And I'm Halfway Through the Testing.

Well, Day Two is in the books. The first thing that we did was visit the Apheresis department. They wanted me to take a questionnaire to see that I was mentally and physically prepared to go through the transplant. It looks like I'm not looney tunes and I'm not pregnant, whew. I was worried about that one. Everything came back fine and I actually was able to speak with a Doctor from Hopkins Hospital from Arkansas, which is the "gold standard" for Multiple Myeloma. He spoke very highly of Doctor Benson, as does everyone else I've spoken to affiliated with The James. Next, a few nurses took a look at the veins in my arms to see if they could withstand 5 hours of harvesting my stem cells. Fortunately, I have 5 veins between my 2 arms that are "Great" so that means no early placement of the port. And that means (hopefully) lower risk of infection.

After that I was supposed to have my Bone Marrow Biopsy, which all I wanted was to get it over with. Of course, the Nurse Practitioner had some things come up and could not come up. It was alright, it just gave a chance for my anxiety to spike a little bit more. No big deal. We then met with the Transplant Co-ordinator and some others that just gave us a run down and also some information about support groups, etc. I'd be lying if I said I was completely listening, in anticipation of the BMB.

Finally, the nurse came in to perform the biopsy. All I could think of was the miserable experience of the one in Cleveland. There were a few differences in this situation. They had me lie flat on my stomach opposed to my side. And a nurse performed this one, instead of a doctor. Finally, this one was done outpatient, opposed to me being in ICU. While it was still terribly painful, the nurse was great in talking me through what was going on and letting me know when particular pain would be coming. I'm definitely thankful this is over and hopefully will not need another one for a very long time.

To end the day, we met with Dr. Benson. The meeting was relatively quick, as we have already spoke about a lot of what is going on/will be happening. He did mention that he believes I'm already in a remission or as close as I can get, through my Velcade treatments. He also informed us that I was in better shape and my numbers were continually improving than he even expected or had hoped for. He continued to say that my kidneys were "Miracle Kidneys," after my creatinine being over 7 in Cleveland and now being 1.4. He also began telling me that he has never put patients on maintenance drugs once they were in remission, because there were no studies that showed if it was worthwhile and some of the side effects just weren't worth it. However, a new study shows that a particular drug will help keep patients in remission longer and hopefully a longer life expectancy. He said we don't have to make a decision today, but it is a conversation we should have. All I could think of was, "Absolutely!!"

Whatever I need to do, yes yes yes.

Today is the final day of pre-transplant testing. Looking forward to having this over with and enjoying Christmas.

Clear Eyes ~ Full Hearts ~ CAN'T Lose

Well, Day One is Down.

Yesterday I had my first day of pre-transplant activity. Before we had to meet with the Financial Officer I ran up to James 2, which is where I did my chemotherapy. Some of the cookies, from the very successful cookie fundraiser, were donated to the wonderful staff. They were very appreciative of the "Thank You," plus it was nice to see them. They've become such a large part of my life, it's been a little odd not seeing them a couple times of week. Though, I'm not complaining about no longer having chemo.

From there, we met with the Financial Officer. Personally (and speaking for my parents) I wasn't really looking forward to this meeting, though it was not what we thought it would be. The woman we met with was very helpful and just wanted us to know what was out there for assistance and that my cancer would put me on the fast track for some of the things. She went as far as telling as eating options in the area, which I know exactly what I like as campus is my old stomping grounds! One "funny" thing we found out during this meeting is that many believe that the transplant is an "Elective" procedure. I beg to differ, but I understand the bureaucratic stuff. All in all the meeting went well and was not as stressful as I anticipated.

As this meeting ended, we went to James 11, which is the Outpatient Transplant floor. Once I am released from the hospital, this is where some of my appointments will take place. I was taken back to give blood, 17 vials, or so I thought. After giving blood I went back to the lobby with my parents only to feel a tap on my shoulder and the disappointing look on the face of the nurse. He had forgot to take one vial of blood, so I had to go be stuck one more time. Though I wasn't thrilled, really not a big deal. After waiting a little bit longer, the nurse came and got us to have an EKG done of my heart. Nothing like hearing, "Well it says normal." Now that's something I took for granted in the past. Without much break, it was then off to a chest x-ray, which took a total of about a minute and a half.

We then met with a nurse for an educational meeting about everything I could possibly want to know about the transplant. She gave me all the juicy details about the chemo I will receive in the hospital which by all accounts is some pretty serious stuff. I'm sure it'll stink, but I have to keep my eyes on the prize, getting out of there God willing in a remission. I'm at point right now where I just want remission, I understand this cancer comes back, but anytime without it, I will truly live my life to the fullest. I'm excited for this next step and ready to kick this thing's butt!

Clear Eyes ~ Full Hearts ~ CAN'T Lose

Beginning of the Pre-Transplant Procedures

Today I received a call from Becky Whitaker, one of the Bone Marrow Transplant coordinators. Like much of the past couple of months, this brought on a mix of emotions. I was excited that we were beginning to take the next steps into a *hopeful* remission. There was also some definite anxiety about the unknown. Many things come into my mind when I think about what the next few months will hold for my family and I. Going back into the hospital is obviously very worrisome to me. This isn't because I don't have confidence in the doctors and staff, there are just so many other factors that can effect the length of my stay, as I well know.

Tomorrow I have an appointment at a OSU branch in Dublin to have an ultrasound done of my liver. This was ordered a few weeks back when we met with the specialist. I don't believe that there's anything in particular they are concerned with at this point, but he would like to get a baseline for what kind of shape it is in right now.

The next few weeks will be busy, even with having a break from chemotherapy. I am still seeing Wendy, my physical therapist. Things are going very well, and I'm continuing to go so I can maintain the strength I have and hopefully put on a bit more weight before entering the hospital. I know that I will lose weight while the in the hospital again, so I need to try and get as close to my typical weight as possible. I'm still about 10-15 pounds away, so I'll be hitting the Christmas cookies and meals pretty hard this year!

Taking up even more time will be all-day testing on December 18, 22, and 23. It's sort of a bummer that it is so close to Christmas, though I'm trying to maintain the thought process that it will all be over and I can enjoy Christmas before stem cell harvesting begins. These appointments will include scans, MRI's, X-Rays, meet with the Chaplain, among many others. Not to forget the dreaded bone marrow biopsy, which I've been told will be on the 22nd. Absolutely not looking forward to that. Becky let me know that they hope to not have to place my port until stem cell harvesting, which would most likely be after the New Year. As long as my veins can withstand the testing, this shouldn't be a problem.

As you can see, it will be a busy couple of months. I'm trying to keep my focus on a beautiful Spring that involves baseball and hopefully a full remission.

Clear Eyes ~ Full Hearts ~ CAN'T Lose