Category Archives: transplant

Counting to 100

100 days, Myeloma, transplant

A Couple of Cool HeadsSO I GOT SPRUNG in just 15 days from the transplant center, but that doesn’t mean I’m really free — at least not yet. For the next 2-3 months I need to live on guard against the stray germ, while my immune system rebuilds and my blood counts come back to normal.

One of our new friends from the Myeloma patient support group called it “100 days of house arrest,” which drew chuckles and knowing nods from others who had gone through the  transplant experience.

Most of the precautions make intuitive sense if you give the matter even 10 minutes of thought: Avoid raw or undercooked foods (alas, no sushi or eggs over easy). Wash vegetables carefully. Stay away from crowds and public spaces. Wash your hands a lot. Continue reading Counting to 100 →

Some Low Days

emotions, neutrophil, transplant, treatment

IT’S DAY SEVEN after the stem cell infusion and the waiting is the hardest part.

I’m not depressed, just fatigued, with a general lack of focus, a sore throat, and poor appetite. Of course they tell me this is precisely what is expected of patients like me.

The treatment process is working. The blood labs show my neutrophil levels have fallen nearly to zero. In another day or so, they will begin a gradual recovery as my bones begin to build a new immune system.

Since I now have very little immune response, the treatments will focus on preventing infections. Masks and hand-washing for most visitors and anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-biotic meds.

Thursday will be much the same, except for a football game Arizona vs. Oregon. Boredom is mounting. I guess that means I’m starting to get better.

NEXT: Zero Hair Day

© 2014 James Tenser

Day Zero

celebrities, collection, Myeloma, stem cell, transplant

I GOT MY PROPERTY BACK TODAY. That’s right folks, half my frozen stem cells were put  back in circulation this afternoon. A fascinating process that involved liquid nitrogen, a water bath, my new pal the IV tower, and my old pals the danglers.

This is day 0 in the transplant sequence,  since yesterday was day -1. The nurses who handled the entire procedure wrote “Happy Birthday” on the white board opposite my bed, since it is truly the moment of birth for my new, improved immune system.

Continue reading Day Zero →