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Discussion about multiple myeloma treatments, stem cell transplants, clinical trials, alternative medicines, supplements, and their benefits and side effects.

Re: Dee’s stem cell transplant process

by DeeBaker45 on Fri Feb 09, 2018 8:54 am

Good morning!

I’m on Day +2 and besides having a few waves of nausea yesterday, I’m feeling good today. The nurses have been great about controlling the nausea. Zofran (ondansetron) and Compazine (pro­chlor­perazine) have seemed to work.

To TerryH: They have not specifically said when I’ll feel the worst, but they did say I would be most vulnerable over the weekend (Day +3 and Day +4).

And yes, I have been able to walk the halls of the unit anytime. They say patients who are active feel better in terms of side effects so they encourage any physical exercise. I have to be gloved, gowned and masked.

DeeBaker45
Name: D'Anne
Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
When were you/they diagnosed?: June 2017
Age at diagnosis: 45

Re: Dee’s stem cell transplant process

by DeeBaker45 on Sat Feb 10, 2018 6:29 pm

Well I am at Day +3, and my while my counts are going lower; I honestly don’t feel much different other than feeling slightly fatigued. Based on what they have told me, I expect next week may not be the best, but I am going to hope for the best:


D’Anne

DeeBaker45
Name: D'Anne
Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
When were you/they diagnosed?: June 2017
Age at diagnosis: 45

Re: Dee’s stem cell transplant process

by Pepperink on Sat Feb 10, 2018 10:37 pm

D’Anne,

I am a bit envious. I may never achieve counts low enough for transplant.

However, I am very excited for you and look forward to your postings!

Pepperink
Name: Jimmie
Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
When were you/they diagnosed?: June 16, 2017
Age at diagnosis: 66

Re: Dee’s stem cell transplant process

by DeeBaker45 on Mon Feb 12, 2018 2:41 pm

Day +5 today and I’m glad to say I’m still having little to no side effects. I do feel a little more tired, but my white blood cells are 0.66 today (normal is at least 4.0).

For the past few nights, they’ve been giving me Zyprexa (olanzapine). They said that even though it’s considered an anti­depressant, they’ve found it also controls nausea for up to 24 hours, and it also helps as a sleep aid. It must because I’ve had no nausea whatsoever.

I’ve also been trying to stay active, so I will walk the halls 3 times a day and I’ve also been doing the exercise peddler and light weights.

Tonight I will start the Neupogen shots to help my white blood cell count to go up.

D’Anne

DeeBaker45
Name: D'Anne
Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
When were you/they diagnosed?: June 2017
Age at diagnosis: 45

Re: Dee’s stem cell transplant process

by JimNY on Tue Feb 13, 2018 9:16 am

Thanks for the update, D’Anne. It's great that you're still doing so well. Here's hoping that you continue to skate through this without any major issues!

It's interesting that your transplant team is using Zyprexa to fight nausea. Zyprexa is an anti-psychotic that is well-known for causing weight gain. I guess whatever it does to cause people to eat more is the same sort of thing you need a drug to do if it's supposed to fight nausea.

Good luck!

JimNY

Re: Dee’s stem cell transplant process

by michaelgreer on Wed Feb 14, 2018 8:38 am

Thanks Dee for starting this thread.

My doctor is referring me to a transplant specialist to discuss whether to undergo a transplant or just continue medications. I’ll be following your thread to help me learn more and assist me in making a decision.

michaelgreer
Who do you know with myeloma?: Self
When were you/they diagnosed?: 10/25/17
Age at diagnosis: 68

Re: Dee’s stem cell transplant process

by DeeBaker45 on Wed Feb 14, 2018 1:22 pm

Day +6 and +7 Update

On Day +6 I definitely felt more fatigued but still walked the halls twice and did some light weights.

Today (Day +7), I’m feeling more of the same and have had a couple bouts of nausea.

To JimNY regarding the Zyprexa: I thought the same thing. I haven’t gained any weight. In fact, I’ve lost 10 pounds since being admitted.

My white blood count was at 0.07 today, so just about next to nothing, and they said that’s to be expected. My numbers should start to climb in the next day or so.

DeeBaker45
Name: D'Anne
Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
When were you/they diagnosed?: June 2017
Age at diagnosis: 45

Re: Dee’s stem cell transplant process

by blueblood on Wed Feb 14, 2018 5:09 pm

Glad to hear you are bottom­ing. The upside is easier than the downside. I didn't expect last week­end to be your worst/weakest days, but maybe your worst with regard to GI issues. You are headed up. Try to get as much exercise as possible in your room. It's not that bad, is it?

blueblood
Name: Craig
Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
When were you/they diagnosed?: March 2014
Age at diagnosis: 54

Re: Dee’s stem cell transplant process

by DeeBaker45 on Thu Feb 15, 2018 5:08 pm

Day +8.

And it also the day I can’t keep anything down. The nurses and dietitians all monitor that of course. They’ve given me a wide variety of options to choose from to help combat nausea, but so far nothing has really done much. I think it’s just going to be one of those things.

My labs showed this morning that my white blood cells count is climbing so I’m thankful for that.

DeeBaker45
Name: D'Anne
Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
When were you/they diagnosed?: June 2017
Age at diagnosis: 45

Re: Dee’s stem cell transplant process

by Sinead50 on Sun Feb 18, 2018 11:12 am

Thanks, Dee, for this thread.

I am still on induction therapy and looking at a stem cell transplant in April / May.

I hadn’t thought about exercise at all, and it is interesting to hear how you keep active while in the hospital. Something for me to consider when it’s my turn.

I hope you continue to do well throughout the whole process.

Sinead50
Name: Sinéad Ní Ghuidhir
Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
When were you/they diagnosed?: 3November 2017
Age at diagnosis: 50

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