Update on Sameer from his father
Dear Friends of Sameer,
Sameer is scheduled to start the pre-transplant procedure around Sept. 25 with the actual transplant to take place on Oct. 2. We have no new updates on the donor and presume that everything is fine. Sameer’s treatment team has opted for chemotherapy and total body irradiation (TBI) for the pre-transplant process during which his immune system will be essentially wiped out to be ready to be replaced by the transplanted system. He is expected to remain in the hospital for about 3 weeks following the transplant. This is a crucial period in the treatment where the doctors balance the graft versus leukemia (GVL) and the graft versus host disease (GVHD). GVL is considered to be necessary to eliminate leukemia cells from the body while the GVHD tries to attack the internal organs such as the liver, the GI tract and even the skin. Both GVL and GVHD are manifestations of the graft versus host (GVH) characteristic of the transplant. Therefore the doctors carefully balance the beneficial (GVL) and the harmful (GVHD) effects of GVH. GVH is the reason for seeking at least a 9 out of 10 match for the transplant. We will be praying very hard for the transplant to fulfill its intended purpose of freeing Sameer from leukemia while keeping him from the harmful effects.
Sameer had a nice visit yesterday from his Stanford room mate and friend Carter Lipton, and his son Adelai. Adelai is 10 months old and was able to use the nice deck and green lawn in our yard perfect of little feet. All three of them had a good time together and Sameer was teasing me about enquiring about the number of grand kids Carter’s parents have!
Sameer is continuing to do well with the monitoring of his blood counts by his treatment team. He is getting numerous blood transfusions since his blood counts continue to remain low. In addition, he is getting antibiotics and anti-fungal medicines as prophylactics (to avoid any infections). Sameer is taking good care of himself. As an example, I happened to pick up a cold probably on my return flight from New Jersey last week. As a result, I have not been allowed to be in the same room with Sameer. The worst hardship has been that I have not been able to hug him for a whole week. Since my cold is now gone, I am looking forward to giving him a big hug today!
I hope that the bone marrow donor registration drives will continue specially at the college campuses during early fall. Please take good care of yourselves, and continue doing all the good things you always do.
With best wishes,
Kumar
September 17th, 2007 at 9:00 am
I’m glad that you finally get the chance to hug your son today. I pray that all goes well and that he could be back at home in no time. Please tell Sameer to stay strong and that there are many people out here wishing the best for him!
September 17th, 2007 at 3:22 pm
Kumarji,
Thanks for the update on Sameer. The team vinay group from Southern California are praying for his transplant and recovery process. All the best to your family while you go through this crucial period.
Sudha prakash
(Rashmi’s aunt from LA)
September 18th, 2007 at 12:12 pm
I believe hugs make the immune system stronger - so am very glad you got a chance to give him a big squeeze
prayers and hugs to all
September 24th, 2007 at 2:47 pm
Kumarji,
Thank you for the update - we will have all of you in our hearts and prayers over the next several weeks. I have no doubt that Sameer will come through this with the same grace and astounding energy as he does everything in his life.
Bev Mather
(Sameer’s friend from a college program in the Hague)
September 25th, 2007 at 2:48 pm
Kumar,
When you hug Sameer today, give him an extra hug from me.
–Alex Counts
September 28th, 2007 at 11:50 am
Kumar Uncle
Thank you for the update and we are so happy to hear that Sameer found a match and we will continue to pray for Sameer to be home and on his way to recovery soon. Please tell Sameer Mauricio and I are thinking of him and he is in our prayers everyday!