Got my Stem Cells today! Was sort of a weird non-event event with strange sensations as the pre-meds went into my line (Benadryl caused warm tingling; Prednisone caused a rush and a yucky taste). Half an hour later, at 1402 hours, the first of two little bags of what looked like plain old red blood was infused, then a second bag. 1427 hours marked completion.
The sensations as the cells went in were mostly caused by the preservative in which the cells have been stored. But I had a few: my throat felt tight; my stomach was not nauseous but felt knotted and an anti-nausea med helped. I had my tag-team nurses with me (one was in training) and the tech who brought the frozen stem cells and some sort of a thawing contraption that sounded like a drum kit. (My back was to him because my lunch had just arrived. Believe it or not, the surreal-ness of this picture is not complete without recognizing that I had just begun to enjoy some fresh fruit, vanilla yogurt, and toasted bagel while watching an old episode of “The Office” on Netflix.)
Anyway, my nurse said I did great! My Physician had said the same thing earlier in the day about how well I did with 2 days worth of ATG, an animal antibody given to kill off immune cells that cause autoimmune diseases. He’d been worried and was relieved that I did so well; my main reaction was a rash at the top of both knees. So I guess I’m a pretty good patient. With the Benadryl, I had a pretty sleepy afternoon, but still was really happy to see Rick when he came. TOMORROW IS HIS BIRTHDAY!
Anyway, it’s getting late and I need to get this posted. Thanks for listening!
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So - Happy Happy Birthday to both of you. So glad to hear the positive report. Keep on sharing!
ReplyDeletek
Hi Diane, we continue to follow the progress of your journey. We think of you every day. Maybe one day we will get into the Seattle area.
ReplyDeleteLove to you,
Mike and Debbie Regele
Congratulations! That's a huge milestone, Diane. I'm glad to hear that the Drs think you are doing great. I have some friends who'll be very happy to hear the good news.
ReplyDeleteThank you for describing the surreal-ness of the picture of you eating lunch (see full description above) while being infused with your stem cells. What a way to remember the first day of your rebirth. That got a chuckle out of me. :-)
I love you, sister.
Yay Mama! I'm so happy to hear you are doing so well! All your milestones are on my calendar, and I am always thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteLoveshan
Hi Diane,
ReplyDeleteI can picture your life from the trees via your window view from your room! Thank you for sharing your journey with all, and I look with hope towards your recovery and success with stem cell miracles! My prayers are with you, and remember, I do junk food runs if the hospital food is getting dodgy!
Nina
D
ReplyDeletewhat a wonder.....and how wonderful! i am pulling for you and follow your progress with anticipation. here's to you and both your birthday & rick's!
cheers!
gailanne
Happy Birthday to you and Rick!
ReplyDeleteIt's great to hear the fun news about all the activity about you as you are being "reborn". You are a wonderful writer. Keep it up!
Love,
Sheri
Diane,
ReplyDeleteWishing you a happy birthday and continued great progress with the stem cell happenings! Stay hearty, healthy and strong and here's to looking forward to looking back!
Happy Birthday to Rick as well!
love,
kim & norm