Going in for last of pre stem cell transplant chemotherapy. So far no physical side effects. Blood count on Monday was normal. Next count will be on T-day before radiation. Don’t know what to expect next, so I just enjoy each day as it comes. Another sunny gorgeous day in happy valley! 
Made it through the first of the last chemo days. I’m feeling fine. I started some of my
chemotherapy to reduce rejection of the transplant and we’ll see how that goes.
I started my medicine regimen. By the end of the week I will be taking 28 pills a day at three different times to prevent infection, rejection, coagulation, and other ‘tions!’
The sun was shining extra bright and the weather was extra warm and delicious. I absorbed energy from the sun and mild wind to sustain me a few more days ( until the clouds and cold weather reappear.)
Now that I am getting ready to receive the stem cell transplant, there is a new designation for my status and treatment tracking. T-4 means transplant minus 4 days. Pretty sophisticated isn’t it?
Well, it is time to get started. This is what I’ve been preparing for the last 2 months. This whole process is amazing. The technology has progressed so far to know better now who can be successfully transplanted. That is, minus the personal reaction of the shock to the body of having new cells being the boss. And tomorrow there will be new information to make it even more predictable.
Time to go!
I’m all ready to go. Time is moving slowly now. Yesterday at the doctor’s office I spent 6 hours going over drugs and what if’s. It wiped me out. I need a nice dance in the sun.
My first preparatory chemo is on Sunday, Apr 18th. No packing to do since the chemo will be given to me as an outpatient on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. The dosage is low this time mostly to suppress my immune system so I won’t attack my donor cells. It will kill some of my cells, but the side effects are minimal for now.
It’s time to get started. I need a mental boost right now. I’m off for my dance in the sun.
I’d rather be at the beach. I love the beach. Even though the mountains are magnificent, my soul bonds with the ocean.
I have to sign all the permission papers today. There are so many things for which they want to prepare me and I’d rather just skip over them. I really need to know all the issues, but some of them are not very pretty, so, like signing for any surgery, I read really fast to the end.
My thoughts go to my donor and I just want to hug her. I won’t be able to contact her for 2 years, but I will always be thankful for her willingness to donate the stem cells I need.
I still feel optimistic about the procedure and have peace in my heart that all will be well.
I start doctor appointments today. I learn about drugs and nutrition during the transplant process. 
Then I go out to lunch and celebrate my belated birthday with my special friend Cindie. She’ll make it all feel better.
Ready, Set....
Received my confirming phone call for donor availability and all is set. I have my final doctor and miscellaneous medical appointments on Thursday and Friday. Sunday is the beginning day of my second round of chemotherapy. I’m ready.
I don’t know about you, but I have my greatest moments of inspiration when I am about to sleep or just upon wakening.
I wonder if my mind is so occupied with the ‘busy’ness of my life that I don’t leave room for the still, small voice of the Lord. I know he has things for me to do. I will try to listen better so I can serve as He guides. Whatever your beliefs, I am sure that quiet contemplation brings inspiration.
I am searching for service projects that I can do at home. A dear friend, Ruthie, has Hugs and Bugs and Angel gowns with which she needs help . I’ll show them to you another day. And I want to help promote the marrow donor program. I’ll keep busy for a while. As I am inspired to do things, related issues present themselves. That is a confirmation to me I am on the right track.
I look forward to Sundays. I especially try to use this day to focus on my spiritual growth. Time to get started.
The grandsons are ready but how does Aunty get up?
I received the news the donor is good to go. Yea! My dates and times for appointments for chemo and radiation and transplant are set.
It still seems unreal that this is happening. How did I ever get this disease?
I have a consultation for final signatures for approval of procedures on Friday the 16th. I hate reading the details of those papers. All the positive and negative possible consequences are listed. But it is the same for any surgical procedure. I read through them fast, acknowledge the reality of such, and get back on my knees to pray for the best.
On the way out of a local favorite store the other day a young mother carrying a child about one saw my mask and said to me “good luck, it works.” I asked how she knew about the mask and she told me her husband just stopped wearing his after 2 years. ”What did he have?” I asked. ”MDS” she said. The same as me! He was at the same hospital, same admitting doctor and he is doing great! That’s what I needed to hear and need to remember.
The hope of success and the comfort and peace I feel as I proceed and the prayers and love of family and friends ( new and old) sustain me.
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