Tag: Cancer

Day 0: Transplant Completed

HSCT - Second bag of cells

Today, Day 0 of my stem cell transplant schedule, saw the return of my cells back to my bloodstream. They had been kept frozen since being harvested just a couple weeks ago. The process of warming the cells and returning them only took a bit longer than thirty minutes. There were two bags containing the …

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Today is my ‘Rest Day’

My Hospital Room

The time spent in the hospital for my stem cell transplant is measured on an interesting scale. The date on which my previously harvested stem cells will be returned to me is called Day 0. Days before then are measured as negative days, and after then as positive days. Depending on the chemotherapy protocol required, …

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My Next Step Ahead: BEAM Chemotherapy

In just two short days, I’ll be sitting in a hospital in Saint Louis, Missouri, getting my first dose of the chemotherapy which precedes my stem cell transplant. I intend to keep everyone up to date here and elsewhere. I know I’m not going through this alone. What is BEAM? As with many other chemotherapy …

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Bone Marrow Biopsy Number Two

Bone marrow biopsy photo 04

I had my first bone marrow biopsy over a year ago, just after being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. In preparation for my upcoming stem cell transplant, another biopsy was called for. This time I managed to get some photographs of the procedure, thanks to the assistance of my wife, Tammy. The biopsy procedure took place …

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What Does Not Kill Me Makes Me Stronger

Micrograph of Hodgkin lymphoma

You’ve probably heard that quote before. That’s a common English translation of a line from the “Maxims and Arrows” section of Friedrich Nietzsche’s Twilight of the Idols, or, How to Philosophize with a Hammer. The original, in German, is this: Was mich nicht umbringt, macht mich stärker. Götzen-Dämmerung, oder, Wie man mit dem Hammer philosophiert …

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Granulocyte Colony-Stimulation Activated!

People following me on Twitter often see me comment about my daily trips to the cancer center or hospital during the ten days following my rounds of chemotherapy treatment. I may tweet that I’m going to go get my granulocyte colonies stimulated, or I’m getting my GCS-F, or heading off to get my Neupogen. These …

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First in the Infusion Center for Day 3 of Round 2

I’m at the Infusion area of Carle Cancer Center for the third day of my second round of ICE chemotherapy. The IV drip of saline has started, and I’m ready for 5 or 6 hours of getting rid of the cancer cells. It’s nice to be first in line, but even better to see that …

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ICE Chemotherapy, Round 2

Micrograph of Hodgkin lymphoma

Tomorrow morning I start the first day of my second round of ICE chemotherapy. I’ll have a blood test first, to determine what my dosage of Ifosfamide will be. That sort of thing is tailored for each round that I get. During the past week, my hair stopped growing, and my goatee began to fall …

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Day 2 of Round 1

I’m sitting here getting chemotherapy for the second of three days in a row. I feel fine, and it all seems to be going smoothly. I’ll have two more 3-day sessions like this, at three week intervals. After that, it’s on to the stem cell transplant!

The Cancer Continues: Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Take 2

In which I describe what’s going on with my cancer, and what will be happening over the next several months. My cancer continues. It has been a while since I wrote about the status of my health. [See Nothing’s Gonna Change My World and Cancer and Stages] I want to take this opportunity to fill …

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