Today, Dave is being admitted for the duration of the BMT. Appointments in the beginning of the week kept us very busy, running back and forth to Karmanos. In preparation for the transplant, he will undergo chemo for the next five days, starting tomorrow.  One resting day is afforded on October 9, when no treatment is administered. He will also receive one total body irradiation on October 10, just before the actual transplant in the afternoon of that day. These treatments will be more potent than he has ever received and are designed to destroy bad cells as well as good cells in his body. It is necessary so that when he receives the donor’s bone marrow, it doesn’t go to war with existing cells. We learned that Dave’s donor is a young man from Europe in his 20s who is a perfect match. Our primary nurse said that is the best news one could expect. We are not able to learn more about this person until one year from now. Five days prior to the procedure of donating his marrow, the donor will undergo shots and treatments in order to prepare his body. He is undergoing heroic measures for Dave’s BMT.

On October 10, the morning will begin with a total body irradiation at 9 am. The actual BMT will take place in the afternoon on October 10. Dave is a goal-setting man and plans to be released October 31 so that we can take our grandchildren trick-or-treating. Dr. Uberti, his transplant doctor, said it is a lofty goal. But, goals are set and intended to be reached. If you wish to send cards or letters, he is at:

Karmanos Cancer Institute

Dave Sontag, Room 10209

4100 John R

Detroit, MI 48201

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