Stem Cell Transplant ( Sct )

[Nighthawk]

Deb

I am so happy that your hospital was approved. I understand the dread and anxiety it takes effort to keep it at bay. You are one of the strongest people I know. You inspire so many people.

With you
((((((Deb)))))

 

[Nicolette]

Wow, you inspire me Deb. What a fighter. :woot: Proud of you and happy you won your appeal - way to go! :tup:

 

[CraftyCath]

Ditto to the above deb! :tup:

It must be scary for you but you are such an inspiration.

Love, prayers and blessings.

CC

 

[SweetPeaandSunBird]

Hope your can open this, Deb: it's from my cat Saffron and me. ((((hugs of celebration about winning the appeal))))

 

[Tinyflame]

((((Deb)))), I am so happy for you! And you get to keep your current 'Angels'. ;) >:inlove:< Biggest of :hug:'s and prayers Always!!! :)

One step at a time, :inlove: xoxoxoxoxox.

 

[Tinyflame]

(((((Froggie))))), for you as well, xoxoxoxox.

 

[intothelight]

Met with the transplant coordinator and got a really good idea of what I am in for over the next 8+ months.

I will start next Wednesday by completing a day of testing which includes a cardiac function test (complete with die), a pulmonary function test, kidney function test, and then finally multiple blood tests to check my counts, myeloma related counts, and to search for any hidden diseases that may be lurking in my body. Once the lab results are back and they determine that I am physically able to handle the procedure then the next steps will take place.

I have no doubt that I will pass the physical requirements, but it is a little scary when all these tests are required as the rounds of chemo that I will undergo are that hard on a body. I also have to undergo a psychological evaluation during this time.

If all the labs come back satisfactory, around November 15th, I will have a Phereis catheter implanted. The following day I will receive a dose of chemo Cytoxan and that will be repeated the next day. This is done to kill any remaining cancer cells that might be floating around. Then the injections of Nepogen start to promote stem cell growth, and at the same times my blood counts begin to decline. Nepogen causes bone pain as it stimulates stem cell production and the white blood cell counts decline as a result of the chemo. It takes about a week until the white cell count recovers enough to start stem cell collection. During this time, I cannot be around groups of people and have to have injections and bloodwork daily.

The collection process can take up to three days and takes about four hours over the course of those days. I will go to the hospital daily to have the stem cells collected and they will be frozen until it is time for the transplant. Once the stems cells are all collected, then there is a two to three week recovery period. About the same time, I was warned that my hair will start to fall out; but I plan to shave my head before then.

The transplant itself will take place the day after Christmas. I will be admitted into the hospital and receive two large doses of a chemo drug called Melphalan. This should destroy all of my marrow, and on the third day, I will see a transfusion of my own stem cells. This is considered day 0. I will remain in isolation until such time my counts are sufficient for me to be released.

Of course I had to be advised of all the risks and the side effects. But they were not a surprise as I had done my own homework and was aware of the risks and the side effects. I have promised myself that I will not borrow trouble and take this journey one step at a time. Most people usually recover and are functioning normally six months post transplant.

I am being realistic as this will be tough, with the constant trips to the hospital, the strong chemo, the isolation and all of the other tests. All patients undergo a psychological evaluation as this procedure is mentally grueling for anyone. In some ways I may be more fortunate as I have a lot of resources and tools to draw upon. Well, it is starting and I just have to remember the goal is to be cancer free for a long time.

 

[Deleted member 12723]

(((DEb))) I am so happy you won your appeal. You are amazing to be so calm starting this process. I think it would be useful to keep your eyes on the goal. I am glad you have family and friends to visit you. You sure will have alot going on. Good for you for doing your homework. So you can check up on the staff and keep them on their best behavior. Ask lots of questions and let them know how informed you are so they will know you are paying attiontion. Many hugs and prayers for you and your healthy recovery, and for your daughter and your family.

Prayers for you as you watch the time countdown to the beginning of the procedure. You have alot of inner strength and determination. It has brought you far and I am confident that you will be carried far. Great big cyber hugs. If I could post a picture I would give you a beautiful bouquet of roses.

 

[JustBe]

Wow Deb, you are so courageous. I'm terrified for you just reading about it.

 

[The Albatross]

Hmmm... just a thought about the day after Christmas. Might want to double check your team so you have one of your team scheduled. I got really shit treatment because my surgeon handed me off to his partner post-surgical and he handed me of to the hospital doctor... who didn't bother to see me for two days. The procedure you're going to go through is a serious one... so you may as well ask about coverage for the holidays Deb. :hug:

 

[intothelight]

Alba,

Actually I did ask and one of the four oncologists in the practice will be present every day. They all share rounds and I am comfortable with all of them. My daughter knows the nursing staff and really I am in good hands. That was why I really fought hard and appealed the decision.

It is a great medical facility and the staff is wonderful. Plus I have no problems advocating for myself if I need to.

The toughest part of this will be making sure that my mother stays away. She basically lives in a neighborhood across the street, but I will make sure she has no access. I can handle her in groups to celebrate family holidays, but under no circumstances can she come to visit while I am there. I am not going to risk being triggered. I am not above calling security if she tries to get cagey. :D (Sad thing is that has happened before as she has absolutely no respect for boundaries.)

 

[amethist]

Well done you getting this far with it all Deb. I am sure you will be able to manage the next steps as you get to them.

You have so much inner strength, I am sure you will handle it all better than you may be thinking.

Take care and hugs to you.