey to healing.

As Alice has stated before, "We have a long road ahead of us...", but we are here for you Alice, Josh & Katie.   We are vigilant with you in this fight against cancer.