This is a fantastic read! I spent my entire lunch break reading your entries. I can't wait for the book you must certainly write after this is over.
As always, continued prayers and well wishes for your return to work. We'll do a departmental "Yippee skippee" dance then.
All the best,
Terrie B.
Forums
Re: My autologous stem cell transplant at Jefferson
Denise,
You are a trooper and an inspiration to us all. God Bless You.
Pat
You are a trooper and an inspiration to us all. God Bless You.
Pat
Re: My autologous stem cell transplant at Jefferson
Hi Denise,
You are a blessing to my life. I know that you will keep us informed and also that you will recover quickly. Remain as positive as you have been. I will be in touch soon. Take care.
Pat
You are a blessing to my life. I know that you will keep us informed and also that you will recover quickly. Remain as positive as you have been. I will be in touch soon. Take care.
Pat
Re: My autologous stem cell transplant at Jefferson
Day 0
Arrived with anticipation of a sleep-starved child waiting for Santa … Thanks to beeps, checks, labs, trips to the lav … I was ready for it. As part of the routine (which one gets accustomed to quite rapidly), I will be visited by many wise folks. I did not have many unanswered questions, so my visits went quickly … and soon the room was set up for the transplant.
A giant toolbox with a contraption that looked like an old fashioned bottle sterilizer was wheeled in first. All was cleaned up and set on clean sterile surfaces. Two nurses were present, in addition to the transplant tech, who was the one handling the giant nitrogen canister, from which, when the lid was open, looked like the “smoke” on a stage, flowing …
One of the nurses brought in some oranges to eat while getting the stem cells. She said that they had read a study that showed that this helps reduce / eliminate the DMSO smell (at least to the patient). My son and husband said that they smelled a little odor, but nothing overwhelming. I had two oranges over the course of the transplant.
I received 5 bags of my precious stem cells. One at a time. Each was thawed gently by the tech, put into a giant syringe, handed to the nurse, and she injected my stem cells into one of the “lumens” in my PICC line. It was pretty strenuous to push the injector in. After two bags, I started to feel a heavy chest, like a brick on it. Everyone stopped, the technician did not get any more bags out, but said to do some more“heavy exhaling”, and that the feeling was very likely the result of the preservative DMSO, creating a bit of gas, which needed to be relieved.
So, once I felt better – which was pretty quick – I gave the thumbs up for continuation. We slowed the procedure down to include the time necessary for the exhaling. After a bit (less than 45 minutes or so), my stem cells were back home, and ready to work hard to become what they need to be.
My husband and son came for the transplant. I shooed them out after lunch, which here is a bit late in the afternoon. The rest of the day was uneventful, except my body temperature was a bit low, but I was not in any other way uncomfortable.
Day 0, my new birthday, came in as promised, and left me with the hope of renewal that the transplant has to offer. To all my well wishers, thank you so much for keeping my progress uplifted. Your words of encouragement are a testament to a true community of caring people. I know that I will re-read these posts over and over again as the side effects of the melphalan start. (Yes, even though I feel ok now, I know what the side effects may be, thanks to all who have shared.) During that time, your words of encouragement will make me smile all over again.
Arrived with anticipation of a sleep-starved child waiting for Santa … Thanks to beeps, checks, labs, trips to the lav … I was ready for it. As part of the routine (which one gets accustomed to quite rapidly), I will be visited by many wise folks. I did not have many unanswered questions, so my visits went quickly … and soon the room was set up for the transplant.
A giant toolbox with a contraption that looked like an old fashioned bottle sterilizer was wheeled in first. All was cleaned up and set on clean sterile surfaces. Two nurses were present, in addition to the transplant tech, who was the one handling the giant nitrogen canister, from which, when the lid was open, looked like the “smoke” on a stage, flowing …
One of the nurses brought in some oranges to eat while getting the stem cells. She said that they had read a study that showed that this helps reduce / eliminate the DMSO smell (at least to the patient). My son and husband said that they smelled a little odor, but nothing overwhelming. I had two oranges over the course of the transplant.
I received 5 bags of my precious stem cells. One at a time. Each was thawed gently by the tech, put into a giant syringe, handed to the nurse, and she injected my stem cells into one of the “lumens” in my PICC line. It was pretty strenuous to push the injector in. After two bags, I started to feel a heavy chest, like a brick on it. Everyone stopped, the technician did not get any more bags out, but said to do some more“heavy exhaling”, and that the feeling was very likely the result of the preservative DMSO, creating a bit of gas, which needed to be relieved.
So, once I felt better – which was pretty quick – I gave the thumbs up for continuation. We slowed the procedure down to include the time necessary for the exhaling. After a bit (less than 45 minutes or so), my stem cells were back home, and ready to work hard to become what they need to be.
My husband and son came for the transplant. I shooed them out after lunch, which here is a bit late in the afternoon. The rest of the day was uneventful, except my body temperature was a bit low, but I was not in any other way uncomfortable.
Day 0, my new birthday, came in as promised, and left me with the hope of renewal that the transplant has to offer. To all my well wishers, thank you so much for keeping my progress uplifted. Your words of encouragement are a testament to a true community of caring people. I know that I will re-read these posts over and over again as the side effects of the melphalan start. (Yes, even though I feel ok now, I know what the side effects may be, thanks to all who have shared.) During that time, your words of encouragement will make me smile all over again.
-
computerteacher - Name: Computer Teacher
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: November/December 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 58
Re: My autologous stem cell transplant at Jefferson
Happy new birthday!
We were there when my daughter got her stem cells. I don't remember smelling the "creamed corn" smell they told us about. I do remember my daughter being cold, even though the cells were warmed up. Once the melphalen side effects hit, it's hard, but about 4 days was the worst. Soon you will be itching to go home.
Good luck.
We were there when my daughter got her stem cells. I don't remember smelling the "creamed corn" smell they told us about. I do remember my daughter being cold, even though the cells were warmed up. Once the melphalen side effects hit, it's hard, but about 4 days was the worst. Soon you will be itching to go home.
Good luck.
Re: My autologous stem cell transplant at Jefferson
Thanks, Denise, for taking the time to post about your transplant. I know you're starting to get to the time when the melphalan side effects start to kick in, so I hope you're holding up well and it isn't too tough for you.
Good luck!
Good luck!
-
JimNY
Re: My autologous stem cell transplant at Jefferson
Hi TerriJ & JimNY! Thank you so much for your words of support and encouragement.
A few minor gastro issues started today. I am sure that there will be rough seas ahead .... but hope that I can continue to share some of my experiences with this wonderful community, which, as a lurker for 5-6 months, while I tried to gather as much information about what was happening to my body, was the key to my understanding on where to look for information, what others went through, and what the future may hold with research and reality.
How invaluable is that?
Denise
A few minor gastro issues started today. I am sure that there will be rough seas ahead .... but hope that I can continue to share some of my experiences with this wonderful community, which, as a lurker for 5-6 months, while I tried to gather as much information about what was happening to my body, was the key to my understanding on where to look for information, what others went through, and what the future may hold with research and reality.
How invaluable is that?
Denise
-
computerteacher - Name: Computer Teacher
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: November/December 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 58
Re: My autologous stem cell transplant at Jefferson
Hi Denise!
I am glad to hear that you're holding up well (all things considered). As you said, the next few days could get rough at times, but it sounds like you've prepared yourself, and you've got a lot of support from family, friends, and all of us here. Good luck!
I am glad to hear that you're holding up well (all things considered). As you said, the next few days could get rough at times, but it sounds like you've prepared yourself, and you've got a lot of support from family, friends, and all of us here. Good luck!
Re: My autologous stem cell transplant at Jefferson
Computerteacher-
I've surrounded you with a bubble of healing and with encouragement for your stem cells to engraft quickly. I had never heard of eating oranges during the infusion of the stem cells. When I had mine the nurses brought in a jar of hard candy to suck on. I had also brought peppermints as suggested by folks here.
When your numbers bottom out and you aren't feeling your best, ask one of your family members to post in your place to let us know how things are going. My sister did that for me for about 3 days on a personal page I had, and my friends really appreciated the daily updates and I enjoyed reading the posts in response.
All the best to you during the current leg of your myeloma journey. I pray that it leads to a successful outcome,
Nancy in Phila
P.S. - After you recover I invite you to attend the Philadelphia Multiple Myeloma Networking Group Meetings 9 (PMMNG), if you don't already. We meet the second Saturday of the month at the Ralston House, 3615 Chestnut St., Philadelphia 19104, from 1:30 to 3:30. June's meeting will have a speaker on "Care for the Caregiver".
I've surrounded you with a bubble of healing and with encouragement for your stem cells to engraft quickly. I had never heard of eating oranges during the infusion of the stem cells. When I had mine the nurses brought in a jar of hard candy to suck on. I had also brought peppermints as suggested by folks here.
When your numbers bottom out and you aren't feeling your best, ask one of your family members to post in your place to let us know how things are going. My sister did that for me for about 3 days on a personal page I had, and my friends really appreciated the daily updates and I enjoyed reading the posts in response.
All the best to you during the current leg of your myeloma journey. I pray that it leads to a successful outcome,
Nancy in Phila
P.S. - After you recover I invite you to attend the Philadelphia Multiple Myeloma Networking Group Meetings 9 (PMMNG), if you don't already. We meet the second Saturday of the month at the Ralston House, 3615 Chestnut St., Philadelphia 19104, from 1:30 to 3:30. June's meeting will have a speaker on "Care for the Caregiver".
-
NStewart - Name: Nancy Stewart
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 3/08
- Age at diagnosis: 60
Re: My autologous stem cell transplant at Jefferson
Day 1, 2, & 3
Starting backwards, with Day 3, I own up to feeling a bit rough. I described the feeling to my doctor this morning as having a washing machine in my stomach and a hot brick on my chest. He offered that, due to my radiation that I had received to shrink the tumor on my spine in November, I may experience more of the esophageal irritation, and would be ready to start analgesic IV when (IF) I need it. So far, I am being medicated for nausea with the Compazine (prochlorperazine) and Carafate (sucralfate) suspension.
I was not up to the physical therapy session that was so nice yesterday, as I feel the further away from the familiarity of my own bathroom, the more stressed I will be. So I encouraged my two visitors today (my husband and son) to avoid traffic and head home early, rather than watch the paint dry on my bed. <smiles> My white blood cell count continues to drop, as well as the red blood cell and platelets. We’ll see what tomorrow brings.
Day 1 & 2 were days filled with ins and outs of the various doctors, nurses, and techs who are taking care of me. But, I would like to mention the folks that clean my room every day and bring me sustenance. Today, I forgot to fill out my breakfast order, and the wonderful lady who brings my tray with a ray of sunshine every day filled it out with what she remembered I liked. Showering was nice too! Physical therapy gave me a chance to get off the floor to the gym, and meet with an occupational therapist and a physical therapist. Both were very suggestive and accommodating. I tried the recumbent bike, which was very supportive of my back (which has been referred to as a mess).
I am blessed for the many folks here offering their support and strength. I am grateful for each blessing offered. I do feel surrounded with Nancy’s bubble of healing, and am basking in that. For now, all is well, and I will continue to post as I can, to offer a perspective on another stem cell transplant experience for anyone who needs it.
Denise
Starting backwards, with Day 3, I own up to feeling a bit rough. I described the feeling to my doctor this morning as having a washing machine in my stomach and a hot brick on my chest. He offered that, due to my radiation that I had received to shrink the tumor on my spine in November, I may experience more of the esophageal irritation, and would be ready to start analgesic IV when (IF) I need it. So far, I am being medicated for nausea with the Compazine (prochlorperazine) and Carafate (sucralfate) suspension.
I was not up to the physical therapy session that was so nice yesterday, as I feel the further away from the familiarity of my own bathroom, the more stressed I will be. So I encouraged my two visitors today (my husband and son) to avoid traffic and head home early, rather than watch the paint dry on my bed. <smiles> My white blood cell count continues to drop, as well as the red blood cell and platelets. We’ll see what tomorrow brings.
Day 1 & 2 were days filled with ins and outs of the various doctors, nurses, and techs who are taking care of me. But, I would like to mention the folks that clean my room every day and bring me sustenance. Today, I forgot to fill out my breakfast order, and the wonderful lady who brings my tray with a ray of sunshine every day filled it out with what she remembered I liked. Showering was nice too! Physical therapy gave me a chance to get off the floor to the gym, and meet with an occupational therapist and a physical therapist. Both were very suggestive and accommodating. I tried the recumbent bike, which was very supportive of my back (which has been referred to as a mess).
I am blessed for the many folks here offering their support and strength. I am grateful for each blessing offered. I do feel surrounded with Nancy’s bubble of healing, and am basking in that. For now, all is well, and I will continue to post as I can, to offer a perspective on another stem cell transplant experience for anyone who needs it.
Denise
-
computerteacher - Name: Computer Teacher
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: November/December 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 58
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