Yesterday I had my port removed and replaced with a central line catheter in preparation for the stem cell harvest process. The central line provides a direct path into a main artery that is convenient for taking blood samples, administering drugs, etc. The procedure was done at the UW Medical Center. All went well; I arrived at 6:30 AM and left at noon.
This morning (Saturday) I had the first round of growth factor shots. These shots cause the stem cells in my bone marrow to multiply, and eventually find their way into my blood. I go back later this afternoon for another shot and will repeat twice each day until there are enough stem cells circulating in my blood to harvest. The harvest process is scheduled to begin Tuesday using an apheresis machine to separate the stem cells from my blood and return the remainder to me. I will continue this process each day until there are enough harvested stem cells to use for the stem cell (bone marrow) transplant. Once there are enough harvested stem cells, they will be frozen to use at a later date following treatment.
Oh, our dear Paula -- you are so matter-of-fact about all you are going through! I so admire your calm approach to life -- taking things as they come and dealing with them quietly, and with faith and courage.
ReplyDeleteGlad things (it sounds like) went well with the central line. And sounds like all else is moving along quickly!
If you have time, let us know how long they expect it to take to produce & harvest sufficient stem cells. Days? Weeks?
You are in my prayers every day.
And now our song for the day -- Michael W. Smith sings "Above All" ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aiDZqvh61c&feature=related
I love this song; it is a comfort and blessing to me. I hope will be the same for you.
Love,
Lynn