It is difficult for me to type and update this blog but I know I must.
Cataracts in both eyes make it a chore to see the keys and the type on the page. I will do my best to edit and spell-check, but I am sure there will be mistakes (heaven forbid!)
I went in to UIC for a couple of pre-transplant procedures and they were not fun. I lost all of my hair on Leap Day-thankfully, I only have to remember that anniversary every four years! I never realized how cold one’s head can get without hair! I was finally admitted for my autologous stem cell transplant on March 19, 2008. I received two days of high-dose chemo, and on the third day, I received my own stem cells back that had been collected over a three-day period earlier. Then the “fun” part began. I was totally turned off by any food. I certainly didn’t want to smell any hot food but I just couldn’t eat anything. That lasted about 9 days and I was supported thru IV nourishment. Of course, Donnie, my sisters, Mom, and a niece and sister-in-law came to visit but I was not into visiting. Phone calls and text messages from family and friends kept me going, too. I was released on April 8th, after 19 days.
One current protocol has been for the patient to undergo a tandem (second) transplant within a year and I told them that they had better get some pre-hospitalization incentives to entice me to come back for more of the same. A dinner out with my husband and a massage come to mind.
Anyway, I have tolerated the transplant pretty well and am on my way. Around day 100 post-transplant (late June), I will have another biopsy to see where I stand. Keep those prayers a-comin!
I certainly know that I would be in quite a different place without all the love, prayers, and support that I have received. I am thankful to you for helping to plead my case to a higher authority and to God for listening and interceding.
I hope to post again soon with more good news.
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