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

Re: KimT's Stem Cell Transplant (Stanford, Inpatient)

by KimT on Mon Sep 01, 2014 4:29 pm

I've got my Day 13 check in for you.

My lab work from last night shows my white count at 1.7. Hgb 9.1, platelets at 9. I got another bag of platelets last night. I am feeling great. I was allowed out of my room for the first time in a week and walked the halls for almost 30 minutes. I long to be outside again, but it looks like I'm close.

If there are no further complications, I may be leaving Wednesday morning! I'm excited because they had said I would be here 2-3 weeks after transplant, and it looks like it will be two weeks and one day.

My appetite is slowly getting better. I am still eating mostly pudding, but I think I can handle some other things now. I just want to take it slowly. I don't feel very hungry even though I should be.

I do want to mention that I never got any mouth sores. I talked to the nurses about sucking on ice during the chemo and they said they don't push that here, that their research didn't indicate it made much difference. I asked for it anyway. I just sort of chewed on it while getting the chemo. I didn't pack my mouth or anything, just kept it comfortable. As soon as the chemo was over, I stopped. For what it's worth, that's my story on that. I'm sure everyone is different.

Kully, as far as physical therapy, there has been a therapist who I've met with several times. We went over what I can and cannot do at certain times, as in, when my platelets are low. I have not had any bone issues, so I don't know if I would have seen her more if that was the case. (My multiple myeloma is asymptomatic at this point. I am being treated for amyloidosis as well.)

A lot of the time I haven't been able to do very much, because I was confined to my room, and even then, couldn't ride the bike due to low platelets. But whenever possible, I have been encouraged by all the staff members to stay active.

I think that's all for now. Have a good day, all!

KimT
Name: Kim Tank
Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
When were you/they diagnosed?: July 2013
Age at diagnosis: 53

Re: KimT's Stem Cell Transplant (Stanford, Inpatient)

by Ellen Harris on Mon Sep 01, 2014 4:56 pm

Kim you are doing great! Sounds like you are well on your way to getting home in record time! I'm sure your appetite will improve once you get some fresh air. You are a trooper! Wishes for a continuing recovery. Will you go home or stay near the hospital?

Ellen Harris

Re: KimT's Stem Cell Transplant (Stanford, Inpatient)

by OlgaMM on Mon Sep 01, 2014 5:39 pm

Hello again, Kim.

I was wondering what type your multiple myeloma is and how you were diagnosed since you are asymptomatic. I'm IgA lambda. Do you mind sharing? As usual, you sound great!

Olga

OlgaMM
Name: OMS
Who do you know with myeloma?: Self
When were you/they diagnosed?: 2008 - SMM, 2015 - multiple myeloma
Age at diagnosis: 53

Re: KimT's Stem Cell Transplant (Stanford, Inpatient)

by Beacon Staff on Mon Sep 01, 2014 6:25 pm

Hi Olga (and others),

Kim gives a rather detailed description of the events that led to her myeloma diagnosis in her first few postings in this discussion thread. Just go to the first page of this discussion thread and check out her postings there.

Beacon Staff

Re: KimT's Stem Cell Transplant (Stanford, Inpatient)

by NZMum on Mon Sep 01, 2014 6:47 pm

Hi Kim,

Great to hear you are nearly there! Your posts have been inspiring and reassuring during the count down.

Wishing you the best for your recovery and hope you are back with the animals (and family) soon.

On yer bike
Jen

NZMum
Name: NZMum
Who do you know with myeloma?: myself
When were you/they diagnosed?: March2014
Age at diagnosis: 49

Re: KimT's Stem Cell Transplant (Stanford, Inpatient)

by Multibilly on Mon Sep 01, 2014 7:39 pm

Hope to see you writing from home on Wednesday!

Multibilly
Name: Multibilly
Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
When were you/they diagnosed?: Smoldering, Nov, 2012

Re: KimT's Stem Cell Transplant (Stanford, Inpatient)

by Steve on Tue Sep 02, 2014 1:18 pm

Inspiring, Kim! Thanks for sharing your journey!

Best,

Steve

Steve
Name: Steve
Who do you know with myeloma?: myself
When were you/they diagnosed?: December 2009
Age at diagnosis: 55

Re: KimT's Stem Cell Transplant (Stanford, Inpatient)

by KimT on Tue Sep 02, 2014 6:10 pm

Day 14!

It's been a busy 24 hours. They decided to take out my central line due to the type of bugs that grew on the culture. They wanted to be sure no bacteria was attached to the line. It was replaced with an IV in my arm, with the idea that a PICC line would be put in tomorrow before I leave. But it was put in today. So, I have had several procedures done in the last day, a couple with local anesthetic.

A PICC line is similar to the central line, but can't take as much volume, and can't stay in as long. I asked, because I wondered why they don't just use those all the time. I should be a short timer on that, no more than 2 weeks.

I was also moved to another room. It turns out I had the luxury of a private room the whole time until now, because it is close to the heart unit. I was on a heart monitor until yesterday and you have to be close for it to pick up the monitor. I was put on it because I'm an amyloidosis patient, even though I have no heart involvement. So for a brief time, I have a roommate, who just showed up. But I should be out of here early afternoon tomorrow! And I can't wait!!

My white count was 3.7, with the neutrophils at 3000. Things are looking good. I was just taken off the fluids for the first time in 18 days! It's the little things in life, I tell ya. I am one happy girl.

Tomorrow I pack up the chickens and cats and move to my new place. I don't get to go home. I will be staying about 6 miles from here. But I'm still very excited.

Your support has been fabulous. I am not done posting yet. I will keep you up to date!

KimT
Name: Kim Tank
Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
When were you/they diagnosed?: July 2013
Age at diagnosis: 53

Re: KimT's Stem Cell Transplant (Stanford, Inpatient)

by OlgaMM on Tue Sep 02, 2014 7:01 pm

Yay, Kim! Way to go!

Olga

OlgaMM
Name: OMS
Who do you know with myeloma?: Self
When were you/they diagnosed?: 2008 - SMM, 2015 - multiple myeloma
Age at diagnosis: 53

Re: KimT's Stem Cell Transplant (Stanford, Inpatient)

by Ellen Harris on Wed Sep 03, 2014 5:41 am

Kim, so great that you are leaving the hospital! How's your appetite? I hope your new digs are comfortable and you can get some fresh air. You have done amazingly well with this process and I expect it to continue. Keep posting!

Ellen Harris

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