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