DAY 10 APRIL 3

6:50 AM getting hooked up to stem cell extraction machine

Dr. Fedorenko

So today was my first day of stem cell extraction. I was hoping that it would happen in one day but I was told I would need a second day. Only Khalid got enough in his first day. He told me it was because I am so old. Youth is so wasted! Johan, Katja, Raul and me all have needed two days.

So another early morning tomorrow. It really wasn't that big of a deal. Much less traumatic than having the catheter put in my neck. They hook up the machine to the catheter and it just cycles your blood extracting the stem cells as it goes. At least that is what I think. It is magic to me. I didn't get done until 130pm. Then I had to get a steroid infusion. Then lunch and a nap.

The steroids do not treat the MS.  They treat the side effects of the stem cell stimulation medications. They say bone pain, headaches, fever and stomach problems are common side effects.

Then this evening was the party for the patients going into isolation. 7 total. It was a busy day at the clinic because they had 5 extractions and 7 transplants. Always kind and gracious.

Eric (France) Angelica (Livermore, CA)
Rebecca (Australia)

Sanna (Sweden) Samira (Iran) I am not spelling their names right
Timo (Finland)
Sahiba (Australia, Sydney)
An interesting side note...the young girl in the floral print top is the assistant here (Anastasia) She came to the clinic in a wheelchair with MS. She now works here full time running around all day!
Breakfast in Bed

Lunch half eaten (by me)

Dinner





Comments

  1. TerryApril 3, 2019 at 12:03 PM

    Dinner looks like you have saved breakfast.😂 I love how positive you are, when we meet up you can let me know your favourite Russian dish.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Granny carenApril 3, 2019 at 7:59 PM

    You look like Carson..you must b getting younger..thats a good sign lol..

    ReplyDelete
  3. sallyApril 3, 2019 at 10:57 PM

    I finally figured out how to sign in so I can comment!
    Love your smiles and positive thoughts.
    Hate your food. 😉
    Love seeing your international friends and that you have a new ‘family ‘ to go through this with you.
    Love that you are describing everything and walking us all through your experience.
    Love that I have found a new calm about what you are going through because of your blogging...it helps.
    Love seeing ‘Anastasia’s example of the procedure working.
    Love you and Lynnette and hoping and praying that this procedure gives you major relief with your MS.

    ReplyDelete

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