It's the eve of the beginning of the transplant process. When we met with Dr. Rowley and Kelly Kobbe on the 7th, Kelly went over the process in great detail. It was daunting to me, to say the least. Tomorrow, I'll get a one hour infusion of melphalan. During the infusion and for one hour afterward I'll be chewing on ice chips to help prevent mouth and throat sores, they'll also give me a specialized drug to help prevent the same thing. Melphalan is a particularly effective but nasty bit of chemotherapy which will clear out of my system for the purposes of the transplant within 24 hours but will have effects for the next several months.. It will empty my bone marrow and immune system in preparation for the transplant (rescue) on Tuesday. They are concerned that I'll have the ability and energy to eat and retain food. They'll also have me on a variety of anti-nausea medications with an added something or other for constipation or dirrarhea. Some transfusions may also be necessary during this time frame (type O+).
I pray that God gives me the mental and physical strength to get through this in good shape and also help Joan as she will have to be hauling me back and forth between the hospital and the hospital provided apartment. There's a prayer my mother used to have us say when we were getting ready for bed every night that keeps bouncing around my head. We would kneel by the side of our bed and say this prayer before turning in, I'm sure most people have heard it:
"Now I lay me down to sleep
I pray the Lord my soul to keep
If I should die before I wake
I pray the Lord my soul to take."
Sorry to have such maudlin thoughts but this is the final step in this part of the journey and I'm a little distracted.
"When you get in a tight place, and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hold on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn."
ReplyDeleteI'm praying for you to get through this, and too, for Joanie. All your family is coming for Christmas... "rallying the troops" is always good for mind, body, and soul. Stay strong....
I guess I am technically challenged, forgot to put my name down for that comment. Ooops!
ReplyDeleteIt's me, Kate
Robert, I don't think you are being maudlin at all. You are fighting a daunting illness with an almost more daunting rescue. I am praying for you and everyone in your family. You and Joanie have exhibited unbelievable strength of mind, body and spirit through all this. Don't be too hard on yourself. No one--no matter how much he or she loves you, can do this for you. But remember that you are surrounded--for hundreds and thousands of miles by loved ones who will do all they can to ease your journey.
ReplyDeleteRobert, I to said that prayer every night and still do. All my paryers and strength go out to you and your family. Again if there is anything I can do PLEASE call.
ReplyDeleteLove Always
Lucy
BTW, I'm O+ and will be in NJ on the 23rd. I was thinking of giving here on the 21st, but I can skip on that.
ReplyDeleteThe end of the beginning, and onto the next part of your rescue. I will shout a battle cry, and send my love your way.
ReplyDelete