Stem Cell Collection Attempt #2

Yesterday I was a human pin cushion. In addition to my 2 daily Neupogen shots to the back of my arm I had to receive a new Lupron shot to the side of my butt cheek and a Mozabil shot to the arm to boost stem cell production in my bone marrow.

I had mild nausea from the Mozabil and had a hard time sleeping because I kept waking up. I felt restless all night. Luckily this morning when I came in to collect my stem cells they placed me on a bed this time instead of a couch! WIN. Unfortunately during the 3 hour process I only slept one hour because I was still restless playing on my tablet. It was an unusually warm day so my husband and I went out to eat a sandwich for lunch and relaxed in a nearby park before my next appointment. Around 1:30 I went in for an EKG and PFT (Pulmonary Function Test) where I met the best technician I've thus far worked with. He was really laid back and relaxed unlike others I've had. I hope I have him next time too. I also met a sweet & kind 86 year old woman who sat next to me in the waiting area to share her cancer story and spread her blessings. I'm not gonna lie, her words touched me so much she made me tear up.

I later went in to wait for another Mozabil shot for tomorrows stem cell collection. As we were waiting a nurse called me to let me know the good news. Today I collected over FIVE MILLION stem cells! I don't have to come back tomorrow because they have all the cells they need. I also didn't have to take the Mozabil shot or anymore neupagen shots! ^_^ The nurse told me... I will very likely be admitted for the STC next week... oh boy...

*I started a simple squat plan that I will continue throughout the holidays.

Weekend Update

These are all the medicines they sent
home with me from the hospital.
Two are anti-nausea meds, but
luckily I haven't had a
need for them yet :)

On Saturday: Friends visited as I relaxed in bed feeling a tad bit nauseous & tired. I went to church & ran some errands with the family. My mother visited in the evening, and as soon as she left I hit the bed like a bag of bricks. I did very light arm exercises, but I'll admit it wasn't much of a challenge.

On Sunday: The weather was a bit warmer so I decided to enjoy the fresh air. I double checked my heart rate before embarking on my journey to my parents house. I made sure to take an easy pace and keep hydrated with a bottle of Gatorade. I honestly admit I had second thoughts about doing the walk, but I was comfortable knowing my heart rate was not excessively high. I wouldn't have walked 3 miles otherwise. In the end I was proud I made it. I don't know where my energy comes from.

I must say, it must seem like I am taking to this ICE chemotherapy well, but after a long day I am ready to pass out. I know my body very well, and what it is capable of. I know I seem strong, & sometimes I give that vibe off too easily. I would never advise anyone in a similar situation to follow in my steps. Everyone's gotta do what "THEY THEMSELVES" can do. I tend to push myself, and I admit I over exert myself at times. Today I pushed myself just a bit more than probably advisable. I'm okay though, but BOY am I tired. I can't wait to finish writing this blog just so I can go to sleep! But my point is, as strong/capable/independent as I seem, sometimes I really just want a warm hug with someone telling me everything is going to be alright. I'm vulnerable. I'm strong, but I'm still vulnerable. I know I say "I got this", but sometimes I'm not so sure. Can you make me feel safe? Can you convince me? In the end the unknown still scares me.

Water Retention

Sunrise this morning.

I feel like crud. I think the fatigue is starting to sneak its way in & that doesn't help me this morning. My body feels sore and swollen all over. I know its because of all the saline/liquids they've been putting in me. I weighed in at 126lbs this morning, like I said its mostly water. I'll be down to 120 maybe on Monday. I'm sluggish, my head doesn't feel like its all here today. I really just want to sleep the day away. So I guess it begins... I will try to do some walking, but I am definitely staying away from resistance exercises today. My skin is too tender to the touch because of all the water in my body. I'm being discharged in a few minutes. I can't wait to lay in my familiar bed and REALLY relax.

Update: So when I got home I took a few naps with my dog Korra. She was a good dog today, giving me love and licking me a bit too much lol. Right now I am helping my husband put away the laundry & I managed to walk... about a mile. Maybe it was a little less,  but I think I deserve a cheat day :P

Checking In To The Kettering Hotel

My impression of my dog  Korra
if she found out she had to
stay in the hospital. 

A disappointing morning but my doctor wanted a "perfect" scan, so I was prepared for this. Its still a let down though. I weighed in JUST under 120lbs today, which is great news seeing as how this new chemo called ICE will likely induce nausea and vomitting (lets hope not). I'm not one who throws up easily, so I'm going to make sure my food stays down even when the going gets tough hehe.

I will be here for two nights and likely be able to leave Wednesday ::crossing fingers:: I must say its kinda weird to check-in for a room at a hospital feeling completely fine. I've never done that before. Each time I've stayed in a hospital it was because I was sick. Picture me, just sitting on my hospital bed right now just chillin. Thats what I'm doing, just here sitting, not even hooked up to anything yet.

***Update: They finally gave me my first infusion of this ICE chemo and it is 10:30pm. I checked in at 2pm, thats crazy! Also I managed to get a tiny workout in: 20 Squats, 30 leg circles each leg, 40 alternating lunges, 20+ wall pushups, 2min 15sec wall sit, and 20 alternating standing glute kickbacks. I might have done a few other short exercises but I can't remember exactly.