August 13, 2010

Stem Cell Infusion Schedule!

Image from http://stemcellumbilicalcordblood.com/

Everything is officially a "go" for Bertrand's stem cell infusion! CBR, the company we stored Bertrand's cord blood with, has transferred his blood to Duke University and the Pediatric Stem Cell Transplant Program at Duke sent our schedule today (see below). We just bought our plane tickets! This infusion will likely do nothing for Bertrand but we have to try it given the successes there have been with other forms of brain injury.

It has been a pleasure talking you about your decision to come to Duke for Bertrand’s reinfusion of autologous banked cord blood cells. We look forward to see you all again. A schedule is listed below for Bertrand’s appointments here at Duke University Medical Center.


Monday, August 23, 2010

8:15am Please check Bertrand in at the McGovern-Davison Children’s Health Center (CHC), 4th Floor, which is our clinic. Bertrand will have vital signs taken, be weighed, measured, and have blood work drawn. The blood work will be drawn by a phlebotomist. The phlebotomist will attempt to collect the blood samples with minimal needle sticks. If the blood cannot be obtained by the phlebotomist, please have the phlebotomist see Colleen McLaughlin, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, about obtaining the blood samples. Bertrand will also have a head circumference done (his head measured).

Colleen McLaughlin, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, will take a detailed medical history and perform a physical exam on Bertrand as well as consent for his reinfusion.


Tuesday, August 24, 2010

12:15pm Please check Bertrand in at the McGovern-Davison Children’s Health Center (CHC), 4th Floor. Bertrand will be weighed, measured and have vital signs taken. After check in you are welcome to go to the gift shop located on the 1st floor of the CHC or the cafeteria in the main hospital for snacks. During this time Bertrand’s unit will be processed in our lab. There will be about an hour wait time for unit processing.

Bertrand will be seen by Dr. Kurtzberg after which time an IV will be placed by Dr. Kurtzberg so that Bertrand will be able to receive his cells. It is easier to start the IV, if you have made sure that Bertrand is well hydrated. Bertrand will be monitored in a room in the Valvano Day Hospital. You will be able to be with Bertrand the entire time. You may eat in Bertrand’ room if you wish. He will receive IV fluids for several hours after the reinfusion of cells. Bertrand will be seen by Dr. Kurtzberg prior to discharge.

Please bring Bertrand’ favorite toys to this appointment.


Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Please call Colleen McLaughlin at (919) 668-2657 to let her know how Bertrand did overnight. If all goes as anticipated you may return home.

We look forward to seeing you at Duke. Please have a safe trip to Durham.

4 comments :

  1. I love that they scheduled basically an entire day to take Bertrand's "detailed medical history." I'm excited for you guys. No one thought ACTH would work, but it did. You never know!

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  2. Wow, that's exciting news! I cannot wait to hear how it goes! Good for you to try everything, that's kind of our philosophy as well.

    So happy to meet you and Bertrand. Let me know if you'd like to share his story on kidz (kidzorg.blogspot.com) when you're not busy with all these appointments, that is. I checked out your long list of doctors, etc. Wow, girl! You're an amazing mom. :)

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  3. I am SO excited and giddy...I really hope everything goes well for Bertrand...can't wait!!!! Good luck guys, we love you!

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  4. If I don't hear from you (or vice versa!) before next weekend, have a safe trip, and good luck!

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