In celebration of life
Victoria Frank has been diagnosed with Very Severe Aplastic Anemia.
What is Aplastic Anemia?
Aplastic Anemia is a very rare life-threatening disease in which the bone marrow ceases to produce blood cells, or in very rare cases decreases production of blood cells. Few people - an estimated 20,000 - are diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia each year.
The severity of the disease is categorized by mild, severe or very severe, depending upon the downward trajectory of the patient's blood levels. While mild cases have been known to correct themselves, very severe cases will result in death in a very short time period without proper and effective treatment.
Bone Marrow Transplant
Many medical factors must be considered to develop the proper treatment plan. In cases in which the patient is young and otherwise healthy, bone marrow transplants are often highly recommended.
Bone Marrow Donor
Finding a suitable donor is often difficult. Siblings have a 25% chance of matching. A male sibling is the ideal donor because a male brother's marrow is less likely to result in the recipient rejecting the donated marrow or developing "graph-versus-host" disease. Graph-versus-host disease can result in debilitation or death.
Miracles Abound
Aplastic Anemia Instead of Alternatives
Victoria's first miracle was her diagnosis. From all accounts, the medical experts expected to find Leukemia, Lymphoma, Myelodisplasic Anemia or PNH - all forms of cancer - when they performed the first of several bone marrow biopsies during her diagnostic tests. But that wasn't the case.
If one were forced to chose their blood disease, the doctors say, they would chose Aplastic Anemia, because it can be cured with a bone marrow transplant.
Both Siblings Bone Marrow Donors
The second miracle came after the diagnosis during the HLA testing. Victoria was blessed with matching both of her siblings.
We thank Victoria's brother and sister for their selfless immediate offers to be her donor. Our prayers were answered.
Donor Exams See Stellar Results
Once a donor is identified, both the patient and the donor undergo intensive exams to ensure that their organs are healthy, immune systems in tact, and that they have no other medical conditions that would prevent a successful transplant.
Victoria's brother passed his physical with flying colors. Every organ, bone-density, and his respiratory system were checked and double-checked.
Victoria passed her physical, but for the Aplastic Anemia. Chemotherapy Scheduled
As soon as the donor was matched, Victoria was scheduled for a bone marrow transplant. For 6 days, she will receive intensive chemotherapy to completely destroy her immune system including all remaining blood cells and bone marrow.
If the donor and the patient are unrelated, the patient must also undergo full-body radiation.
bone marrow Aspiration and Transplant
On the 7th day, let there be life!
On the seventh day, Victoria's brother, her donor, will be taken into surgery, put under full anesthesia, and receive approximately 25 needle-sized extraction holes into each hip through which his marrow will be aspirated into a bag.
Thank you, Nick!!
The bone marrow is then filtered, and immediately injected into Victoria. The transplanted blood stem cells then make their way to her marrow.
blood stem cell growth
Within 3-4 weeks post transplant, new blood stem cells should appear in her bone marrow and begin producing sufficient blood cells to sustain her life. Blood transfusions will be necessary.
During this entire period, she will be hospitalized, and unable to have physical contact with her children. Her medical isolation will continue for a period of time.
Costs
The approximate treatment costs are $100,000-$147,000, plus $30,000 - $40,000 in additional medical support costs for a single treatment with no complications.
When her white blood cell count and immune system are able to ward-off a certain level of viruses, fungus and bacteria, she will be able to break out of the hospital, but will be required to live in the Milwaukee area for at least two months while her immune system rebuilds itself.
about victoria frank
Victoria is "mom" to two beautiful children: Max (2 years old), and Hunter (10 months old), who are the apples of her eyes and the gems of her heart. She resides in Neenah, Wisconsin. For many years since her childhood, she has been a strong supporter of raising funds for Multiple Sclerosis, Leukemia, Alzheimer's and child birth defects.
She will undergo treatment & monitoring for approximately 12-18 months before being able to return to work.
Cards and notes of encouragement can be sent to:
Victoria Frank
c/o In Celebration of Life
Post Office Box 68
Neenah, WI 54957 |
