Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Collection

Since Friday, I've been taking neupogen to  mobilize my stem cells for the transplant. This week, I'm in Richmond at the Apheresis unit for the 'Collection' phase. I'm hooked up to the apheresis machine for 5  and a half hours each day to centrifuge the stem cells out of my blood. The goal is 5 million cells. I'll find out this morning how yesterday's collection went.
Fortunately I have wireless access and Netflix and books to keep me occupied. It is draining, but not difficult - all I have to do is sit and wait. 

We're staying in a Mariott suites off of broad street - one with an indoor pool. I'm pretty excited about that, because although I can't go swimming (due to the tubes), the girls are totally amped to get in the pool. As a kid I always loved hotels with indoor pools.

12:45 - Late breaking news: the cell count from yesterday came in and it looks like we've already collected 3.5 million cells, which the nurses tell me is exceptional. I'm also to meet with the radiation people today, after I'm done with the collection. More on this later.
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1 comment:

  1. AnonymousFebruary 10, 2009 at 4:29 PM

    Hi Patrick, Well after ages I have just figured out how to reply to you. Bill and I are big dinasaurs and I am the biggest. So, several things. First, I am really impressed that you can spell all the procedures that you get and maladies that you incur and all of it. This big zap that you are gearing up for sounds very impressive. I feel certain that it will do the job. Have you asked who counts the cells.
    I adore Jane and your girls. We call them the ladies. They fit in so well at the farm.
    Thank you for sharing them with us. We want them back sometime soon for some good R and R.
    Love and strength to you, Sue

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