The little bag of cells (about 50cc) was infused over about 20 minutes mid-morning Tues 10/18 uneventfully, and evidently these cells find their way from the blood stream to their little bone marrow homes. Incredible. My Oncologist Dr. Kaplan confirmed the medical mystery: nobody knows how or why the stem cells make their way back to the bone marrow. Well as long as they do...
Wound up snoozing most of the day-very fatigued and not quite sure why. May be related to antihistamines and sedatives given prior to the transplant to reduce reactions to the preservatives and other stuff that occurs with the procedure. There is also likely a significant physiologic reaction to the preservative DMSO, used to protect stem cells from freeze damage during storage.
Blood counts will continue to drop over next 10 days or so before the bone marrow regeneration starts to take over.
Traditionally the day of stem cell infusion is considered your 'Cancer Birthday'. There should really be no candle on the cake since in a year it should have one, but I didn't have the heart to show a birthday cake without a candle...
Thanks to all for wishes, prayers, and continued support.
Best
T
Let's make that one, bright candle a goal, and the next goal is two, and the next...and so on, until there's a genuine fire hazard on that cake!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the insider's view of what goes on -- wish you were describing something more banal, like washing the dishes, but it is what it is (and how often to we get to say *that*?) Hang tough, and remember to always and pleasantly surprise the medical team! B