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For The Love Of Niki

Manhattan woman has cell transplant

Sheila Kelly-Simnick  /  May 5, 2011  /  Views: 1596  /   3 Comments

Anthony Igle (front row) with mom Niki Costello (center) and brother Andrew Igle had their heads shaved to support Costello's recent stem cell transplant. Costello underwent the transplant on April 26 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. Costello is fighting Multiple Sclerosis.

Heads are shaved for cancer fundraisers. Most of us know someone who has battled cancer. Niki Costello of Manhattan is battling MS (multiple sclerosis). We do not see much about MS in the news. The explanation of MS is complex.

The Mayo Clinic website describes it as "a potentially debilitating disease in which the body's immune system eats away at the protective sheath that covers the nerves. This interferes with the communication between the brain and the rest of the body. Ultimately, this may result in deterioration of the nerves themselves, a process that's not reversible.

Symptoms vary widely, depending on the amount of damage and which nerves are affected. People with severe cases of multiple sclerosis may lose the ability to walk or speak.

"Multiple sclerosis can be difficult to diagnose early in the course of the disease because symptoms often come and go - sometimes disappearing for months.

"There's no cure for multiple sclerosis. However, treatments can help treat attacks, modify the course of the disease and treat symptoms."

It is hard for an adult to grasp. Harder still for children to understand. Niki Costello of Manhattan had no problem helping her children understand her illness.

Costello's sons, 10-year-old Andrew Igel. and six-year-old Anthony Igel have been her inspiration.

On March 28, Costello had an overnight chemotherapy treatment of 3.22 grams. Costello knew her hair would fall out from the chemotherapy. Her sons wanted to help. They made up flyers, passed them around the neighborhood and had a "Head Shaving Party" on April 9.

Costello donated 21 inches of her hair to Locks of Love. Her significant other, Manhattan Patrolman Jesse Garcia, brought the cake for the event. Her son Andrew had eight of his friends participate in the head shaving. Andrew's class mates opted out of playing games at their spring school party and made get well cards for Costello instead.

Costello underwent an Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell transplant at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago on Tuesday, April 26, her new birthday.

"I have spent the past three years wanting to explore this avenue to halt the progression of my MS. After three years and over twenty MRI's with nothing but bad news, here I am," Costello said.

Before the transplant, she had plenty to endure. In February, she spent four days in the hospital having numerous tests to ensure she was a candidate for the transplant. Neupogen shots were administered daily.

Neupogen is a medicine that stimulates the production of neutrophils to help prevent infections in people receiving bone marrow transplants or undergoing chemotherapy. The drug can also aid in the collection of stem cells collected for transplantation. One of the Neupogen side effects is intense bone pain.

"It was the most painful and uncomfortable feeling that I have experienced thus far in my journey to tackle this nasty disease," Costello said.

Stem cell harvest day was scheduled for April 4. After enduring five hours in the same chair, she was hoping for the magic number - two million stem cells were needed for the transplant. She surpassed that with 8.6 million cells. Prior to her transplant, all kinds of intravenous medications were used to kill off her immune system.

This Easter was the first that Costello was not with her children. She managed to fill 233 Easter eggs and Sponge Bob Baskets for her children, who are staying with relatives. The entire transplant of 8.6 million cells took approximately 30 minutes to complete.

After resting, Costello woke up to her sons and Garcia with a celebration cake they had baked.

Throughout her illness, Costello managed to work and participate in school events with her children. She also maintained a sense of humor and a positive and upbeat attitude.

Garcia said Costello's children spent the night at the hospital with mom after the transplant. "She is doing real good and may be released by May 8," Garcia revealed.

Anthony and Andrew hopefully will have mom home just in time for Mother's Day.

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Jo Ann

on February 12, 2012 at 18:29

You are brave and a fighter! Please tell me how it was, and how you are feeling now.... Hope all is well for you and your boys.Thanks.

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Peggy Montalbano

on May 16, 2011 at 10:27

Niki, You are a precious suffering soul, offer it up to God for the conversion of sinners. I want to tell you about a friend of mine ho was healed of MS, she was taken by her parents to Medjugorje, Croatia(Yugoslavia) many years ago to an apparition site where Blessed Mother has appeared to 6 young people....there have been numerous miracles. Maranne had 3 young boys who were very active and she was depilitatinguickly, she was almost completely bedridden. She came home walking and healed ! There is a group going this June for the 30th Anniversary. If interested, I will give you the name of the Tour Group going, you are in my prayers.
God Bless You.....Peg

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Kim Sanders

on May 5, 2011 at 09:13

Niki is the strongest and bravest woman I know. I have never heard her complain about her illness. She is always positive and upbeat for her boys. She stays involved in everything that they do. I am so proud of her and I wish I was as strong as her. I love you Niki! You are in my thoughts and I hope you are better than ever soon.

Kim

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