This past week has been full of changes, some great, some good, but all positive!

• Rae’s central line was removed. This is a big milestone in her recovery.
• Rae had her first post-transplant endoscopy
  • There was concern for us that even though she had the transplant it was to late, or maybe didn’t work as well as we hoped to stop the metaplasia in her digestive system. Praise God! There has been no change!
  • He digestive system still has metaplasia, but it has not spread or turned in dysplasia or cancer.
• Rae received her 100 day post-transplant lab results
  • CD19 (B cells) went from 97% to 98% donor cells
    • B cells are a type of white blood cell that play a crucial role in the immune system by producing antibodies to fight infections. They help identify and neutralize harmful pathogens like viruses and bacteria, and some B cells also remember these pathogens for faster responses in the future.
  • CD56 (NK cells) went from 98% to 100% donor cells
    • NK cells, or natural killer cells, are a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the immune system by identifying and destroying infected or cancerous cells. They are part of the innate immune response and can act quickly to eliminate threats without needing prior exposure to them.
  • CD3 (T cells) went from 50% to 61% donor cells
    • T cells are a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the immune system by helping to fight infections and diseases. They are primarily responsible for recognizing and attacking infected or abnormal cells in the body.
  • CD33 (Myeloid cells) stayed at 100% donor cells
    • Myeloid cells play a crucial role in the innate immune system, acting as a first line of defense against infections and contributing to inflammation and tissue repair.
  • CD4 cell count: went from 47 to 48 (normal range is 500-2000)
    • This form of T cells is the messenger. It recognizes a potential infection and notifies the other cells to attack it.
    • This is the most disheartening result. Rae needs to reach a count of 200 to begin getting her restrictions lifted. Typically most people are at or near 200 at the day 100 labs. So, this was a bit difficult to hear. But, they will draw labs again in 30 days. The doctor is optomistic that we will see a drastic change at the next labs.
• The best update: While Rae’s restrictions were not lifted, she was able to attend prom with Hannah and their friends! She had to wear a mask, but she said she had a great time! Also, Rae can now start attending more public events. Again she just has to wear a mask, distance as much as possible, and wash her hands often. She is a little upset though. The doctor said no flying for the first year due to the enclosed space with recycled air. She is now threatening to drive to Florida for warmth and sunshine! 😂
  

Prayer Request:

Please be praying for continued health for Rae. Also, we would greatly appreciate prayer for her T4 cells to show a large increase at the next lab in 30 days. This would be a huge boost to Rae’s immune system, and her spirits as she would have most of her restrictions lifted.

As always, we appreciate your continued support and encouragement!