July 2011 - Stem Cell Collection - Day 1

I am currently sitting in a bed at the hospital today having my stem cells collected. The process is painless and uses my new central line that was placed last Thursday. The collection process collects the stem cells and also depletes the body of calcium, so I have been taking a full dose of Tums since Sunday. The technicians also suggested a shake with lunch, which I think I will have to try.

We arrived at the hospital at 8:00 am this morning amongst the rush hour traffic and the actual collection process started about 8:45 am. The collection process will continue for six hours. Once the collection is done we head the the infusion department to see how many stem cells were collected, the goal is to have 6-8 million. Stem cells are CD34 cells, who knew ones body had so many cells, and each cell had an identification. We will come back to the hospital everyday this week until the goal is met. If the goal is not met today, then it will be another mobilization shot tonight and another Neupogen shot in the morning.

Today will be a long day we left at 6:30 and probably won't return until 7:30 tonight. Bless Mom and Dad for helping get the girls to their practices and for dinner last night and tonight, this is a huge help. Just knowing the girls aren't sitting home alone gives us peace during the day. Thank you for everyone else who has offered to help, don't worry we will be using your resources soon.

Below is a picture of me and the machine that collects the stem cells.