[Neil Cuadra]

Congratulations on finding a match. Two in fact! That's great news.

Will this be a non-myeloablative ("mini") transplant?

I have three tips about transplant preparations:

#1 is to stay healthy. I'm sure you already take every precaution for your mom's health, but it's worth mentioning. That includes keeping yourself healthy. This is no time to get the nasty flu going around.

#2 is to make an appointment with the transplant coordinator at the treatment center. He or she can give you a run-down of the transplant process, preparations, and what to expect afterwards. I forget if you said where your mom gets her treatment -- Baylor, UT Southwestern, MD Anderson Center, or somewhere else -- but each institution has people who know that center's procedures. They probably have printed information too.

#3 is to do just what you're been doing - talking to other patients and family members. Those of us who have gone before you will gladly share what we've learned. Depending on what's happening to you and your mom by April, consider attending the one-day patient conference April 20 in Houston.