November 30 - The transplant

Dennis celebrated a stem cell birthday today at 1:30. His stem cells were returned to him within a half-hour; what an amazing process this is. Dennis is resting and is now another step closer to being home. Until then, we are residing in Room 8217.

Stem cells  live in the bone marrow, where they divide to make new blood cells. Stem cell transplants (or bone marrow transplants) are conducted to restore the stem cells when the bone marrow has been destroyed by disease, chemotherapy or radiation.

The Karmanos staff, while describing this transplant, told us that when his cells are returned to Dennis there will be a heavy aroma of, “some people say garlic, others describe the scent as tomatoes, and still others report the smell is like creamed corn”. Well, in this case, it’s tomatoes – a very, very, strong scent of tomatoes. I’m sitting next to Dennis in a mask as he sleeps, not because he needs me to wear one, but because my stomach is queasy unless I do. We are advised this will last only about 48 hours, but as that time ticks away the odor seeps from Dennis’ pores and from his breath when he talks (or snores). He was advised to bring breath mints with him; I’m here to tell ya – ain’t gonna help. There were 3 transplants on the floor today. One activity patients must do to get well is walk - the only place to walk is the hallway. I used to enjoy tomato soup. We understand the preservative the stem cells are frozen in causes this odor.

Stem cells are living cells that would die if frozen without a preservative, which attaches itself to each individual cell. The stem cells wear their little “jacket” until it’s time to thaw and then transplant them. I’m wondering if there is more than one type of preservative. Maybe it will smell like garlic tomato soup with a side of creamed corn here in a few hours.

I have captured some pictures so you can “watch” the stem cell transplant if you want to; but, if you would rather not see it, please stop reading here. Hover over the pictures to make them larger.

The transplant team

Out of the deep freeze. Notice the "fog"? There were 5 storage tins containing Dennis' stem cells. An additional 5 tins are being kept in storage in the Karmanos lab in the event Dennis ever needs more.

Each tin of stem cells was systematically checked to be sure the cells belong to Dennis.

The stem cells were removed from the tin they were frozen in and warmed in a bath; not long enough to warm them completely, but long enough to thaw for transplant.

The stem cells were retrieved and readied for return to Dennis. The transplant team had 15 minutes from the time the stem cells were thawed to return them to Dennis or the cells would die.

In total, 10 tubes of stem cells were slowly re-introduced to Dennis through his PICC line. Dennis was asked questions consistently during the short 1/2-hour process so his mental acuity could be monitored through conversation, as well as his blood pressure and heart rate. 








Okay, stem cells - do your thing!

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