Carolbless

Maddy61 Carol: I don't know where you're being treated. I went to Hackensack, NJ. They don't want patients suffering unnecessarily so if you need something to get you through, they will give it to you. The tough part about stem cell is the "stimulation" with Neupergen and the "collection" which is done through a shiley catheter. Think a chemo port with lead tubes coming out. Doesn't hurt, just annoying. you need as many loose sleeveless shirts you can round up. You'll need shots of the Neupergen to stimulate the stem cells. You may or may not get leg cramps. Use an electric blanket - the warmth helps as much as oxycodone. Less side effects too. Once the catheter gets put in (you'll be asleep) they will do all your blood work and medications through it. I found that a big comfort because they can never find a vein. The collection is done in the hospital and you have five days on what amounts to a dialysis machine to produce 12 million stem cells. Basically they hook up the catheter - blood goes in one lead and comes out the other. Not painful but bring a book. Sounds daunting but I gave them 10 million in one day. If you get leg cramps, I recommend warm blankets. Next comes the high dose chemo - Melaphan. That is put in thru the catheter. No pain. They give you ice chips to chew on during that process and I highly recommend you chew them. It will prevent you from getting thrush in your mouth. The next day you will receive your stem cells and it's sort of anti-climatic. They hang a bag of red stuff and it goes in through the catheter. And that's it. It doesn't hurt. Speak with the nurses. They will give you a very accurate picture of what to expect and what's normal. Don't be afraid. You can get through this. It's just a lot of steps but if you know what's next you'll be able to handle it. My best wishes. -

Carol: Were you able to get to the doc about your cough? Did he give you a diagnosis or prescription? How are you feeling?

Carolbless, you are blessed that you will be able to start treatments at a younger age than I did! I was 66 when I was diagnosed (stage 3). After lots of chemo and a stem cell transplant, I am doing much better! In fact, I was really getting back to my "old normal" life, until I fell and broke my foot, so I am temporarily sidelined. This has given me plenty of time to think about how God has taken me through this route without a lot of pain and loss. I am widowed and don't have any children, so I pay someone to help me with housework and take me to doctors visits. I really think it is better to have someone with you when you go, just to make sure you get all the details and understand what the doctor says. I wish you the best in your journey. With all the new medicines and treatments now and your young age, you should do great! May God bless you! Judy

Welcome, Carolbless! We are a wonderful group of people who are all traveling the journey of Multiple Myeloma. We ask each other questions and sometimes argue a bit about the answers. I look forward to talking with you.

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