Mom's stem cell transplant went perfectly today. Mom was quite anxious at first because they told her all the list of side effects that could happen. Of course, they didn't, but Mom was understandably worried.
The stem cells came to the room in a large container filled with freezing vapor. They thawed the stem cells, then her nurse, using all the strength she had, pushed the thick stem cells through the IV tube. As they entered Mom's blood stream, the perservative keeping the stem cells fresh, went to her lungs. She had to breath deeply and cough to keep her lungs clear. One interesting side effect from this preservative is a strange taste in Mom's mouth and eventually a smell that fills the room. For some this smells/tastes like Garlic. For some it is creamed corn. One patient described it as an old army boot and another set is tasted like an acetalyne torch. Mom thought it tasted like tomatoes.. probably because she's never munched on an army boot or a torch. Soon the room smelled like tomatoe juice which is not a scent I find particularly pleasurable. There were "Wow, I could have had a V8" jokes flying, but I think after today, it will be a while before Mom actually drinks another V8.
Her stem cells came in 3 bags which took less than a minute each to push through. Besides the tomato taste and an itchy throat, mom had no unpleasant side effects. In fact, she is feeling no effects from her chemo yesterday.
Janice, the transpant coordinator, told us that now Mom has another birthday. And you can be sure we will celebrate every year!
1 comment:
It's so wonderful to hear the great news. It's sure been a long haul since last July. What a bounty to get to this day!
Love to all of you!
Brenda
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