The Plan....... as we know it today

Sorry so long since last posting.  I didn't really have anything new to report beyond generally being pissed off.  A friend of mine said something cool last night.  He said, you pissed off at this thing?  Then snap its fucking neck.  That is exactly what I am going to do this time around. 

I had my initial appointment at Emory with my transplant guy on Wed.  Pretty cool guy.  My original oncologist and friend actually trained under this guy when he was doing his residency.  Small world.  We were going through the whole medical history and lifestyle stuff at the beginning of the appointment.  They always ask how much you drink, smoke, etc.  I advised I drink the normal 2-3 drinks a couple of times a week wiht the occasional party thrown in there.  The doctors funny statement for the day was: "Well, if you don't drink more than your doctor, then you cannot be classified as an alcoholic- scientific fact"  That put me at ease right away knowing that he has a good sense of humor and is a normal guy. 

Melissa and I learned a great deal of info about our choices and the upcoming steps.  I won't bore everyone with all the details from our hour plus meeting, but will break it down into very simple steps just so everyone will kind of know what is on the horizon for us. 

Step 1) Chemo.  I will be given a different, much more intensive type of chemo.  This will be an every other week treatment for 6 weeks.  So, 3 treatments.  For each of the treatments, I will have to check into the hospital for 2-3 days to receive the chemo.  The reason for this is because the chemo infusion is continuous for like, 24 or 48 hours.  Last time, it was just 4 hours.  I believe I'll just have a pump attached to me, and will be hanging out at Emory.  Maybe like a little vacation? Probably not.   This sucks, but is much better than my original understanding.  I initially thought this chemo treatment being called "in patient chemo" meant that I was going to be in the hospital for the entire 6 weeks.  That wouldn't have gone over too well with me.

Step 2) Harvesting of stem cells- sometime after the 3rd chemo treatment, in the 6th week, they will harvest my stem cells and freeze them.  Obviously, I'll give y'all a blow by blow account when that comes. 

Step 3) Transplant:  I'll be checked into the hospital, will receive a 4th and final "knock out punch" dose of chemo.  A few days after this is given, my fresh, healthy stem cells will be infused back in.  At that point, my immune system will "re-boot" itself.  I'm told the hospital stay following a transplant is expected at 21-30 days. 

Step 4) Recovery.  For a time after being released from the hospital, I'll have some recovery time at home.  I don't really know what to expect here.

As far as the rest of everything goes, Melissa and I are doing well.  Other than just scrambling to tie up a bunch of loose ends and going to doctor appointments, there really has not been a major disruption in our lives as of yet.  We know its coming, and we are mentally prepared for it.   

I guess that's it for now. 

Comments

[Pam]

Jeff, Since I work at Emory, I can come over and tap dance for you during your 2 - 3 day lock-ins. Or, I will do hand stand push-ups (whichever you prefer). It was GREAT seeing you and Melissa during the ING. I rocked the half in 1 hour 43 minutes and some change. Thanks, X Fit! Keep us posted, Jeff.

Pam
PS What is your doctor's name?

[LaurenW]

Hey Jeff, just checking in before departing tomorrow for Spring Break in Oaxaca City, Mexico. Ask your doc if you can drink Oaxacan mezcal while recovering from those first bouts of chemo. If not, I'm going to make sure Melissa drinks all your shots--which should make life interesting for a day or two.

Seriously, keep up that great attitude and know we'll be thinking of you 7,000 feet above sea level! Big hugs to you and Melissa both.

[Melissa]

Hey Pam, it is Christopher Flowers, MD