Hi everyone,
We wanted to share an update on Jesse as he reaches Day +6 after his bone marrow transplant for DOCK8 deficiency.
The transplant itself went very smoothly, and we’re so grateful that he had no immediate side effects from the infusion. A few days later, he started additional chemotherapy medication designed to help prevent graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). He has since continued on immune-suppressing medication to further reduce the risk of GVHD, along with a growth factor medication to help stimulate his white blood cells to grow and multiply.
Right now, Jesse is in what they call the “transitional phase.” His blood counts are steadily dropping, which is expected at this stage. They haven’t reached zero yet, but the team anticipates that around Day +8 his counts will be at their lowest. This is considered the most vulnerable period of the transplant process because his immune system will essentially be at its weakest.
During this time, he is more susceptible to:
• Infection
• Fevers
• Nausea and vomiting
• Mouth and throat sores (mucositis)
• Stomach cramps
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• General discomfort and weakness
All of these are expected side effects of the treatment, and the medical team is watching him very closely.
Today, on Day +6, Jesse is feeling very tired. He stayed in bed most of the day and is struggling with his appetite, though he is still managing to eat a little. We are taking it one day at a time.
If all goes as hoped, we are looking toward Day +14 and beyond for signs of engraftment — when his new bone marrow begins producing healthy blood cells and his counts start to rise. That will be a major milestone. There is a delicate balance right now between the immune-suppressing medications (which protect him from GVHD) and the new marrow establishing itself. This waiting period carries a lot of anticipation and suspense for us.
So at the moment, we are in the middle of the hardest stretch — watching, waiting, and trusting the process.
We are deeply grateful for your prayers, messages, and support. Please continue to keep Jesse in your thoughts and prayers as we move through these next crucial days toward engraftment.
With love and gratitude,
Clayton, Lee-Ann and Jesse
