Yesterday I had the nasty chemo, Melphalan, which will - or maybe already has - eradicated my bone marrow. Capitol punishment for producing cancerous blood, I guess. Later today, around 2:30 a rescue mission of my own stem cells will be reinfused into my blood and will migrate to my hip bones, ribs, long bones in arms and legs and will begin to set up their little bone marrow factories. It will take about 10 days for the new marrow to begin making new blood cells. This is called engraftment. Once I start to make my own blood consisting of platelets and antibodies, we will determine when I can safely go home to continue my recovery.
The Melphalan left me tired, but it waits about 3 to 5 days to release its wrath. I am expecting nausea and vomiting and diarrhea. Additionally it will cause mucositis which is canker type sores throughout my mucous membranes. I chewed on ice for about 2 hours yesterday before, during, and after the Melphalan infusion. This will reduce the chances of forming mouth sores, but nothing can be done about the sores that will develop from my throat down through my stomach, intestines and bowel. NICE!!
Did I mention that I need to lose about 50 pounds? LOL! This was not the weight-loss program of choice, but it will do. :)
Going to have a nap now. I did not sleep well at all last night. Not sure why...was not worrying...just could not fall asleep. (even with painkillers and sleeping pill)
Thanks again for all the positive thoughts.
I you are not a Google Plus Member you cannot leave a message or comment on this blog. You can email directly at lcampbell103@cogeco.ca or on Facebook under Linda Paul Campbell. My dear friend, Nicole is developing a web-site for me to move this blog to...I just have to give her some info before she can get it done. I will keep you in the loop.
Talk to you later. Big Hugs!
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