Today I went through my second day of Apheresis (a process of spinning the blood to collect certain products). The goal was to collect approximately 10 million stem cells that will be used to re-populate my bone marrow as part of the transplant. I will not need a bone marrow donor to complete this transplant; instead my own stem cells that have been collected will be used. I took two days of Apheresis to complete the collection. Being hooked up to the machine is not bad. I generally catch up on a little sleep. The session takes from 3 – 5 hours. I told Rose one of the side affects of the procedure is that as the blood is returned to the patient, they get dizzy. It is similar to putting your forehead on a baseball bat with the other end on the ground and spinning in circles. I was trying to have a little fun with her but she did not believe it. She has been around the doctors for too long now.
On Friday, January 14, we get more information on our schedule. Things are happening fast.
On Friday, January 14, we get more information on our schedule. Things are happening fast.
I'm sorry you were dizzy! That's got to be the worst! BUT I'm glad things are progressing nicely. Can't wait until you're all better and can come to Utah again! :)
ReplyDelete-Heather & Michael
Hi Rick,
ReplyDeleteYour plan sounds good to me. Quite a team serving you and very organized. Your mention of your Hickman line and I flashed back to my assisting days at Swedish. I assisted Bob Hickman on, I swear, hundreds of Hickman lines. Very nice guy and a device that has been used for, dare I say, 30 years!
Keep up the good work Rose! You Rock!
-ted b.
Hi Rick and Rose,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the blog. You are doing great. Thanks for courage and affection. What a team!
Sincerely,
Ron Nelson
Rick and Rose,
ReplyDeleteKeep up hte positive attitude, you have the courage of a true champion. Keeping you in our prayers.
Roger & Tami Walters