With extreme trepidation I received another PET/CT scan on Monday. I do not think I have ever been so nervous in my life. After chemo failing half way through the summer I was very concerned that the same may have happened with my clinical trial drug. Very fortunately I got the wonderful news that I am still in remission. My scan was clear again. Phew!
That news means things will start happening fast. We want to strike while everything is clear and not delay and allow the cancer to come back. So today and tomorrow my amazing younger brother has been hooked up to a machine for me. He has patiently sat all day to donate stem cells for me. We are about to become even more bonded. Tomorrow I hope to be discharged from my clinical trial. Then the long hoped for stem cell transplant will commence.
I will be going into the hospital for at least a month on Dec. 18th. The first 8 days will be mega chemo to wipe out my white blood cells. This will be tough, I have been told I will loose my hair again and probably experience every possible chemo side effect. I feel ready for this. Bring it on! Then I will get a day off and on the 10th day, or in transplant speak, my day 0, I will get a simple IV for about a half an hour to bring me my new immune system. I will remain in the hospital and receive various treatments to keep me healthy and assist me in developing new blood cells. When I reach a safe level I will be allowed to go home. I will have a few months of recovery and restrictions for a few years. I hope to be home near the end of January.
Going to be the best New Years ever!
Exercises in Equanimity 