Day Zero

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.

I’m told the lowest days are still to come, as fatigue and fevers may set in. I may slow my posting for a week or so, so don’t be alarmed. I’m very grateful for the words of encouragement in your comments.

Cheers to you all.

NEXT: Some Low Days

© Copyright 2014 James Tenser

8 thoughts on “Day Zero

  1. Jamie, the hard stuff is still coming. For me the hardest was the sense of reduced brain functioning in the second week and for months after getting home. Melphalan is serious stuff! But you can do it. You’re tough and resilient, just like many others in our myeloma support group. Some good reading which I recommend is The Cancer Chronicles, by George Johnson. George is a science writer, and tries to figure out why cancer is here, biologically. The book provides insights, but no firm conclusions. I like your blog. Have a good Day 1. Jon and Mary Beth

  2. Jamie:
    Glad to hear all is going “as planned”.
    Wow…. this blog is terrific…. I learned “stuff” reading it that I never knew…. like details about this and that procedure…. or who in the list of “celebrities” suffered from MM in the past.
    Anyway, relax and take it easy. Like you say…. some days ahead might be more difficult than others.
    Take care – and say hello to Valerie too.
    Jerome – Yolanda – Genevieve

  3. Jamie:
    Hope all is “as good as can be”. – Time goes by…… and your are already a week into your treatment. Careful not to catch any infection. My brother got a lung infection the second week after his transplant…… and even though it’s better to get sick once already in the hospital…. it does complicate “things”.
    In your MM celebrities’ list on this blog….. you might want to remember Dr. Mel Goldstein, Meteorologist, from WTNH TV in New Haven, CT ? Yes… he had MM also….. Hey…. just a thought….
    Till next time, take care, keep a strong will, and NEVER give up.
    Jerome – Yolanda – Genevieve

  4. Jamie you and Val are in my prayers every day. Thanks for letting me in on your blog. You are doing amazingly well. I suspect that will become clearer years from now as you look back. Warm regards.

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