4 million stem cells

Dear Caroline,

Thank you for going through the whole journey of being a stem cell donor, for me. Lots of tests, appointments, isolating, taking injections to stimulate cell production; then, finally, coming into Bart's hospital for the actual cell harvesting and transplant. It was a very special moment and, thank God and the magnificent team here, everything went smoothly.

RUNSWICK BAY, YORKSHIRE

Jonathan (7) and Caroline (5)

Growing up as my younger sister was, I know, sometimes difficult. At times I was a pain. As teenagers we had a lot of time together, and a lot of fun, driving around North Yorkshire to pubs and parties. In Oxford we shared a house for a year, when you did your nursing training. We were close.

Then, as I got on with my life's calling, and we both got married and started our own families, we got busy and saw less of each other.

Now I am retired, and events have brought us back together, closer than ever. Thank you for being such a loving and faithful sister to me.

And thank you for 4.8 million stem cells.

with love from your brother, Jonathan

THE BIG DAY

Monday 4th December 2023, at Bart's Hospital, Smithfield, London

Caroline and Patrick stayed overnight in a hospital hostel, so Caroline is ready good and early.

The harvesting of her stem cells began at 9.50am on Ward 7a, the 7th floor.

The Apheresis Machine withdraws blood from a central line (CVC) and circulates it through a centrifuge, which separates out her stem cells and returns the remaining blood back to her.

5 hours later, and that's what 4.8 million stem cells look like in a bag. In volume there's half a litre.

The cells now go over to a lab at the London hospital for checking.

At 5.00pm we hear they're ok, and the specialist nurse (see below) gets ready for the transplant down on floor 5 (Ward 5D).

I had been awake and raring to go at 6.00am; but by now it's evening and I'm flagging; and I've picked up a temperature. They can't start the transplant until that is under control.

The nurses get to work, and family members get praying.

At 8.50pm the Nurse gives the go ahead, and I am mighty relieved. Caroline's stem cells are now going into my blood stream like a regular blood transfusion. Over the next weeks they will be developing into my new blood-making machine, renewing my diseased bone marrow (Myelofibrosis).

The two tired but happy siblings.

Once we got going the transfusion took 90 minutes.

Caroline and Patrick went out for a celebratory beer in Smithfield Market.

The next day, Tuesday 5th December, Caroline and Patrick came to visit and took this photo:

This is DAY PLUS ONE (+1)

The counting begins as the medics wait for signs that the new graft is making itself at home, and beginning to produce healthy blood. It can begin as soon as

10-14 days, or may take up to 28 days.

Meanwhile, I am on a daily I/V diet of immunosuppressants and Hb transfusions.

I am told to help myself by eating regularly and doing as much exercise as I am able. So, nothing different there!

There was a 25% chance of Caroline being a 100% match for a sibling donor transplant.

We are very blessed.