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Re: Debbie's Stem Cell Transplant Journey
Wow! Thank you for the detailed update, Debbie. I'm now on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what happens next. I hope you are one of the lucky ones, and the transplant is basically uneventful. Good luck!
Re: Debbie's Stem Cell Transplant Journey
Thanks so much! My hubby will have his in late May or start of June. Always glad to read other experiences.
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dogmom - Who do you know with myeloma?: husband
- When were you/they diagnosed?: December 2015
- Age at diagnosis: 58
Re: Debbie's Stem Cell Transplant Journey
HI!
Thanks for checking in on me! Good news - I am here! And my stem cells are in!
Yesterday, we got to the day hospital and started up with some IV fluids and Benadryl (diphenhydramine) in anticipation of getting my stem cells. On my board in the room it said "Happy Birthday". A new birthday with my new stem cells!
The stem cells are stored in deep freeze and preservative. So, they need to thaw it out first and they rinse them to remove some of the preservative.
Well, they brought in the (very small) bag that is holding approximately 4 million cells and hooked me up. As they increased the pace, my throat started to give me trouble and my face turned bright red - reaction! To the preservatives. My wonderful nurse, Lysabeth, was right on top of things and gave me some hydrocortisone in my IV and backed off on the pace. I must tell you, that was a bit scary. There is no Plan B – the stem cells must go in! Lysabeth, slowed down the pace, kept us all calm, and gave me a popsicle! And in went every last drop of stem cells!
Now, those little buggers will find their own way into my bone marrow and get busy! Isn't nature something?
So, we wait for the magic to happen!
Thanks for checking in on me! Good news - I am here! And my stem cells are in!
Yesterday, we got to the day hospital and started up with some IV fluids and Benadryl (diphenhydramine) in anticipation of getting my stem cells. On my board in the room it said "Happy Birthday". A new birthday with my new stem cells!
The stem cells are stored in deep freeze and preservative. So, they need to thaw it out first and they rinse them to remove some of the preservative.
Well, they brought in the (very small) bag that is holding approximately 4 million cells and hooked me up. As they increased the pace, my throat started to give me trouble and my face turned bright red - reaction! To the preservatives. My wonderful nurse, Lysabeth, was right on top of things and gave me some hydrocortisone in my IV and backed off on the pace. I must tell you, that was a bit scary. There is no Plan B – the stem cells must go in! Lysabeth, slowed down the pace, kept us all calm, and gave me a popsicle! And in went every last drop of stem cells!
Now, those little buggers will find their own way into my bone marrow and get busy! Isn't nature something?
So, we wait for the magic to happen!
Re: Debbie's Stem Cell Transplant Journey
Congratulations on your new birthday, Debbie! I hope things continue to go smoothly for you.
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Jonah
Re: Debbie's Stem Cell Transplant Journey
Day +1 - Day +3
So, I have been MUCH more fatigued than usual. I wasn't expecting to feel that way this soon. We drive to the hospital each day for fluids and labs. Come home and I sleep off and on on the couch. Take antibiotics, help make dinner, and then go to bed. Yesterday (Day +2) I did get on the recumbent bike for about 10 minutes at low intensity. Today, I will do some very low intensity Zumba (that's the plan!). I have had some nausea and take 2 prescription meds religiously to offset that.
So, I have been MUCH more fatigued than usual. I wasn't expecting to feel that way this soon. We drive to the hospital each day for fluids and labs. Come home and I sleep off and on on the couch. Take antibiotics, help make dinner, and then go to bed. Yesterday (Day +2) I did get on the recumbent bike for about 10 minutes at low intensity. Today, I will do some very low intensity Zumba (that's the plan!). I have had some nausea and take 2 prescription meds religiously to offset that.
Re: Debbie's Stem Cell Transplant Journey
Hello Debbie:
You are doing very well to push yourself a little bit with activity once or twice a day at this point. You do not want to overdo it, either. So you are doing just fine. Try and keep it up every day. Thank you for posting about your experience for the benefit of others who may be going through it in the future. Good luck!
You are doing very well to push yourself a little bit with activity once or twice a day at this point. You do not want to overdo it, either. So you are doing just fine. Try and keep it up every day. Thank you for posting about your experience for the benefit of others who may be going through it in the future. Good luck!
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JPC - Name: JPC
Re: Debbie's Stem Cell Transplant Journey
I second what JPC wrote, Debbie. Regular exercise is important, and it's great that you're sharing your experience with everyone. It's really helpful.
Good luck!
Good luck!
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JimNY
Re: Debbie's Stem Cell Transplant Journey
Day +3
I DID accomplish my goal of doing some VERY LOW level Zumba - pretty much stand in place and tap my toes, shift my weight
But, it passed the time, I felt happy, and took my mind off of things. Occasionally, I felt light-headed, but fine. I teach these classes, so the music is therapeutic and uplifting for me.
I DID accomplish my goal of doing some VERY LOW level Zumba - pretty much stand in place and tap my toes, shift my weight
But, it passed the time, I felt happy, and took my mind off of things. Occasionally, I felt light-headed, but fine. I teach these classes, so the music is therapeutic and uplifting for me.Re: Debbie's Stem Cell Transplant Journey
Hi Debbie,
It's getting to be around the time that many people start to have the worst of the side effects during the stem cell transplant process. I hope you're holding up okay. A lot of people here are wishing you well.
It's getting to be around the time that many people start to have the worst of the side effects during the stem cell transplant process. I hope you're holding up okay. A lot of people here are wishing you well.
Re: Debbie's Stem Cell Transplant Journey
Day +5
Well, yesterday morning I had some breakfast and coffee (I now put sugar in my coffee to make it palatable). Then I thought I would try to move around a little bit to some Zumba music. Very little. I didn't feel too well, a little light headed, so figured I would take an Ativan and lie down. Too late. Before I knew it, I was in the bathroom bent over the toilet and losing a battle from both ends (sorry for the description, but we are here on the Beacon?). Anyway, that was not fun.
My appointment at the day hospital allowed me a bit of time to re-take my Ativan, rest and clean up and start anew. I did take along a bucket in the car, and wear some protective gear ... umgf!
I am now being more cautious!
They removed my Sancuso (granisetron) patch yesterday and prescribed Zofran (ondansetron) pills along with my Ativan and my proch (whatever that's called). So I will be pro-active and take these round the clock.
Other than that, I have woken up this Day +5 feeling O.K.
Gotta go through the process, right?
Well, yesterday morning I had some breakfast and coffee (I now put sugar in my coffee to make it palatable). Then I thought I would try to move around a little bit to some Zumba music. Very little. I didn't feel too well, a little light headed, so figured I would take an Ativan and lie down. Too late. Before I knew it, I was in the bathroom bent over the toilet and losing a battle from both ends (sorry for the description, but we are here on the Beacon?). Anyway, that was not fun.
My appointment at the day hospital allowed me a bit of time to re-take my Ativan, rest and clean up and start anew. I did take along a bucket in the car, and wear some protective gear ... umgf!
I am now being more cautious!
They removed my Sancuso (granisetron) patch yesterday and prescribed Zofran (ondansetron) pills along with my Ativan and my proch (whatever that's called). So I will be pro-active and take these round the clock.
Other than that, I have woken up this Day +5 feeling O.K.
Gotta go through the process, right?
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