First week summary, part 2

We just got out Craig's schedule from last week and I forgot the blood and urine tests, electrocardiogram, pulmonary function test, and echocardiogram. We spent 8-10 hours at the clinic every day.

Last Thursday to Sunday Craig had injections to force the stem cells to multiple, mature and go into the blood stream. Today, 3.23.09, stem cell collection began at 7 am. Craig was hooked up to a machine that reminds me of a kidney dialysis for 5 hours. People who don't have a central line have an IV in each arm and need to keep their arms still for the entire time. Craig can watch TV, read, sleep, listen to music, and have snacks. He also had more shots to force the cells to grow.

The cells, that look alot like blood, have a preservative added and then are frozen. The cells are usable for up to 10 years. The preservative causes some unpleasant side effects when the transplant begins.

This afternoon the bone marrow nurse coordinator called and said 25% of the needed cells were collected. We hope there will be enough cells collected by Friday for 2 transplants. Half the cells will be as soon as possible and the remainder will stay frozen in case Craig needs a second transplant. Neither one of us wants to repeat last week.

After collection, Craig will have 2 days of intensive chemotherapy to kill off all the bone marrow. This produces the usual unpleasant side effects. I need to take pictures of Craig before his hair falls out.

We don't know when the transplant will start. Only 6 patients can be transplanted in one day, there may be a wait. Staff here only give out scheduling information as needed.

Last Saturday and Sunday we only went to the clinic once a day for injections. We enjoyed the break from the long days, but had to go in early. End of first week.