Stem Cell Information :)
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Cody's Comeback
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Cody's Comeback
Hi All! Many of you have been asking what’s next for Cody, especially with stem cell transplant coming up, and we’re so grateful for how closely you’re walking this journey with us.
Current Update
Cody is receiving platelet transfusions right now due to low counts, something very common after Cisplatin chemotherapy. His team expects his numbers to rise soon as his bone marrow recovers. Thank you for continuing to pray for his strength and safety during this fragile period. Continue to pray for no hearing loss as well!
Cody is receiving platelet transfusions right now due to low counts, something very common after Cisplatin chemotherapy. His team expects his numbers to rise soon as his bone marrow recovers. Thank you for continuing to pray for his strength and safety during this fragile period. Continue to pray for no hearing loss as well!
What’s Next: Stem Cell Transplant (Stem Cell “Rescue”)
Cody is preparing for two stem cell transplants, which are an important part of treating high-risk neuroblastoma. Here’s a simple breakdown of what this means and why it matters. The first one is set (right now) for December 29, for a minimum 4-week inpatient stay.
Cody is preparing for two stem cell transplants, which are an important part of treating high-risk neuroblastoma. Here’s a simple breakdown of what this means and why it matters. The first one is set (right now) for December 29, for a minimum 4-week inpatient stay.
Why is a stem cell transplant needed?
High-risk neuroblastoma requires extremely strong chemotherapy, (sadly) much stronger than what a child could normally tolerate. These high-dose treatments wipe out the cancer, but they also temporarily wipe out the bone marrow, which is where blood cells are made.
That’s where stem cell “rescue” comes in. AKA they use Cody's harvested stem cells to kill the microscopic cancer.
High-risk neuroblastoma requires extremely strong chemotherapy, (sadly) much stronger than what a child could normally tolerate. These high-dose treatments wipe out the cancer, but they also temporarily wipe out the bone marrow, which is where blood cells are made.
That’s where stem cell “rescue” comes in. AKA they use Cody's harvested stem cells to kill the microscopic cancer.
What is "Stem Cell Rescue"?
Stem cells are the body’s “blood-making” cells. Earlier in treatment, Cody had his healthy stem cells collected and frozen. During transplant:
Stem cells are the body’s “blood-making” cells. Earlier in treatment, Cody had his healthy stem cells collected and frozen. During transplant:
- He will receive very high-dose chemotherapy to kill any remaining neuroblastoma cells for 24 hours for 5 straight days (UGH!)
- Right after, his own stem cells are infused back into him, similar to a blood transfusion.
- Those stem cells travel to the bone marrow and begin rebuilding his immune system from scratch.
This is why it’s called a rescue...the stem cells rescue his body from the effects of the intense chemo. God created our body's perfectly.
Why is his hospital stay so long?
Each transplant requires 4–6 weeks in the hospital because:
Why is his hospital stay so long?
Each transplant requires 4–6 weeks in the hospital because:
- Cody’s immune system will hit zero
- He will have no ability to fight infection
- He’ll need IV antibiotics, transfusions, nutrition support, and constant monitoring
- Even small fevers or dehydration can become emergencies
The hospital keeps him safe while his new immune system grows back and strengthens. In fact, the nurses taking care of him are trained and certified specifically for stem cell transplants.
Why does Cody needs two Stem Cell Transplants?
For high-risk neuroblastoma, research shows that two consecutive stem cell rescues significantly improve long-term survival and reduce the chance of recurrence (if Cody relapses, his survival rate plummets to less than 10%).
Think of it as:
Why does Cody needs two Stem Cell Transplants?
For high-risk neuroblastoma, research shows that two consecutive stem cell rescues significantly improve long-term survival and reduce the chance of recurrence (if Cody relapses, his survival rate plummets to less than 10%).
Think of it as:
- Transplant #1: The deep clean
- Transplant #2: The extra layer of protection
It’s an intense journey, but this two-transplant approach gives Cody the strongest possible chance of full healing and long-term remission.
I hope this makes sense!! It's SO much to take in, and we love the outpour of people who are so curious to learn more about Cody's upcoming journey.
Ways to help:
Pray without ceasing
Tithing to our Support Now page
Door Dash gift cards for meals during stem cell
We cannot say enough how much your prayers, messages, and support mean to us. Your love truly carries us, especially as we prepare for these long hospital stays.
Scripture We’re Clinging To Right Now:
“But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.” Psalm 3:3
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.” Psalm 56:3
“The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:8
I hope this makes sense!! It's SO much to take in, and we love the outpour of people who are so curious to learn more about Cody's upcoming journey.
Ways to help:
Pray without ceasing
Tithing to our Support Now page
Door Dash gift cards for meals during stem cell
We cannot say enough how much your prayers, messages, and support mean to us. Your love truly carries us, especially as we prepare for these long hospital stays.
Scripture We’re Clinging To Right Now:
“But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.” Psalm 3:3
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.” Psalm 56:3
“The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:8
Comments
Tom Silva
Dan Hobbs
Dan Hobbs
Patricia Schweitzer