Actually, not yesterday, but the day-before-yesterday. That was Tuesday the 27th, when I did the Collection/Harvest.
First, the GREAT news: my body produced (they collected) enough stem cells in one go that I don’t have to do it again!!! That means two things:
1. No more G-shots (“Growth Factor”)! The injections were no problem, but the effect was to make me really tired (why I didn’t write yesterday) and somewhat achy; give me some headaches and intense but passing lower back pain; and – worst of all – greatly increase the number of white blood cells in my body (with an auto immune disease, they are, essentially, an enemy).
2. No more four-plus hour stays at the SCCA! Wasn’t bad, got to be in a bed the whole time. I scared them once and was the center of attention when my BP dropped to 80 over 53! I felt no different since I was drowsy the whole time…. Anyway, they slowed the process (basically blood going out through one port; being processed in a centrifuge; and what isn’t needed coming back in through the other port.) I drank more, ate more, and it quickly went back to where the doc was comfortable. But of course it took longer, but fortunately when they finally called just before 8 pm, the news actually made me HAPPY – really happy.
(Maybe eventually I’ll be so back to normal that I won’t use so many parentheses or italic, bold, etc….)
Now I go in for a couple days, mostly just for blood work. But I’m finished! - until I go into UW hospital “next week” – probably the 4th. I’ll for sure be there 21 days – perhaps longer - beginning with six days of chemo to obliterate my bad immune system. On Day 7, my harvested stem cells will be transplanted.
That becomes Day 0. I’ve been encouraged to celebrate this as my second birthday. Then the days are counted until my new, baby immune system engrafts: 10-28 days.
Not sure what my restrictions will be on visitors. Will let you know. But the other GREAT thing about Tues. was that the mail included two cards! Thank-you to each one of you who have posted comments and/or become a Follower of my blog; sent me an email; or written a card – I may not respond but please know that it means a lot to me. In Shannon’s words, it is something that makes me happy.
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Dear Diane,
ReplyDeleteSorry that it took me this long to write. I have been following your blog religiously and I am so happy that you are doing so well. Daniel is doing great. He goes to rehab every day and he continues to get stronger. And, no more pains/headaches. He's completely off narcotics and I don't even remember the last time he needed any Tylenol. Best of all, it's priceless to see him this happy. Especially after the news that the FDA lifted the ban on the use of embryonic stem cells for research.
I spoke to Bernie today and I told her how good it feels to finally be able to make plans, to start living a "normal" life. We are very optimistic that the stem cell transplant has worked in Daniel's case.
Diane, you are a trooper and you have so many loved ones supporting you. The next few weeks will be a challenge but you will pass in flying colors and it will be so worth it!
Love,
Reny
Hi Diane,
ReplyDeleteThis is GREAT news - I can sense encouragement in your post yesterday. I love the parentheses, italics, bold, etc… - kind of a sign of enthusiastic emotion. I will celebrate this wonderful success. May be next year we can have a HUGE Day 0 first birthday party for you - how great that will be.
LOL,
Karen
Reny, it's so good to hear from you. Glad things are going so well. Let me introduces you to my friends.
ReplyDeleteI have spoken to Reny ("rainy") on the phone and exchanged emails and we had hoped to meet when she came up to Seattle for several months last year. Her son, Daniel, also has NMO and underwent a transplant late in the summer. Part of her family, including Daniel's dog, temporarily relocated from the LA area where Reny continued to be Daniel's primary caregiver and CHAMPION. {You can tell why I admire and appreciate her though - technically - we have not met!)
Also, BTW, I have 3 Karen's (that I know of) following this blog. So I think I know, but can't be sure, who has written. Would you all mind just putting your last name initial with your first name?
Thanks so much, Dear People!
Diane F.