Day 5 Germany

Today was Friday. The day after the implantation. Kenneth was up and around pretty much all night. The way that Kenneth moves around in bed on a regular basis, this time around he was met with little to mild discomfort. After a long night, both Kenneth and Reyna experienced little to mild discomfort throughout the day. They just rested all day watching cartoons in German. Near mid to late day, they started to perk up a bit. Now it's evening and both are in bed for the moment... Hopefully for the "entire" night. Other than that, all as expected and we wait to see what Saturday brings us. Perhaps we will be able to do some light sight seeing. We will see how both Reyna and Kenneth feel tomorrow.

Picture taking was met with resistance, so we have none to post today. Understandable considering they both looked pretty wiped out..

More later as we have a couple more days left before heading home.

Day 4 Germany

Well, it's complete. Both Reyna and Kenneth are asleep tonight after LP implantation this afternoon. The details are:
Reyna had 20 vials of bone marrow removed. Then implanted 5.5 ml BMC solution containing 8,167,500 CD 34 cells with a Vitality of 80%.
Kenneth Had 7 vials of bone marrow removed. Then implanted 4.0 ml BMC solution (high concentration) containing 7,180,000 CD 34 cells with a vitality of 71.6%.

Ideal Vitality that the center shoots for is 80% +. Minimum cells that they will put back is close to 2 million.

Reyna had some discomfort of back pain this evening, but now is ok. Kenneth acted as if nothing happened till the evening with very little discomfort. Other than that, a few days of relaxation with hopes they feel good in the morning, then off to the airport for our return home to Colorado.

Still very pleased and impressed with Xcell. Earlier concern we had was that Xcell did not return as much cells. Not the case. They put in what they get from the bone marrow..

The whole process from start (application) to finish (implanted cells) was great. Last step is for the driver to pick us up and take us to the airport.

Now its up to therapies and the ol' mighty. And the Cells to do their magic of course..

David

Day 3 Germany

It was a Wednesday all day today. A day free to wonder and rest. Reyna felt a little week and dizzy in the morning. After a good lunch Reyna was back to normal. We went into Neuss and had lunch and did some grocery shopping. We spent 16 euros and got about 3 days of food. This was better than a 30 dollar plate of spaghetti from the hotel. Kenneth taking in a Pina Colada at the hotel bar.

So far so good and all doing well.

Photo's day 2

Reyna and the doctor who did her extraction.
Kenneth, Grandma Jeannine and Reyna in Kenneth's recovery room.
Kenneth and Cassie, school class mascot.
Kenneth and Reyna back at the hotel eating pretzels as the couch was sliding folding outward. Like nothing happened 2 hours previous.

Day 2 Germany

Tuesday was crash day and bone marrow extraction day. I guess it was catch up on sleep and rest day along with treatment. All went very well.

We were picked up at 1130am for appointments at 12pm. They had changed Reyna's appointment to match up with Kenneth's. Very nice of them. Both pretty much had their extractions at the same time.

As for Reyna, I went into the room with her during the procedure. She took about 1.5 hours. Slow bleed I guess. They had to relocate the needle several times to get the amount of bone marrow needed. They ended with 21 vials. I believe each vial was about 15-20ml. I will ask on Thursday. Pretty much a painless procedure, or at least Reyna did not jump or scream. She did say she felt pain when the Doctor asked, "ok, I am putting in the needle, do you feel it"? and she said yes when in fact, he did not start yet. Funny. I think the biggest pain she felt was when the protective sheet was removed (blanket with adhesive circling the operation area). Other than that, very smooth and painless procedure. When Reyna was finished, we met up with Kenneth. At that point, Kenneth was ready to leave.

As for Kenneth, Grandma Jeannine assisted in taking him in to the room. With in about 45 minutes Kenneth was finished and in the recovery room. Doctors reported that all went very well. The communication with the recovery needed clarity. Perhaps between waiting for Reyna, Kenneth being finished so quickly that we were not on the same page. End result was that Kenneth was in the recovery room longer than needed. Could of been waiting for Reyna but we were having coffee in another office talking with Denis from New York with his son. No harm.

We cannot truly evaluate Xcell over another clinic of the same, having not been to another stem cell clinic. We can only compare to hospitals and clinics in the states. We believe that in professionalism, efficiency, and cleanliness exceeded our expectation and in some cases US standards.

The drivers were not able to return us to the hotel. We were given a taxi voucher and a taxi was called. This was a good thing so that we could see what the cost of a taxi was to compare with the Xcell transportation. We figured that the Xcell transportation was cheaper. Xcell charged 150 euro, which is about $220 US. Seems like too much at first, but after seeing families in and out of taxis with chair aid equipment and the one way fair cost from the clinic to the hotel of 19.60 euros, the cheaper, more convenient, and stress free route was the Xcell transportation. Although staying in Neuss, the distance is relative to staying in Dusseldorf. Taxi fair would of exceeded the 150 and probably 200 + euros.

Hotel Pictures

Kenneth the first night hanging in the living room with Cassie, school mascot.


Grandma Jeannine, Reyna and Kenneth(bundled behind Reyna) hanging in the room doing some reading and studing.

Reyna a picture of the two beds in a seperate room. This is where Kenneth and I hung out till 3am playing..

I think the Hotel was a good choice. Priced cheaper than the ones in town and 2-3 times the space.

Day 1 Germany

Waiting at the Xcell Center after meeting with one of the Doctors. Talking with Doctor Therapist of Neuro Cell Stimulation. Sabine Berndsen.










We were picked up by the Xcell driver and went to the clinic. We filled out all the forms for Kenneth. We met with The neuro doctor and reviewed the forms then met with the anesthesia doctor. Shortly after, we were transported to ISST-Unna for a Neuro Cell Stimulation evaluation. The doctor/therapist showed us exercises for Kenneth and Reyna on our return. They gave us some equipment for facial/mouth stimulation. Learned quite a bit and video taped the meeting. Shortly after we returned to the hotel.

It was very interesting. Quick, precise, and 1,2,3. They have not asked for money yet... It did say at time of procedure we would have to pay. Other than that, we are impressed. The drivers are very friendly, nice, and helpful. On the return to the hotel, we stopped off to pick up sodas, milk and snacks. So for so good and impressed. They have it together and are organized so far. Clinic/Hospital is very, very clean.

Our morning was spent walking to the grocery store. It started to rain. We got thru it and survived as it stopped for our return trip back to the hotel.

Tomorrow is Tuesday and it will be bone marrow extraction day for both Reyna and Kenneth. Pick up time will be at 1130am with a procedure starting at 12pm.

Arrived in Germany Sunday 2/21

Kenneth and Cassie, class mascot at the airport in Denver.

Both legs to Dusseldorf went very well. Looked like Kenneth has done this before. Near the end of the second leg of 8 hours Kenneth got a little board and was ready to get out. After nearing a 16 hour day, can't blame him as I had my parachute on and was ready to go out as well.

We arrived, went through the check points and was greeted with a Xcell driver when we got out of customs. Driver was very nice, took us to our hotel, discussed future transportation etc, and left. Arrived at the hotel at 930am. Check in times are at 2pm. With out question, we were handed our key card and we went to our room. Awesome! For the price and research that we did, we are very pleased with the room and service from the hotel. The pictures and ratings do not come close to what we have. It is located in a business area, so its relatively quite. Plenty of room, one bedroom suite. We all took naps and walked around the hotel. Kenneth had a pina colada (virgin) with mom and a very nice, tall, cold Heiniken for dad. I do not drink much at all, but a beer today after a year felt and tasted great.

One thing to take note. Sunday in Germany is pretty much "closed". If you do not plan on bringing snacks and or at least some foods from home, make sure you save your peanuts from the plane cause that will be your dinner.... Kinda like that "cheap flyer" commercial. Although I have been there before, just not good with a family. Not enough peanuts... That is if your hotel does not have a bar or restuarant. The bar at the hotel was open and offered some burgers that we were more than happy to indulge and feast. We plan to do some grocery shopping Monday before Kenneths appointment.

Kenneth is checking out his new territory. Into everything, etc.

Very smooth and nice day today. More tomorrow. Thanks to everyone, Mrs. Taylor, and classmates!
david

5 Days and counting!!

Well, the time is here. 5 days till victory. i spoke to Prasun and his wife today(parents of Rocky), they were in Germany and just consulted with the doctors there. They seemed pleased so far from what they saw. We hope for the best in treatment and travel. We hope to meet them while we are there on the 22nd.
It's been a trying week so far. I lost a member of my management team to another store, my right hand manager, I got a sinus infection/tooth ache that turned into a Root Canal and a sinus infection at weeks end... Today is Monday night and I feel fantastic! 90 hours of work left and then we fly..
Thank the Gods for teaching me the 6 P's. Proper Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance... All was set and together for the trip well in advance so that I have no last minute worries. Just to pack Friday night...
At this point, all sickie feelings from the family are gone. I guess it was better to be sick last week than while in Germany.
God bless to all, and see you in Germany.
David

Kenneth and Cocoa

Kenneth and his school pal Cocoa(the horse). School project was to have Cocoa write in a journal of his visit with us. Unfortunately, it snowed.. Cocoa did not seem too sad as he looked out the window to watch the snow. Kenneth spent his time in the stander, computer time and then painting his bird feeder. Nothing like indoor activities with a classmate from school. Cocoa was well behaved.