Well, it's Thursday finally. By around thursday evening I am at least able to get up off the couch and move around some. This time, I have more clarity and energy in my mind and spirit than my body is willing to allow right now. Which is good in my book. I'd always rather be willing to do more than what my body will allow at certain times. It will get me better faster. I guarantee it.
We were given our official schecule for the transplation process on Tuesday. I'll either type it all up, or scan a copy of it into the blog when I get a chance. The bad news is that the transplant won't occur until 8/1. The good news is that I will have a nice little time of rest without chemo. My initial reasoning had them hitting me with the high dose chemo for the transplant about 2 weeks after my last ICE chemo and then I was off to the races. I've been told to hold my horses. There are several stages to lead up to the transplant. First, I have to be restaged- which will include another CT/PET Scan, Bone Marrow Biopsy (Oh Fuck), and possibly a Lumbar Puncture-(bigger Oh Fuck). The doc may waive off the latter since I have no history of cancer in my marrow previously. The bone marrow biopsy is standard procedure for staging prior to a transplant and I am stuck with it. For those of you who don't know about my last experience w the biopsy, lets just say it was less than pleasureable and has left a mark in my psyche for years to come.
After restaging, there will be a test run of a one of the chemos called Bisulfan. This is in pill form. This will happen around 23-24 of July. Once they get the dosage right on that, then the high dose chemo is to begin. I'll be doing both pills and IV for up to 5 days I think. The day after my last bit of high dose, comes my new birth day- 8/1/08. That will be the day that they infuse my frozen, clean stem cells back into my body. I didn't realize it, but that is the actual term used for transplant day- Birth Day. I understand the nurses will all come in and sing to me. Will be the highlight of my day I'm sure.
I promise to keep you guys updated on my thoughts and any goings on between now and restaging. We are hoping it will ne nice and un-eventful before then. Just some good time recovering from all this poison that has been forced upon me. For those of us who really can't do much- go do something fun or challenging this weekend. Let me know about it.
Jeff--Went to Central w/you, not sure you remember me. Mostly remember the great parties! :-) I have been following your blog for sometime now, not sure who from Central told me about it. The company that I work for is a huge supporter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma society, we do a fundraiser every year , then we do the walk in October. I would like to do mine this year in honor of you. Hope that will work for you. Keep staying strong.
Posted by: Paige Philyaw-Limbo | June 13, 2008 at 07:31 AM
Hey Paige- yeah, I remember you. How are you? That is a trip hearing your name. Every now and again a good surprise name jumps out on this board. Cool. Glad to hear you are a supporter of the walk in October. It would be a real priviledge for you to walk in my honor. Why don't you just come walk with us? Our company that we run BTB CrossFit does a big fundraiser every October. Last year we raised over $25K for the LLS at the walk. They gave us a tent and everything. It was cool for lil ole us. Anyway, we'll be doing the same fundraiser this October if you are interested. Boot Camp for a Cure. Last year the walk was to celebrate my win against this shit, and it will be the same celebration again this year. I should be finished up w my transplant by the end of September and ready to roll for the walk. If I have it my way, I'll be running it! Hope to see you around. Thanks for posting.
Posted by: jeff | June 13, 2008 at 10:43 AM
I am doing well, living in Buford. Married for 6 years now, to a Brookwood Bronco. :-) That is so great that you guys were able to raise so much money!! Are you going to do the walk on 10/11? Maybe we will meet up with you guys. I work for Northwest Exterminating and the GA. Pest Control Association has been really involved the last couple of years. Don't forget you must plan on coming to the reunion on 10/04, it is going to be a blast!! Are you still living in this area?
Posted by: Paige Philyaw-Limbo | June 13, 2008 at 11:24 AM
Hi Jeff! Thanks for continuing to keep us all posted on your progress. You and Melissa are both amazing in the way you are facing this battle. So in response to your "go do something fun and challenging this weekend," I thought I'd share. Matt and I just got back from visiting my sister in Australia. Her Aussie boyfriend is a paddle surfer, and he took us. Have you ever heard of it? Basically you're standing up on a wide/long surfboard and paddling. It's so much fun! Awesome workout too- paddling works your arms, and just staying balanced works legs and core. As newbies we stayed on flat waters, but once you get good you can ride waves. Here is the site:
http://standuppaddlesurf.com.au/index.php
Posted by: Cria | June 17, 2008 at 04:52 PM
It's great to hear that you've finally got a set date. Hopefully, this will give you a goal to set your mind on and make the process more tolerable. Stay strong man!
On a side note: I hope you're getting to watch our Dawgs kick ass at the College World Series.
Posted by: Joshua | June 18, 2008 at 09:54 AM