Saw the oncologist today, pretty typical stuff before starting ICE round #3. He says in passing if it was up to him they would mobilize my stem cells after this round of chemo but in reality since he wasn't in charge, what was going to happen was a PET scan in 2-3 weeks then sucking out the stem cells a week+ later. So plenty of time to recover, relax, recoup.
Instead I get a call in the hotel room that they are going to suck the stem cells out of me as soon as I am done with this chemo. This basically involves shooting me up with shots which make my bone marrow produce massive amounts of white blood cells. Then they literally stick something the size of a garden hose in the side of your neck and filter your blood through a dialysis type machine sucking out the baby stem cells for 4 hours a day.
Min for re-infusion is 2 million cells which can take anywhere from a day to a week to extract but I am hoping for more cells in not a lot of time. They are then going to do my PET, let me rest for a few days and if all is clear off to stem cell transplant, nuclear chemo, a month in the hospital and a month in Houston where they monitor you each day.
WOW a little quicker time table than I was anticipating. I feel like clyde the orangutan from the classic Clint Eastwood film, Every Which Way but Loose(robbed of an Oscar that year, 4 stars though highly recommended please Netflix it) But I guess the sooner I get going the sooner I can work on getting better and back home.
I am praying for a clean PET scan and for my body to recover quickly so I can head into transplant strong. In great news Aidan is home from the hospital and is as funny as ever. Emilia finally relented and shaved his head so he could look like his poppa. I think he looks great.
No idea how I will be feeling going forward but will try and update folks as the process goes on.
We are all cheering you on down here! P has got you in his prayers daily and the good news is he finally has mastered the sign of the cross:). We love you very much and can't wait to see you soon! Go, fight, win!
ReplyDeleteHopefully by moving forward a little sooner it'll give you less time to anticipate the process. With any luck it should go quickly, just keep up the strong thoughts and take care of yourself as best you can. We'll be thinking of you!
ReplyDeleteRatchet it up. You know what to do. Dig deep and fight with everything you've got. Prayers are coming your way.
ReplyDeletePeace in Christ.