We all had lots of questions and concerns about this stem cell treatment as I'm sure you do too. Feel free to ask questions if I don't address them here. While we are all far from experts on the subject, we have learned quite a bit and I think between me and Jamie we can maybe answer them!
Why stem cells?
The future in diseases like ALS, Parkinson's, MS, and paralysis seems to be in stem cells. Dr. Karam was quick to point out how mysterious it all still is, even to doctors like himself. He said no one really understands why the stem cells do "good things" in the body and not bad, but they do. He likened it to prayer...He can't explain how and why prayer helps people get better sometimes, but he has seen it happen many times. (I have some ideas on how and why prayer works, but I'll save it for another post!) They seem to have the most success when the patients own cells are used, as opposed to donor cells or embryonic cells.
Why Mexico?
A big question for all of us was why Mexico? Dr. Karam explained to us that because our government makes it so difficult to get FDA approval for a study like this and ties their hands with parameters which limit who they can help, they have taken this to Mexico. There are none of those regulations there, and they can work freely on whomever they wish. While those regulations are designed to protect people, I'm sure, people like Mom with a disease like this don't have time for bureaucratic red tape. So off to Mexico it is!
Is this legitimate and safe?
Dr. Karam is a real doctor who works with other read doctors and real nurses. This research project is through the University of Juarez. The clinic in Juarez is as state of the art facility as any here in the states. It is barely across the border and far from the crime and such we have heard of in the news lately. There have been no adverse reactions experienced by any of the patients who have received this treatment.
How successful has this been for other patients?
Dr. Karam said they have about an 80% rate of success. While that sounds great, the results vary greatly from patient to patient. Success for one person may not look the same as that in another person.
Prayer Requests for this Week...
- Pray for peace for Mom. She is so nervous about this, particularly about the injections. She calls it the "torture sessions"!
- Pray that it all goes well and is not as awful as Mom fears.
- Pray for safety as they fly to and from El Paso (Jamie flies in tomorrow), and also as they drive into Mexico on Wednesday through Friday.
- Pray for success! Pray that the cells go where they need to go and do what they need to do to reverse Mom's symptoms. Pray that we see good results from this that are long lasting, even permanent.
- Pray for wisdom for Dr. Karam and his team, and that the work done with Mom this week will serve to advance their research and help more people in the future!
- Pray for strength for Dad and Jamie as they support Mom this week.
Reading Psalm 139 - our bodies are indeed fearfully and wonderfully made... down to the stem cells. Lord, I pray for Shannon and her mother that you would cast out fear and replace it with joy and trust. Give her peace as she undergoes these injections. Love, Susan Braun
ReplyDeleteShannon, I got an email from your mom that they had arrived safely in El Paso and that her doctor met your parents at the airport. Now that's real customer service, isn't it? I think your mom has a great attitude in the face of her trials. She is a role model for all of us when faced with adversity.
ReplyDeleteHey, Molly just sent me the link to this blog. We are all praying for you down here in Florida!
ReplyDeleteLove and prayers,
Aunt Cuppy
Cuppy!!! Thanks so much for the prayers! Shan
ReplyDelete