Where's the corn?
Well my dear FODs, mom made it through the transplant about an hour ago. It was hardly the same as a blood transfusion! Mom was hooked up to the BP monitor, her IVs, and a defibrilator (all standard procedure). The doctor pushed NINE bags of thawed stem cells over about 40 minutes and mom was very uncomfortable. The ice cold substance floating through her body turned her nails purple and her skin was cold to the touch although mom's face was flushed and she was complaining of being too hot. She had a lot of chest pressure that extended to her back and they gave her oxygen. The team (one nurse, one NP, one dr, and Mr. Stem Cell) said the preservative used for the stem cells can cause such reactions. The team also assured us that mom would feel better within 30 minutes. They gave her a lot of Benadryl and hydrocortisone to stay ahead of the allergic reactions. Mom had managed to get one hive as soon as they started, but last check it had disappeared. I'd ask her how she's feeling now but she's taking a much needed nap. Nurse just popped in and everything looks OK - bp, heart rate are all good and oxygen is now off.
All seems well - we'll have to have her 'birthday' party another time. She didn't even get to put on her sponge bob party hat!
We're still waiting to smell the corn. They said it lasts a few days but mom won't be able to smell it herself.
More later...Love you all!
posted by Jessie @ 5:02 PM
18 Comments:
Hi, Jess! Thanks for keeping up updated with your mom's progress. I'm sure she's happy to have you there with her. How are Emma, Christian, and Walid? I miss you guys!
Anyway, your family is in my prayers! Hang in there!
Oh my poor Chizzie. I sure hope that with all that going on during the procedure, 'the team' gave you something to relax! So glad that you are resting now. I pray that you are comfortable.
Sending you serious, good vibes, and a traditional Buddhist healing chant to go along with them:
By the power of every moment of your goodness,
May all dangers be averted and all disease be gone.
May no obstacle come across your way.
May you enjoy fulfillment and long life.
Amen, Chizzie. Prayers up for your swift and sure healing. So thankful that it went well and hope it wasn't too awful scary. Also thinking of, and thankful for, our unknown marrow donor.
Will check in later.
Here's to sweet dreams and creamed corn! Love you - K
Debbie & Joe,
We were pleased to read that Jessie was able to make it up for the transplant, & that the procedure went well. Just relax & let Jessie be the "mother' for awhile. The description of the farm boy Doctor read well, & hopefully his guidance to the cells will be heeded. Perhaps Joe can explain what is supposed to smell as corn. It seemed like day one (1) of the transplant went as planned & let's hope that the rest of the days do as well. Love, Mom & Dad
Jessie,
Thank you for sharing with all FOD's your mom's transplant procedure. I had no idea what was involved....9 bags!!!
Debbie I prayed for you all day today and will continue to do so. Today is a New Day---the 1st day of the rest of your life.
Kris---ditto on your blog entry from moments ago. Would love to talk sometime.
God Bless you Deb, all Your Family, your BM Donor Person, all your Medical Staff and all FOD's.
Rest and a Speedy Recovery to you Debbie.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxooxooxoxo
love, tessa
WOW..I am so sorry you had to go through all that, but i am happy to hear that you are resting now!! I am away for the weekend but will keep up my prayers going that everything remains well. Just remember to relax relax relax... let them give you all the sleepy drugs you want!!! -- I will speak to you soon ..
Love Always ,
alli!
ps-- Jess- Perhaps i missed somthing.. I am having trouble getting the corn reference?
jess, i am so glad you can be with your mom. so much has happened for you guys and it has all been good, not easy, but good. love you all and thinking of deb constantly. please give joey a kiss for me, his blogs make me love him even more!
Thanks, Jess. I've been thinking about her all day. I don't understand the reference to corn either, Jess. You'll have to explain that to us all?
Love,
Cathy
Dear Fod's,
To clarify the confusion -- the reference to "corn" is the smell associated with the preservatives used in the stem cells. When we were on Ravdin, Debbie first noticed the smell while doing laps and did not know what the person in that room was eating! It will last a few days and then it will dissipate on its own.
Deb is experiencing some back pain but did eat a "mac and cheese" for dinner. Hopefully, she will be able to get some rest tonight.
Joe
Dear Jessie, thank you for letting us know that the procedure went Ok. I've been thinking about you guys all day. Please let me know if there is anything you need. Dear Deb, we all love you a lot, hang in there! HOpe to see you real soon. Love, Mary G.
Thanks Jessie for your update on the stem cell transplant ...although it went well it doesn't sound like a walk in the park...Debs glad you got to eat and are now resting,have been praying for you all day...been trying to imagine the whole process...knew you'd get through it..you ARE a Teklits after all damn it!!!:)love and hugs Bev
Dear Debbie & Jessie & Joe & the rest of the gang,
Thinking of you all today. Boy I can't believe that procedure. Incredible. Great job Debbie, you made it through, hopefully the worst is over. I know it can't have been easy for any of you. Praying hard and thinking of you all the time. Lots and lots of love, your visitor Alison.
Deb,
You are the bravest woman I know. So glad that it's over. Sounded a little scary...
Sleep well. You've got to be exhausted after all that.
Love, prayers and XOXO,
Kim
ps You'll smell like corn...who knew??
Debbie-
I hope by now you are tucked in tight and having wonderful dreams of strong new stem cells building a wonderful new home inside your marrow. I'm so glad Jess was able to be there with you today. She's such a great mom! I haven't been blogging much, but you and the rest of the family are always in my prayers! Drew and I are leaving Sunday to go to Myrtle Beach for a week... I've talked him into going parasailing with me, but in exchange I think I have to let him go golfing one day... I guess I'll just have to hang out on the beach (or go shopping) instead, darn ;)
Try to relax and do what Dr. Farm Boy and Mom Jess tell you... I'm thinking up a clever cheer for those stem cells of yours! And a million thanks to your donor!
Good Night and God Bless.
Jenn Kelleher
Debbie:
This whole procedure sounds so like the movie the Incredible Journey. As Jessie narrated you could imagine the feeling of the fluids being introduced into your body. What an experience to journal about!
Have been thinking of you all day. Rest up...the best is yet to come!
Love ya cousin! COD Eileen
Dear Deb and Joe;
I've been walking back and forth
in my condo saying prayers all
afternoon.
Thankyou Jessie for the special
blog,
Love you Guys
BIG HUGS
Your Aunt Angie
For some strange reason, the blog Jesse wrote took it's sweet time getting out west..been checking and checking the computer..but alas.. one last time before i go to bed, and here was the wonderful update that not only is the procedure behind you, but you've eaten and are now(hopefully)sleeping! Thank you Jess, and joe for the blog updates, and the donor for the wonderful gift.. hope the weekend brings you strength! YOu are one tough woman! love to all of you guys,,mdf
Dear Debbie and family, I have been reading the blogs all week here in Indy (still so weird to live in Indy when S. Bend has been home my whole life),and appreciate being able to be in the know finally. Thank you so much. I am so thankful all went well and can hardly wait to come for a visit when you are feeling back to normal, Debbie. And, I can tell you I am at the shore next summer with you! That was one of the best times I've ever had. And, I am up for a cruise with everyone when you're up to it -- never been and just need a little notice! My family sends their love and may every day have you feeling better and better. I love you -- you are the strongest person I know! Love, Cheryl
Good morning and Happy Birthday again..I'm hoping you had a restful nite and are now up and eating something really yummy..cheese omlette..do those new little guys like that ?? ...protien is supposed to be good ,right??... did Jess get to stay with you or maybe Joey so you wouldn't be lonely( he made me cry)Like everyone else I prayed for you practically nonstop and was sort of glad I didn't go to Fla...I wanted to be able to blog and keep track of everything ...Have a great day I'll check in later Love ya girlfriend xxoo:)Bev
Post a Comment
<< Home