Another Long Day

Had a breathing treatment this morning to help ward off pneumonia then later the usual IV antibiotics and anti-fungals. Having some problems walking because of fluid retention. Also, having some intestinal problems due to all the drugs and "big chemo".

Please pray that I'll avoid any infections and serious intestinal problems.

Will probably have several pretty bad days of crashing after having had, had 3 days of high dose steroid. I've told George to just hang on and give hugs when needed.

Love you all.
Dotty

Change of Plans

Today was a long day. When we arrived at the center at 8:45, the elevators were turned off because of a fire alarm and we needed to be on the 7th floor. A computer on one of the upper floors had shorted out and fireman were all over. It was quickly resolved.

I ended up getting the total amount of stem cells for this transplant today, so didn't get back to the apartment until around 3:30pm. Quickly went to bed for a 3 hour nap.

They tell me I will start feeling the bad side effects from the "big chemo" in 4 or 5 days. Just hope they aren't too bad. Please continue to pray that the transplant will work and give me a long remission.

Love,
Dotty

Tomrrow's The Big Day

Today I just received IV antibiotic, anti-fungal, strong steroid and lab work. I have the steroid a total of 4 days Monday through Wednesday. This drug makes my legs swell which causes walking to be difficult and also causes insomnia. About Friday I'll crash after being off the drug for a couple of day. I've warned George to just hang on during those days.

Tomorrow and Wed. I will be receiving my stem cells back in my bloodstream. From there they should migrate to my bone marrow and begin to rebuild my immune system and other blood cells. Please pray that this happens and that I don't contract any infections, etc., while white counts are non-existent.

Love you all,
Dotty

Point Of No Return

Today I reached the point of no return, having had the "big chemo" -- melphalan. As it kills the cells in the bone marrow, I'll be wide open for any kind of infection. My doctor is taking all sorts of precautions by giving IV antibiotics, anti-fungals and other things.

From this point I just have to have faith that the melphalan will kill all the myeloma, and that the stem cells will take root and provide me with all the different blood cells I need.

Sharon, a good friend who also has myeloma, will be going through this same process at Baylor in Dallas starting this week. Please keep her in your prayers, too.

Your caring, prayers and comments are so appreciated.

Busy Day

We decided to go shopping for the rest of the things we need for the apartment before I have the chemo tomorrow. Got that done and things put away.

Had an appointment at 3pm at the transplant unit. Had blood tests, the dressing on the central line changed and on hour IV of an antibiotic and anti-fungal.

Have felt well this last week. Will have the "big chemo" tomorrow around 1:30pm.

Thanks for your prayers and for the comments you leave on my blog. They are so encouraging.

Love,
Dotty

Making Progress

Saw the doctor today and plans are:

Sat. - start IV antibiotic/anti-fungals (think these will be daily for a while)

Sun. - have melphalan (the "big" chemo) by IV along with a bunch of "back up" drugs -- was told to keep ice in my mouth for 2 hours before having the IV, during the IV and for an hour after the IV. This is supposed to help prevent mouth sores and other digestive tract problems.

Mon. - same as Saturday

Tues./Wed. - My stem cells will be infused over two days.

I'm not sure what the exact plans past Wed. are, hope to learn more tomorrow.

I'm back to wearing a mask anytime I leave the apartment, as my doc doesn't want me to catch anything.

Your prayers for following are appreciated:
1. That the Melphalan will kill all the myeloma
2. That I won't have any severe side effects from the melphalan -- infections, digestive tract problems or mouth sores
3. That the transplant will work and give me years of remission.

Love you all,
Dotty

Tests and a Nap!

Had to be at the hospital at 6:30 this morning for a PET/CT scan. It was sooo cold in that room that they wrapped me in warm blankets before sliding me into the PET tube. I got so comfortable I snoozed a bit. At (:30 I had a lot of blood tests and then a bone marrow biopsy at 11:30. The biopsy was a little painful, but not too bad. We picked up chicken for lunch and then both took long naps.

I think we've finally gotten everything in it's place in the apartment. Tomorrow I see the doctor, have a central line placed in my neck and learn my schedule for the next week.

Back In Little Rock, Again

We arrived back in LR today around 2pm, moved into the apartment and went to buy some groceries. I have to be at the hospital at 6:30am tomorrow for a PET/CT scan, blood tests and then a bone marrow biopsy (not my favorite thing to do).

Friday I'll see the doctor and probably have a central line placed in my neck in anticipation of chemo in the next few days and then the transplant.

Thanks for your prayers.

Home Feels So Good

After another month in Little Rock receiving treatment, home felt so good when we arrived here Tuesday afternoon. I hate to think about having to go back next Wednesday.

Heading Home

Saw my doctor today and we can go home for a week. Have to be back at the clinic on Thursday, May 13. Will be having tests, chemo and the transplant between then and the next Monday.