So, my appointment last week confirmed what I had expected. I am now off the velcade and awaiting transplant!!
The day started with a meeting with Faith who said that the PN was now significant enough that she felt it was better for me to come off it and move on to transplant. Nick and I were happy to agree as it has been so long coming – here’s hoping we don’t regret it! She talked us through a bit of the process and a few of our concerns, and more crucially (?!) she agreed to us going on holiday to Devon beforehand. I didn’t think that we would even have to check, but they have been quite concerned in case I become ill….apparently my immune system will be pretty low after the chemo.
Bone Marrow Equipment On from there to the Bone Marrow Biopsy. Yuck! However, the diazipam really did help….that and having a very good nurse who a) put me at ease, and b) was much more gentle. For the first time ever, I didn’t squeeze Nick’s hand until it was blue, so I think he was very grateful too! Don’t get me wrong – I would hate you to think I wasn’t a hero – it still hurt!!! I’ve attached a picture of the corkscrew that they use to perform the procedure…..barbaric is the only word I can think to use about it, but there is no other way. And because you can’t numb the bone, all they can do is anaesthetise the skin around it….you just have to grin and bear the grating as they go into the bone and collect that bone marrow. Hopefully now I have the secret to a less painful process and I’ll just have to test it when I have my next one 28 days after transplant.
We also asked to take a look round the ward I’d be on..it seems there are 2. One where you share a room with up to 3 other people, and one where you have your own room. Now the single room sounds remarkably appealing….ensuite, tv, computer with internet, what more could you want. Versus shared room: internet (not yet working), shared bathroom in the corridor, and having to share with 3 other