So today Dad went in for his usual harvest. Except as usual, Dad's port was not very cooperative. Despite all their efforts, they weren't able to get the port to draw. So instead they had to put in a line with local anesthesia in his neck into one of the very large neck veins. They were able to get blood from that line, the only problem is that his stem cell count was significantly lower than yesterday and wasn't enough to harvest. Stem cells are very smart and know that they are suppose to hang out in the bones. So Dad has to go tonight to get a shot that will "knock" the stem cells loose so that they can harvest them tomorrow. With this delay, they have pushed back his transplant to next week. So Monday the 4th he will be admitted to the hospital for chemo on Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday he will get his transplant.
Dad will be accepting prayers and emails but during this crucial time, he will not be able to have ANY visitors. The chemo will kill all of his cells, the myeloma cells and his white blood cells that will fight any infection. This makes him very susceptible to any minor infection or virus. With all that is in the news, we have to take special precautions that Dad stays healthy until his body starts producing white blood cells again.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Time for the harvest
Well everyone, the time has come!!! Dad's stem cell transplant has arrived!
Over the last month dad has become quite self reliant! He has been driving to and from work and doctor's appointments. He is now able to walk without his brace and cane. Physical therapy has been working him really well, so his strength is improving. He had his second port placed so that they could harvest his stem cells. He has been taking neupogen shots to boost his stem cell production over the last several days. Today they did the first part of his harvest, tomorrow they will finish the stem cell harvest. On Wednesday Dad will be admitted to the hospital for his high dose chemo. He won't feel too great with this, but thankfully it is only 2 days worth of chemo. Then on Friday, May 1st he will get his transplant! Friday will be considered Day 0, then the count starts Day +1. We are all very positive that day will soar through this without any issues. Everyone keep dad in your prayers as he completes the last part of this incredible journey to recovery!
I will post new pictures tomorrow of Dad looking better than ever.
Over the last month dad has become quite self reliant! He has been driving to and from work and doctor's appointments. He is now able to walk without his brace and cane. Physical therapy has been working him really well, so his strength is improving. He had his second port placed so that they could harvest his stem cells. He has been taking neupogen shots to boost his stem cell production over the last several days. Today they did the first part of his harvest, tomorrow they will finish the stem cell harvest. On Wednesday Dad will be admitted to the hospital for his high dose chemo. He won't feel too great with this, but thankfully it is only 2 days worth of chemo. Then on Friday, May 1st he will get his transplant! Friday will be considered Day 0, then the count starts Day +1. We are all very positive that day will soar through this without any issues. Everyone keep dad in your prayers as he completes the last part of this incredible journey to recovery!
I will post new pictures tomorrow of Dad looking better than ever.
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