Once again Craig and I have been busy going to the clinic for stem cell collection. We arrive about 7 am and it takes 5 hours. Craig has to stay in a bed for the entire time, but can watch TV or movies, eat snacks or sleep.
I spend some time with him. If I am tired, I can go down to the Patient Quiet Room where there recliners and blankets and sleep. That's for the entire clinic use. Sometimes it is full and sometimes I'm the only one there.
Craig's stem cells numbers feel dramatically yesterday. Last night he went in for a shot of a second growth factor drug. Today his numbers were back where we wanted them. He went in for a second shot tonight and we hope tomorrow will be the last stem cell colection needed. He needs the number "8" for a stem cell count and he is at 6.28. He can go in for another shot on Friday night and collection again on Saturday if needed. The collection process and shots are tiring for him, so we hope for a high number tomorrow.
He'll have a few days of rest before he can get on the chemotherapy schedule. That's a 2 days process and the 3rd day he'll receive his own stem cells back. Engraftment or growing new cells can take from 7 to 21 days. Craig will need to wear a mask when he is out of our room. If all goes well, this can be done as an outpatient.That's all the news from Rochester. At this time of night the internet is really slow and this typing takes twice as long as it should. Craig and Gail
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