Stem Cell Transplant ( Sct )

[intothelight]

Thank you all for your messages of encouragement.

Giz, words from the heart are never insensitive. Remember, I am always a person who takes what people say in the spirit that intentions are good. I have always seen your intentions are good. :)

 

[intothelight]

From a medical standpoint I am doing really well. Yesterday, all of my numbers came up and I went to the hospital for collection. Collection is basically being hooked up to a dialysis machine and my blood is put through the contraption and stem cells collected. Yesterday they got 2.9 million and in a little while I go back for more. The goal is 10 to 15 million. So for those that pray, pray they get what they need today.

Had to get some potassium prescribed as my numbers were so low. Less racing heart this morning and if the numbers aren't up when they draw my blood this morning they will give me more IV, or should I say through the third boob that has been implanted in my chest :) (That is what I call my port, as I stuff it in my bra.) Also may need platelets as that count has dropped. I have been told not to brush my teeth hard or shave. Wasn't too worried about the shaving as I thought all my hair would be gone by now, but it is not. Feeling totally unfeminine with a shaved head, but hairy legs.:oops:

There is a lot more to this than just the physical. The psychological impact has been huge as the stress is unbelievable. But that I will save for another post when I am in a better spot emotionally to write about it. It will be written about because I started this for people, with PTSD, who are also battling cancer or other chronic illness.

One thing I have learned throughout my time on this forum and with therapy is to be honest. Honest with myself and honest with others. No more denial or stuffing. I will tell you the emotional pain is so much harder to deal with than the physical pain. So I'll open the emotional side and post when I can. Right now there are too many tears and I don't want to not make sense.

 

[amethist]

Take care Deb.

We are here for you when ever you need us. :hug:

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

:hug: Always here to listen. :hug:

 

[Froggie]

Holding your hand sweetie.

 

[MomOfTwo]

One thing I have learned throughout my time on this forum and with therapy is to be honest. Honest with myself and honest with others. No more denial or stuffing. I will tell you the emotional pain is so much harder to deal with than the physical pain. So I'll open the emotional side and post when I can. Right now there are too many tears and I don't want to not make sense.

Just reading your post and your journey through all the treatments you have been through. You are so strong and are an inspiration to other survivors. It is a hard enough journey through PTSD let alone having a disease where the treatments are so physically, emotionally and mentally damaging.

I understand you not wanting your mom with you. When I was in the hospital I specifically told the nurses I was not accepting calls from my mom but they would put her through anyway. That caused me great distress.

Sending you a prayer and lots of positive thoughts your way. :hug:

 

[The Albatross]

Prayers are on their way right now, and I'm hoping they get what they need soon. If you've got hair growing on your legs or head, or pits... consider it a blessing. Because I was only post surgical (2 surgeries in 5 weeks) and I stopped completely and not only didn't have to shave for over 6 months, but my finger and toe nails stopped growing. It scared the heck out of me.

Nails and body hair will give you clues about how you are doing. If you notice growth stopping it is time to take precautions to protect your immune system. Not a fear thing... just an observational cue that can tip you off when to take better or best care of yourself. Okay?

 

[Deleted member 12723]

(((Deb))) I pray they get all the stem cells they need today. You are doing great. I am with you in spirirt. Hugs and prayers.

 

[JustBe]

(((Deb))) :) Thinking of you all recovered, full of energy, life and light... enjoying a long life full of happiness, healing, energy and Love.:cool:

 

[Deleted member 6617]

You never cease to amaze and inspire me. :hug:

 

[intothelight]

Today was my last day of collection!!! Yeah!!! I have the stem cells they wanted, and after IV potassium and a transfusion of blood, I am feeling a lot better. Physically this has been really hard, but I should feel better tomorrow and probably normal by the weekend.

I don't have any more procedures until December 17th, when I go to the hospital for the actual transplant. Two doses of killer chemo, one the 17th and one the 18th, and then on the 19th I get my stem cells. Then it is just a waiting game to see how fast the red, white, platelets, plasma cells, etc. recover and hit levels safe enough to let me go home. It usually takes three to four weeks, and then it is home for a few months. People vary and it can take six months to a year for an immune system to recover.

Still exhausted tonight, but emotionally much better. So my job for the next few weeks is to eat, sleep, exercise and get as healthy as I can. To even be bed ridden in my own home for a few days was really hard on me mentally. Worried about how the extended hospital stay and extended isolation that are coming up will affect me.

One day at a time.

 

[JustBe]

(((ITL))) you are amazing! :)