sjgcbm's Cancer Blog
July 11, 2008
| Transplant Planning In Process Now | Views: 315 |
On Wednesday I attended a required 2.5 hour appointment with a nurse practitioner at the transplant division of the oncology practice through which I am being treated. This is part of their standard practice – all about giving us information and our asking questions. Oh, and handing us copies of the (7 or more)consent forms I will be asked to sign, including directions about how to dispose of stem cells they collect that are not used or I die.
The earliest date I will start the transplant procedure is August 30, but it may be a week later – they had not counted on the following Monday being Labor Day (so glad I could point that out to them) and they have to see if all staff required is actually working on a Federal holiday.
There will be lots of pre-tests, including a psych evaluation and repeat of the bone marrow biopsy and bone survey (X-ray of every bone in your body) along with EKG and other standard tests.
They agree that a two-month medical leave from work should cover everything.
They sent me home with a calendar. I can now tell what will happen on almost every day of the process, including which days I will have a fever, when I will not be eating, and the day I can expect my hair to fall out. I am thinking I will shave my head before it falls out. The folks I work with are planning to chip in and buy me a pink wig (think Samantha on SITC), but I am having fun on web sites looking at head coverings (www.happyheadwraps.com or www.headcovers.com for example).
We will have to set up the guest room as a cat-free zone for the weeks of the procedures. Furniture will be moved around, bookcase may need to be covered, not sure of all those details yet. Obviously we have a month to prep the house, and may need help from folks with muscles?
There are pages and pages of information – including lots of food restrictions like no fish or seafood, only certain types of tofu, nothing from a deli counter and no take-out food. They have asked that I not take any herbals, supplements or homeopathics since they will not be able to identify or account for any interactions with the drugs I will be on. They have to know exactly what is going into my body; so far they have cleared all my allergy medications, so that’s good.
The every-day of the week commute is only three weeks long –not six as I thought. That should be manageable. We came home during rush hour and even with stopping for gas it only took us 30 minutes; much shorter than I was expecting.
Thanks to everyone for all prayers and good thoughts. It looks as if I may have a week or two of a break, for which we are thankful. I am still working part-time. I am off the Thalidomide, and still having side effects from it. But yesterday was a really good day. I hope today is too. But everyday is different, and I feel as if I am simply along for the ride.
Transplant Planning In Process Now, 
4 comments)
06.27.08 - 
Sari 
pokytrokyt 
Lee Lehman 
Thanks for your support -
Well, I hope you have many more good days before you start the transplant.
My thoughts and prayers will be with you all along the way.
Hugs,
Joyce
I will be keeping you in my prayers and I know everyone on this site will also. You are fighting a brave fight…. Hang in there I believe this will all be worth it….
Lots of hugs
Cheryl58
I’ve been schlepping boxes and furniture for the past week after moving into my new condo. So what’s a bit more schlepping of stuff at your place?
Last weekend I went to IKEA to buy an inexpensive bedroom set for a guest/renter bedroom. By myself. bulky boxes. heavy. very heavy.
So I’m up for anything now!
I’m on vacation in Miami until next Friday, but after that you can consider my minimal musculature at your beck and call.
Pink wig? Fierce.
Dear Sarajane; I just love your name. First time I have ever heard it. Well you sound so upbeat about your upcoming venture. I can’t imagine 2 1/2 hours of information overload but I guess you have a background that allows you to take in the important stuff first and let the other dribble fada into the distance. I am a little curious on how your transplant works. Perhaps you could englighten the group…Is it going to be painful, are you awake when they do it, how often are the treatments, will you be on pain meds, can you eat solids, will you have someone with you at all times???????? just to list a few questions….I do not know anything about your type of cancer but willing to listen. Education is always a good thing. Keep up your positive spirit my dear, as you do inspire us all. Weezie