Transplant and More!

Last month, I shared a blog about how I was going in for a stem cell transplant. It can be read here. I shared the prep of chemo and radiation and a little bit about life in between chemo and transplant. After receiving the transplant, I can now say my life feels completely changed.

For one, the transplant was physically the most challenging thing I've been through. The cells went in on a Friday afternoon around 3pm, and took about three hours. It didn't feel like anything going in, but once it finished I went to use the bathroom and suddenly felt way different. I was given some medication that helped me calm down and feel a little more normal, and I slept through the night.

The next morning, I woke up to my first set of fevers which were severe, but expected. I had fevers that reached as high as 103.9 and included total body uncontrollable shaking, sweating and general discomfort. This lasted for three days and I was treated with Tylenol (which barely worked) and sometimes some Demerol to stop the shaking. I was miserable and just wanted it to stop.

After the three days, I was able to get more chemo to help relieve the fevers. The fevers happen because in the half match, the cells in my body try to fight the new cells. Once I got the chemo, the fevers slowed down, because it destroys the cells who are not cooperating. Once the fevers stopped I was a little more comfortable. The chemo I got made me lose my hair completely. The last few rounds of chemo I received left me with some stubble, but not I look like Mr. Clean (remember him?)

After the fevers, I started to get weird rashes on my feet that hurt pretty badly. I also started to get mouth sores that made it difficult to eat and even open my mouth. I was given a PCA which is a special box of pain medicine that goes on the IV pole. I had a little button that I could press when I felt pain and it would give me relief.

While all this was going on, we were very lucky to have family to help take care of Emma. Emma spent a two week vacation with my parents, then got to spend another two week vacation with her granny and grandad from Ireland. We're so lucky to have a close family who all comes together in times of need to help us out.

As of now I'm still in the hospital and am hoping to get out soon. I'm on crazy medications with side effects that make my whole body shake. Its quite annoying and I can expect to be on them for about 6 months. I really want to see Emma everyday, and am looking forward to that. Overall, it seems like things were successful and I'm glad of that.

Once again, thank you for all the love and support.

Kristin