Transplant Day - Day Zero

Before the liquid Benedryl in my IV drip hits, I wanted to let everyone know that the stem cell transplant has begun and is almost over. About an hour ago, RN Casey said, “As soon as the team gets here, we’ll get you started.” The “team” is actually comprised of RN Casey and PA Regina. Regina brought two small bags of stem cells from wherever they were being stored and proceeded to thaw them. Casey told me they use a type of hot water heater to place the bags in to thaw, and once that is done, they started a drip into one of the pigtails of my CVC (central venous catheter).

I’m a little nervous and my hands are shaking pretty badly this morning, but it seems to be making me type faster—at least for the moment. I feel pretty good as long as I’m not standing up and walking around, and I will need to do a lot of that between today and when the worst side effects will likely hit, and that will be between day 6 and 10, or 10 Jun – 14 June, if I’m looking at the calendar right.

One of the most unusual sensations I was told to expect was that the preservative agent, DMSO (I have to look that one up) that is mixed with my stem cells will give me the taste of creamed corn in my mouth. I can attest to the truth of that! The taste hit me instantly. Made me think of Thanksgiving dinner because that’s just about the only time I have ever eaten creamed corn. Even worse, my pores will begin to ooze the odor that apparently I will not be aware of but everyone else will. RN Casey tells me that particular side effect lasts a few days, sometimes longer. Could be worse things to smell like, I suppose.

It’s all happening very fast—much faster than I expected—but I consider that a very good thing! God is indeed answering prayers, and it gives me such confidence that maybe this won’t be such a terrible experience after all.

There is so much more I want to share with you that is not medical in nature, but for now, I will keep it short and sweet. Several of you have sent inspirational memes, photos, and videos, and I love to share them here. This one is another sent to me by Nancy Conwell. I hope you find it inspiring as well.