Phase III At the University of Washington Medical Center

 November 14, 2018

     I checked into the UWMC early this morning. My friend, Christy, came with me and we had quite the laugh at Admissions. There was a sheet to list your belongings or check the boxes with what you are bringing (phone, wallet,etc) . . . Christy says, "Oh, no, did you forgot your hairdryer!"  Ha! Ha! Hair is long gone. The poor guy behind the desk didn't know what to do with us.

    I have a very nice room on the 8th floor with pretty views of South Lake Union where it channels into Lake Washington.  The nurse said that I may see the UW crew team row through there in the early mornings. When I go out my door, the nurses sit right there and their window is of Husky Stadium and Lake Washington.

    So, in Transplant terms, today is Day -7. The counting is all based on Day 0, which will be Transplant Day (aka Stem Cell Birthday). They started me with lots of fluids and premeds and I am just now getting the first regime of chemo dripped in. I will have chemo from Day -7 to Day-2. Rest on Day-1 and Transplant on Day 0.

    The doctor said that the chemo often has more of a build-up effect and a lot of people feel okay for the first couple of days, and then it hits hard. But, as I am typing, the nurse just put a couple of green bags next to me "just in case"! 

    Oh well, for me I'm just happy to get things started. The sooner I start, the sooner it'll be over and I can work on recovery and a new immune system! This whole process has been absolutely amazing. I have never been a science person, but am I ever thankful that there are people in this field.

Thank you again for all the thoughts and prayers!