Day 0 Health Score 75
Today I received my stem cells back. There were five bags to infuse. I was premedicated with 100 mg of hydrocortisol (equivalent to 20 mg of prednisone) and benadryl, This helps to diminish any allergic reaction to the DMSO preservative with the cells. The first and second bags were infused over ten minutes each. I only felt a little heat in the back of my neck. Upon infusing the third bag, the flushing extended through my head and chest and within a minute, I had a nasty ache in my stomach. Within seconds I was returning my lunch to its tray. (No major loss). I immediately felt better. They gave me some Ativan to calm me down and the last two bags went in without further incident.
The hard drive has been formatted and those malicious viruses and Trojan horses should be eradicated. Now the fun begins; rebooting the system. My white count and platelets will drop and I will need blood transfusions. The mouth sores should start next week. They assure me that once the white cell count comes back, I will feel better. I am confident that I will be better.
My gratitude remains insufficient for all the love and support that I feel from all of you. It carries me daily.
Kevin
4 comments:
You've been in my thoughts all day. I'm glad to know that things have been going so well. You are in such good hands there at Stanford.
Please know that we are praying for you and Barbie through this whole process.
It is so nice to be able to keep up with how you are feeling and what you are doing each day. Thanks for taking the time to add to the blog - it helps us to feel closer despite the distance. Happy birthday to Sam and Jeremy!
Dr. Anderson, I've recently discovered your blog account of your experience with amyloidosis and your heart transplant process. I have read your story with intense interest. I have been diagnosed with type AL Primary amyloidosis, which is slowly killing my heart. I am in Boston, undergoing the evaluation process for heart transplantation. I have been encouraged by your courage and I thank you for putting your story out there for others to see. You have helped me understand how this disease has affected you, and how the transplant experience has been for you. Perhaps i can glean some knowledge and and hope reading your daily entries. Your strength and faith have encouraged me. God bless you and Barbie and your physicians. Thank you for giving me hope for what is yet to come in my own battle with amyloid.
:)
You and Barbie are always in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for sharing your journey with us - I am grateful to be able to "check in" to see how you all are doing. Wish we were closer in distance so I could visit and help in some way, but know that I am with you in spirit.
I love and appreciate your sense of humor, your wit and your outlook and way of handling the challenges that have been placed in your path - you are an inspiration (and Barbie, so are you!)
P.S.
I think you could write an awesome book!!!
With love,
Judy Grabert
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