Interesting pictures...

One of the things that we all like to do when we are here is learn. We ask questions about the drugs, procedures, new people they find with this disease, what the lab is discovering, anything goes. With the stem cells, we wanted to know details, so now you get to know some of the details.
CB_Shipper – This is the outer canister that the cord is packaged in
CB_Inner Shipper – This is the canister which is filled with liquid nitrogen to keep the cord frozen during transport – it is monitored with a continuous temperature reading which we download upon arrival to ensure that there were no warming events
CB_ Freezer – this is the freezer they work on to keep the unit cold when it is opened.  The techs wear gloves – if they touch the cassette (the metal thing that the cord is stored in), it would burn their hands
CB_ Unit – a picture of a typical cord blood.  Kelsey’s cords will be in a bigger package than this because of the way they were processed, and the bank processes where the cords were collected.
CB_Bath – On the transplant day, we will remove the cord from the freezer and thaw it in a warm water bath until it’s slushy
CB_Post Spin -  It will then be diluted, spun, and the extra “stuff” will be removed – this is a picture of the separation of the cells from the extra junk…
 
The final bag will have about 100ml or so – only a small amount of that is actually stem cells, the rest is media to keep the cells happy.  Each bag will take about 20-30 minutes to go in, and Kelsey will be monitored closely the whole time.  After an hour, if she has not had any reactions, we will call for the second unit, and they will begin the thaw process at that point.
So now doesn't that make you feel better. I know, not really, but we truly like to know these details. Even when we think about what is happening to her body right now, it doesn't make us feel very good. We are killing off her immune system leaving nothing to fight anything. But, this is so her baby cord blood cells will have a chance to find their place in her body and grow up. It seems weird that she will have 3 blood types at one time. Eventually one will win out. Our job is to continue to seek His face, His path, and trust His ways. "Blessed is the man you perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." James 1:12. Everyday we have to find things we can rejoice about and stay positive. You will not find grumbling here. We are grateful for this opportunity. Find God in everything you do all day long and be thankful.
Love,
Mom