Prep Work

Al and I attended the "Family Meeting" at Juravinski Cancer Centre yesterday. This is a mandatory meeting with the doctor and the Stem Cell Transplant Coordinator. There were no surprises for me, but I am well read on the topic. The coordinator was pleased with the level of understanding that Al and I had, and I can only imagine how difficult this session is with some folks.

The doctor is very pleased with the level of response I have shown during induction chemo and is confident that I will respond well to the transplant. My blood work looked good and the ultrasound of my heart showed that everything is normal. (No hard, cold, piece of coal, Al!)

The coordinator went over the procedures that I will be subjected to over the next few weeks and then the transplant procedure in detail. We talked about risks and what to expect during recovery. It is not going to be an easy ride, but I bought a ticket anyway. :)

My next procedure is next Tuesday, and it will be to insert the central line catheter into my chest. A nurse will come the next day to change the dressing and then will do so once a week after that. The nurse will teach me to flush the line myself and this is required daily. The line will remain in place for about 2 months. (I told the doc that it better be out in time for me to enjoy the pool!!)

On Friday (the 25th) I have a full day at the hospital. I will be given IV fluids then about 2 hours of high dose chemo, and then fluids for the remainder of the day. The cychlophosphamide chemo is the one my doctor took me off early due to bladder irritation. Now I will have a high dose, so not only will I get lots of hydration that day to flush the bladder, but I will have a nurse for the following 2 days at home to provide extra fluids through IV.  They compared it to the flushing of the radiator in your car. LOL! I had the option of foregoing the chemo altogether due to the risk of a recurrence of the bladder irritation, but I did not want to cut any corners and want the best possible outcome, so if it means I have cystitis again for a week or so, so be it!

The Neupogen shots begin on that Saturday as well. 10 days of shots...not into my IV line unfortunately...and apparently they burn. I am pretty used to this as the Velcade was much the same, but that was once a week. I get this one every day for 10 days. Apparently, around day 7, I will be in a significant amount of discomfort as my bones become engorged with all the extra stem cells. Once they are released into my blood stream I will feel better (about 24 hours later). I have a prescription for some heavy duty pain killers so I expect this will be no walk in the park. :(


On Monday, May 5, I spend the day at the hospital for harvest. If they get enough stem cells that day, I don't have to go back the next day for another harvest. The harvest is a painless process during which they route my blood through a machine that separates out the cells that they need for my transplant. They freeze my stem cells and store them until I need them back.

I also found out that Juravinski does not have free WIFI...(St. Catharines does)...so I am not pleased. LOL. I need to remain connected so I will have to look at some options. 2-3 weeks is a long time to be without internet connectivity!! :)

I will post more on the transplant procedure later. This is enough technical medical info for you in one shot. :)