My counts were good enough to start collecting today. That means that so far about every single thing has gone a little better than expected (and a lot better than feared). Though I’ll be spending hours here over the next few days I’ll probably not have anything new to report so if I don’t post any more just assume things continue to go well.
They want two hours to be sure I don’t bleed or keel over for some other reason. Nancy already brought me some chocolate milk from the cafeteria to break my fast. All is well. The catheter went in IJ so I didn’t need as much sedation as I’d feared; I believe I was largely conscious the whole time though definitely relaxed. No problem that I forgot to bring my OSA jaw support appliance.
And now the local is starting to wear off where the tunnel crossed the clavicle. Ah, well. I just may enjoy some narcotic come bedtime.
You guys wanted updates, you’re getting updates. I believe I can restrain myself from describing each bowel event when they become the center of my life next week.
Today I get my second dose of Neupogen. They say I’ve a 20% chance of unpleasant side effects when it really kicks in with later doses but for now all is well.
Tomorrow I get my central venous catheter. It has two honking big lumens for pheresis so I’ll probably get some sedation. If I don’t remember the procedure it couldn’t have been too bad, right?
Thank you for all the warm thoughts and prayers.
I’ve adopted the ultimate low-maintenance haircut in anticipation of it all falling out in a couple of weeks; Nancy got hers cut in sympathy.
Oh, and if, by the way, any of you were thinking of sending me flowers, please don’t. Even though Nancy might appreciate them I’m forbidden to come anywhere near them for some time.
Thank you everyone for your interest in my health. When there’s doubt, assume I’m fine. Maybe too busy to post an update, though.
Current plan at the Scottsdale Mayo is for start of Neupogen on 2/18, port on 2/20, and pheresis collection of stem cells that week followed by admission for melphalan on 2/27 (designated Day -2) and rescue reinfusion of stem cells 2/29 (Day 0). Typically patients are discharged around Day 15 with gradual return to full strength by Day 100. The statistics for success in this program are remarkable though of course anything is possible. Nancy or I will try to provide updates as things unfold.
Love,
Tim