The Collection

Sorry this is a bit long.

Daily: 7:30 for blood draw at hospital lab, 8-8:30 two cgs-f shots in belly, then wait for cd34 results.

Monday:
Didn't hear anything until after 1:30pm when the oncology nurse called and said there were problems with the test and the counts (between 6 and 30). They were going to send them to another lab to see what the count was so continued on with work day by heading out to Rathdrum around 3pm to reload software. Was right in the middle of loading the software, when I get a call from the nurse saying the count was 98! Okay ... that lab normally reports higher, but wow ... She had me scheduled to go to the oncology dept to start the collection at 5pm. The procedure normally takes at least 4 hours. After the 'collection' a test is run to see what the platelet count is and if below specified amount I would have to receive an infusion. Anyway ... Jim stayed for a while, then headed home, and I ... well, there I lay having to remain still so the 'buffy layer' would remain stable. The machine puts your blood through a 'spin cycle' where it is separated into 3 layers with the 'buffy' layer in the middle where the stem cells land with other fluids. They really didn't want me to drive home alone, especially if I had to get an infusion, so we planned on me going to the hotel across the highway if need be. My 'buffy layer' was a little narrow and it took a bit to get it to collect properly (machine alarm went off when the layer needed to be 'chased'). My entire blood supply circulates through the machine 3 times during the collection. We got finished around 10pm and I felt fine. The blood bank nurse cleaned the machine (everything went through tubes that are disposed of), and then took off for Spokane to hand deliver (she needed to pick up supplies so decided to take it in herself). A bit later the results came in and I needed to have 40 or above for platelet count and I had 68 so home I went. Only took me 20 minutes ... all green lights, no traffic.

Tuesday:
Blood work, shots, and then to oncology department for another round. By this time my left arm was so bruised from the blood tests I had them try the other one. The collection was scheduled for 9am. Results from previous night was 3.5 and doctor wants between 5 and 10. All went smoothly ... stayed 'very still' for the 4 hours by watching cnn & dozing. Good collection, buffy layer was very stable this time. Platelet count was 55 this time so stopped by library for quick update, picked up Jim (his fan belt broke), and headed home. Was a little more tired today then yesterday. Heard from blood bank nurse in the evening that the count was 3.something and the doctor wanted to go again since the procedure was going so well.

Wednesday:
Blood work, shots, and again to the oncology department. This time had a different blood bank nurse (first one had day off), and she was all ready to go by 9am, so got about an hour head start. Buffy layer not so cooperative this time and she had to chase it a couple of times (even though I was still), but finished around 1:30. Thought ... wow I'll get a bite to eat then dash off to work and finally get something done! Guess again ... waited and waited and waited for test results. Nurse came in and said they were waiting for dr. g's okay for me to leave. Here comes 3:30 (2 hours past completion) and finally get the word it's okay to leave. My count was 66 today. Of course it was too late to do what I wanted at work, so picked Jim up again (had problems with fan belt on van), and headed home. Later that evening nurse called and said the collection was 2.33 and combined with other totals we were at 8.6 and doctor said that was okay. Yippee .. no more blood draws and shots for a while.

Thursday:
Yippee !! no blood draws, shots, collection!! Just waiting to find out when I get this thing pulled out of my neck (they can do it where I get the chemo). Talked with Sue H. the oncology nurse and she thinks I won't have to see anyone until next week. Dr. is off on Monday, today is already Thursday ... sooo the weekend OFF!!! Most likely will be starting a couple of rounds of chemo (probably Thursday), don't know if rituxan will be the same day, next day or what, but at least this collection part is done. Next 'worry' part for me will be the big one (high dose). Not too worried about Zevalin since most of the warnings are for the rituxan and I've been able to handle that so far.

That's it for now .... Love to all