Last week I promised to keep everyone updated as I prepared to undergo my first autologous stem cell transplant.

Despite a few close calls—like a final insurance approval that didn’t arrive until 5:01 p.m. the day before I was scheduled to be admitted—I am sitting here as a stem cell transplant patient in Moffitt Cancer Center’s brand new Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) unit.  And I’m happy to say that I’m alive and doing well.

On Tuesday night, I received my first high-dose chemotherapy infusion of melphalan ^[1] (Alkeran).  As I write this on Wednesday morning, I’m getting ready to start my second and final dose.

So far, so good!  Only a jumpy stomach and a bit of insomnia, most likely caused by the dexamethasone ^[2] (Decadron) they gave me one hour before my chemo.

It is a surreal experience walking down the hall, feeling good, but seeing large signs hanging on the doors to other rooms that say things like “Smell sensitive: no perfumes or cologne, please!” or “No food inside!”

We are instructed to walk a lot.  But for some reason, I am the only one walking.

Besides “Smell sensitive” and “No food,” there’s no evidence of other patients—even though I’ve been told the transplant wing is almost full.  I hope that’s not a scary glimpse into my near future!

Still, thanks to all of the advice and well-wishes from my wonderful readers, I am staying positive.

It helps that the staff here has been so encouraging.  Even the BMT physician on call this week, transplant specialist Dr. Joseph Pidala, has reassured me that I may make it through this with minimal negative side effects.  Works for me!

By the time you hear from me next week, I will have received just over 3 million of my own stem cells, and my blood counts should be at their lowest point.  But I don’t care if they need to prop me up and help me use a keyboard, I will find a way to get you news about my progress.

Wish me luck!  Feel good and keep smiling!  Pat