I had a request from one of my young readers, Vincent to know what the procedure for transplant is. So in short form, here it is:
Oct. 2013- met with doctors to see if I am a good person for transplant
Feb/Mar/April- found match. did a bunch of testing to see what shape my body is in
April 18 is Day -6 is my first chemo day. I get four days of the same chemo drug called Fludarabine.
Day - 4 and 3 I have another chemo drug added called Cyclophosamide. This is the drug that makes me lose my hair.
Day -1 I get a new chemo drug called ATG. Its made from rabbits. I also get total body irradiation.
Day 0 I get one more dose of ATG and then I got my new stem cells. They come in a bag just like a regular blood transfusions and drip in over 3 to four hours. The donor has a different blood type than mine so even though we genetically are very close, they worried that I could have a bad reaction to his/her different blood type.
It takes about 12 days for the new stem cells to make their way into my bones, attach on and start making their own blood cells. During this time, all the new stem cells are pushing out my old ones and any fat left in my bones. All the chemo drugs are to make sure my old immune system won't attack the new one we have just put in. In the days after transplant, I will get 4- 5 days of short acting chemo just to keep the new stem cells their happiest.
During these twelve days, they really worry about me getting infections. Even a common cold can take months to get rid of. Everyone has to wear a mask in my room and I have to put one on to go out. I don't have visitors right now.
Every Day Procedure:
12 AM-Vitals
4 AM-Blood drawn
7 AM- Up for morning
8 AM- lots and lots and lots of new drugs and vitamins run through my CVC, vitals
9 AM- breakfast, if I can eat, which most days I can't so I order a strawberry milkshake
10 AM -Doctors check me out
11AM- I try to rest
12 PM-2PM-vitals, running any new orders doctor gave like blood,
2PM- 5PM is a repeat of the morning drugs and I try to walk a little or answer emails or sleep, vitals
6PM- dinner
7 PM- may a shower or rest or talking to Madeleine
8PM- vitals
8PM-12PM more drugs are run and I try to sleep as I'm able. I also tend to write my blog during this time.
I hope this gives an idea of how myy days are. Time has little meaning here other than shift changes for the nurses.
I was happy to answer Vincent's question and if any of my readers have any questions, please feel free.
Oct. 2013- met with doctors to see if I am a good person for transplant
Feb/Mar/April- found match. did a bunch of testing to see what shape my body is in
April 18 is Day -6 is my first chemo day. I get four days of the same chemo drug called Fludarabine.
Day - 4 and 3 I have another chemo drug added called Cyclophosamide. This is the drug that makes me lose my hair.
Day -1 I get a new chemo drug called ATG. Its made from rabbits. I also get total body irradiation.
Day 0 I get one more dose of ATG and then I got my new stem cells. They come in a bag just like a regular blood transfusions and drip in over 3 to four hours. The donor has a different blood type than mine so even though we genetically are very close, they worried that I could have a bad reaction to his/her different blood type.
It takes about 12 days for the new stem cells to make their way into my bones, attach on and start making their own blood cells. During this time, all the new stem cells are pushing out my old ones and any fat left in my bones. All the chemo drugs are to make sure my old immune system won't attack the new one we have just put in. In the days after transplant, I will get 4- 5 days of short acting chemo just to keep the new stem cells their happiest.
During these twelve days, they really worry about me getting infections. Even a common cold can take months to get rid of. Everyone has to wear a mask in my room and I have to put one on to go out. I don't have visitors right now.
Every Day Procedure:
12 AM-Vitals
4 AM-Blood drawn
7 AM- Up for morning
8 AM- lots and lots and lots of new drugs and vitamins run through my CVC, vitals
9 AM- breakfast, if I can eat, which most days I can't so I order a strawberry milkshake
10 AM -Doctors check me out
11AM- I try to rest
12 PM-2PM-vitals, running any new orders doctor gave like blood,
2PM- 5PM is a repeat of the morning drugs and I try to walk a little or answer emails or sleep, vitals
6PM- dinner
7 PM- may a shower or rest or talking to Madeleine
8PM- vitals
8PM-12PM more drugs are run and I try to sleep as I'm able. I also tend to write my blog during this time.
I hope this gives an idea of how myy days are. Time has little meaning here other than shift changes for the nurses.
I was happy to answer Vincent's question and if any of my readers have any questions, please feel free.
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