November 15, 2016
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| Kerstin's visit - she is the selfie queen! |
We went to Northwestern this week for testing and to see the doctor. We met with the Transplant Coordinating Nurse who talked us through the whole procedure. We also met with a Social Worker who helped us understand logistics and services available to us. Then we spent the majority of the day taking all of the tests needed to be cleared for the transplant, including 22, yes, twenty-two vials of blood!!
Our last appointment was with Dr. Mehta. He explained that since I am high risk, he wants me to do an extra chemo before they start the stem cell collection.
On January 3, I will be admitted into NW hospital to receive a chemo cocktail of three drugs, infused for four days around the clock. I will go home for 10 days to recover. I will be sick and lose my hair after this chemo. I will then go back for the stem cell collection. It will take 1 - 5 days to collect the required number of cells. Cells are collected out of the blood similarly to doing dialysis. When enough cells for 4 transplants are collected, (I will only have 2 transplants, Lord willing) I will go home to recover for two weeks.
On January 30th, I will be admitted for the transplant. I will receive a very toxic chemo to kill all my bone marrow and the next day, I will have my stem cells transplanted back into my blood. The stem cells somehow find their way to the inside of my bones and start making the required cells for making up my blood. Isn't that amazing!! I am astounded that scientists have figured this out, but I am even more overwhelmed by the complexity of our bodies, God's creation. He is so far beyond our minds comprehension, yet he humbles himself to live inside every believer. He is so amazing! We are so blessed!
I will stay in the hospital for 2 to 3 weeks as I will have no immunities. I will likely be very sick as well. Then I go home to recover. That is it! . . . until I go back in 3 to 6 months to do a second transplant with stem cells already taken and frozen.
It's a long process, but I do not dread it, I look forward to getting it done. After the second transplant, I can start working on building back my strength and growing my hair back! I have been told several times that it may grow back a different texture and even color?! I can't wait to see my new 'do! I will be very happy to be able to do the things I used to do. I will be considered cancer free, although it will never be gone with the science known today, but it buys time for new discoveries. I will keep doing a maintenance chemo once a month to keep the cancer at bay, Lord willing.
The day before we went to the doctor, I developed a rash on my torso. Dr. Mehta took me off Bactrim as I may have developed an allergy to sulfa. We left for Mexico 3 days later, so he ordered several drugs that I now have with me, and gave me his personal number to call if it gets worse so he can give me instructions. It is very itchy and unattractive. It isn't any better, but it is no worse. I am hoping my body will heal on its own.
The great news is we are in Puerto Vallarta with our good friends, Bob and Karen Hankins, for a week of sun and fun! We will have 2 holidays and 2 weddings to celebrate before we start the arduous transplant process.
It's all good. I am so very thankful for a specialized doctor that I trust with a tried and true plan . I am most thankful for a God who promises to be with me all the way and help me. Those of you who have offered prayers on my behalf are very much appreciated. I know your prayers have helped me with treatment so far and has helped me in trusting God for strength and my well being. I am convinced I can endure this treatment with God's help and I am not afraid. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
