Thomas was having a pukey day yesterday, but the nurse gave him some antibiotics that made him sleepy. I haven't seen him yet today, but I talked to him and he seems to be doing all right.
Last night I didn't sleep too well - got up at 4 in the morning to use the restroom and as I got up I felt this sharp pain shooting through my hips and up my sternum. I had to grab the wall and stand for a minute before I could continue. I couldn't fall asleep after that.
The pain in my hips, back, and sternum got progressively worse today, and the Neupogen shots seem to be more painful each day as well. I didn't anticipate this - it hurts just to sit here. Walking anywhere is a hassle, and it takes me longer to stand up, adjust, and then continue walking. I have (at least) two more days of Neuopogen shots, then apheresis (the process of filtering out my stem cells).
Although this isn't the most comfortable thing to be going through, I still got my eyes on the prize. This bone marrow transplant is going to save my brother's life, and that's the most important thing.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Preparing for the bone marrow transplant
For those who don't know, Thomas will be getting a bone marrow transplant next week and I am his donor. Today he was admitted to the UW hospital where the last round of chemotherapy will begin. He is in room 7210 for those who would like to visit!
Starting tomorrow (till Tuesday), I will be receiving a shot of Neupogen each day to stimulate the growth of the stem cells in my bone marrow. After the second day or so, I'll probably start feeling the symptoms, which are achey bones, migraines, and fatigue. On the fifth day, a machine will collect my stem cells by drawing blood from one arm and running it through a centrifuge that will filter out the stem cells. My blood will be returned through my other arm. This will take approximately three hours.
The transplant is scheduled for Wednesday, July 1.
This last round of chemo will be the strongest - all his white blood cells will be wiped out. The bone marrow transplant is to insure that no more cancerous cells will grow so that he can have a fresh start with healthy blood cells.
Please keep my brother in your thoughts and prayers as he goes through this final stage of treatment. He is blessed to have such a tremendous amount of support out there! :)
Starting tomorrow (till Tuesday), I will be receiving a shot of Neupogen each day to stimulate the growth of the stem cells in my bone marrow. After the second day or so, I'll probably start feeling the symptoms, which are achey bones, migraines, and fatigue. On the fifth day, a machine will collect my stem cells by drawing blood from one arm and running it through a centrifuge that will filter out the stem cells. My blood will be returned through my other arm. This will take approximately three hours.
The transplant is scheduled for Wednesday, July 1.
This last round of chemo will be the strongest - all his white blood cells will be wiped out. The bone marrow transplant is to insure that no more cancerous cells will grow so that he can have a fresh start with healthy blood cells.
Please keep my brother in your thoughts and prayers as he goes through this final stage of treatment. He is blessed to have such a tremendous amount of support out there! :)
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