Step One

Monday, October 15th

Happy Monday!

It's a gorgeous day here in Denver.  The sun is shining brightly, the temp is around 80 degrees and the various colors of the trees are just brilliant.  I wish I was able to take a brisk walk and just breathe it all in.

This morning I had to have blood drawn for the research.

Then a skin biopsy.  Wasn't sure what to expect with the skin biopsy, but it was relatively painless.  What surprised me about it was how small the samples of skin was that they took.  They stuck my wrist area with a needle like device that at the end has a tube like shape.  It was a bit smaller then the tip of a q-tip and they pull out a plug of skin.  It's really a very tiny amount of skin tissue.

After that I had to do a walk test.  I had to walk for 6 minutes and the nurse followed behind me with a device that she rolled on the floor to measure the distance I walked in 6 minutes.  I managed to walk the whole six minutes without stopping or sitting.  Can't say it was very graceful.

Next was over to the hospital which is just next door and up to the 3rd floor for my 1st Neupogen injection which will stimulate the production of stem cells. The nurse told me that side effect from the shot it usually flu like system - low fever, aching in the bones and fatigue.  But it varies with everybody.   Time will tell how my body handles it.

I thought I was also going to have the CVC placed in my chest today, but thats not till Wednesday.  So that was it for this today.  Not too bad.  :)

Tomorrow I will need to be back at the hospital at 11:00 for another Neupogen injection then Matt has to attend a Caregiver Class at 3:45 p.m.  I'm also planning on attending... need to make sure he doesn't miss anything.  Heh! Heh!

I'm attaching a couple of pictures to share with you.  I have mentioned Callee in my previous blogs.  She is the Transplant Coordinator for Dr. Nash and she is just wonderful.  Callee is our go to person when we have any issues and coordinates all the test and appointments.
The next picture is of Dr. Nash.  He is the Oncologist and one of the principle physicians directing the medical trial I am part of.  He has a very calming and reassuring demeanor.  Matt and I both feel we are in the the best possible hands medically.


Hope all is well with you!  xo