Countdown To Transplant - Day 1

Today was a good day. I felt some fatigue in my legs in the middle of the night, but with a little medicine they felt better in the morning. I think it might have been from all the walking. The final dose of the Thymoglobulin went in this morning. The premedications for the Thymoglobulin had me knocked out throughout the day, but I woke up in the afternoon feeling fine. I am in tip top shape and ready for the transplant tomorrow.

Countdown To Transplant - Day 2

I woke up this morning with great confidence. I walked 1.3 miles before breakfast and another mile right after. I am still taking the Thymoglobulin, and his afternoon I received Tacrolimus for the first time. I will receive this medicine through my IV catheter from now until the time I leave the hospital. My temperature was up to 100.8 this afternoon and my throat began to feel scratchy. The nurse said that the fever was probably from the Thymoglobulin, and that it would drop slowly throughout the evening. I think with a little sleep and the mouth treatments they have provided me, my throat will clear up also. The transplant is near and I want to be top notch. I would like to thank my parents once again for all of their support. They have been aquiring my meals and spending time with me in my room. The isolation doesn't help the situation either. All of my visitors have to wear gowns, gloves, and a mask.

Countdown to Transplant - Day 3

Today didn't go so well. In between the last chemotherapy treatment and the new antirejection medicine, I became nauseous. The medicine is called Thymoglobulin and it will help my body take in the new bone marrow. After becoming nauseous I was treated with Phenargan and Benedryl. This caused me to sleep all day and become very sluggish. But by the end of the day, I was able to eat again and started off with a good slice of pizza. Later that evening I was able to eat some enchiladas and walk about a half mile. I think that by tommorrow I should be back to normal.

Countdown To Transplant - Day 4

Another wonderful day has passed. I walked 2 miles today and the IV blood draws ended today. Tommorow will be the last day of chemotherapy. The next step along my journey will be my treatments designated to make the new bone marrow accept the old bone marrow more willingly. This will help the transplant run a lot smoother. The only upsetting thought was someone mentioning labor day weekend and barbeque. But then I realized, hey, I'm in Texas! I'll let ya know after a hearty barbeque sandwich how everything is going tommorow, ya'll come back now, ya hear!!!

Countdown To Transplant - Day 5

I'm still doing good. My parents arrived this afternoon to show their support. Once again I was able to walk 2.4 miles and my appetite was normal.