I have excellent health insurance (Anthem) and I’ve been very thankful for that in the last 15 months since I was diagnosed with high risk multiple myeloma.
Nurses
2nd ASCT – Day 26 – June 13 2012
Some of my UCH BIC RN’s. Left to Right, RN Sarah, me, RN Erin, and RN Kristin – all HIGHLY SKILLED nurses!
2nd ASCT – Day 26 – PICC Line Removal June 13 2012
They removed my PICC Line this morning. The cardiologist felt like the PICC Line posed a greater risk to me than the risk of removing it and potentially releasing the small right atrial blood clot in my heart. RN Kristin preparing to pull my PICC line on June 13 2012.
Double Lumen PICC Line after removal.
Small blood clot at the distal tip of the PICC Line after removal.
Double Lumen PICC Line distal tip after removal on June 13 2012.
Still need daily Kytril for nausea and gut ache.
2nd ASCT – Day 12 – Discharge from UCH to Marriott Residence Inn May 30 2012
My cousin, Diane Dynia Miller came by to help Jani with the discharge stuff. We had lots of stuff after 20 days in the hospital. I had a terrible headache, but I smiled for the photos despite feeling like crap.
Jani packed up my 1126 UCH Room and were discharged by RN Jen at 3 PM – right on schedule. I did not wheel that cart.
We drove to the Marriott Residence Inn and checked in, Diane and Jani brought all our stuff in and I went to bed with an ice bag on my aching head. Diane stayed with me in the room while Jani went to the grocery store.
UCH Hospital in relationship to Marriott Residence Inn
2nd ASCT – Day 11 – No Question About It – I Have Engrafted! May 29 2012
Today is Day 11 after transplant and Day 19 of this hospitalization.
2nd ASCT – WE HAVE LIFT OFF – Day 8 – May 26 2012
RN Jamie struggles with my incredibly slow patient care computer…she demonstrates WAY MORE PATIENCE than I would…I’d have the tech guy here choking him a tad!
RN Jamie drew my 4 PM labs May 26 2012 and when they came back, were we all surprised! It appears my baby stem cells have LIFT OFF at 0.3 on Day 8. Here is a chart comparing my 1st ASCT (autologous stem cell transplant) and my 2nd ASCT. With my 1st transplant, I had LIFT OFF on Day 11.
2nd ASCT – Day 6 – Lab Values May 24 2012
My labs are low to non-existent as expected. My white blood cell count is 0.3 which is probably because they gave a Neupogen shot and Claritin (to help with bone pain associated with neupogen)
2nd ASCT – Day 5 – May 23 2012
My change of shift RN’s Shanel and Robin.
2nd ASCT – Day +4 Platelet Transfusion May 22 2012
RN Shanel hanging my platelet transfusion. Danny, note, I’m eating apple~
History of All Platelet Transfusions Since Diagnosis May 24 2011 (will be checking dates and adding in future)
Platelet Transfusion March 24 2012Platelet Transfusion March 27 2012Platelet Transfusion March 29 2012Platelet Transfusion March 31 2012Platelet Transfusion May 20 2102Platelet Transfusion May 22 2012History of All Blood Transfusions Since Diagnosis May 24 20111. May 16 20122. April 2 20123. Sept 22 20114. Sept 7 2011
2nd ASCT – Day 0 – May 18 2012
My 2nd autologous stem cell transplant went well today. Here is my transplant team after my stem cells ran in. Me, Han Myint MD, RN Sarah, RN Emily, Stem Cell Technician Cassie. Lots more photos to follow tomorrow showing all the steps!
Advanced Care Partner Emily.
Kemmer waiting in Greeley for me. Thanks Lisa Mathews for the photo.
