Looking out my hospital window I see a yellow orb, lots of clean pavement and very little snow on any of the green space. Spring anyone??
Things continue to go well here at 778 Beth Israel. I am a little tired but otherwise feeling quite strong. This is kind of a wait and see period - the 'no news is good news' phase. My blood counts have dropped (this is by design - my counts drop and then rise again as the new donor cells engraft) but, unlike the last two rounds of chemo, I've been spared any nasty side effects thus far. The doctors are encouraged with how I am doing and that is all I need to hear!
Most likely my counts will soon be on the rise - maybe by next week.
Until then I am grateful for every good day, happy to be eating pretty well and to have decent energy.
Many thanks for your prayers, support, meals, love...all working exceptionally well!
Thanks for checking in
Maureen
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Weekend Update March 28 and 29 - Day +3 and +4
Happy Saturday!
Hope everyone is off to a nice weekend. The doc was in this morning and said I was the first patient he saw who was out of bed. That reminds me how lousy folks on the 7th floor of Feldburg can feel at various times during their treatment - and how I have to seize every moment I feel good - to eat, watch law and order, update my blog, 'exercise' (I still feel a little silly pacing my room for exercise but I am hermetically sealed (not really - just unable to leave) my room until my counts come up.
So I tried yesterday to give a picture of the progression of my treatment - when I speak with my medical team they preface most everything with 'every patient is different'. In general I think the progression will look like this
Hope everyone is off to a nice weekend. The doc was in this morning and said I was the first patient he saw who was out of bed. That reminds me how lousy folks on the 7th floor of Feldburg can feel at various times during their treatment - and how I have to seize every moment I feel good - to eat, watch law and order, update my blog, 'exercise' (I still feel a little silly pacing my room for exercise but I am hermetically sealed (not really - just unable to leave) my room until my counts come up.
So I tried yesterday to give a picture of the progression of my treatment - when I speak with my medical team they preface most everything with 'every patient is different'. In general I think the progression will look like this
- Transplant done - things can go wrong here with fevers/hives - nothing went wrong with my transplant but I felt kind of yucky and uncomfortable the first couple days due to all the fluid
- Now until early next week (est.) - my blood counts continue to drop which is good and intended as my marrow is getting ready for engraphment of the new stem cells - new immune system and an even greater love of bratwurst
- Early next week plus 10 to 14 days (est) - my counts bottom out and this is when I can feel crummy. I may have fatigue, stomach troubles (she says delicately) and fevers. I will also be at the greatest risk for infection. I will also likely be getting transfusions of red blood which will help with the fatigue.
- About 20 - 30 days from now (est)- my counts recover courtesy of the new stem cells producing red cells, white blood cells and platelets.
- Discharge to apartments (?? when - maybe 30 days - hopefully less)- once my absolute neutrophil count (disease fighting white blood cells) reach a certain number and the doctors are confident I am fit to leave the hospital (I must be eating decently, moving about on my own, etc) I will be discharged to apartments close to Beth Israel allowing for daily outpatient visits to the clinic. The apartment stay can last 2 - 4 weeks.
Personally I am cautious about adding up all this time to get an estimate of when I can come home. In general we think 2 months from my date of admission is a safe bet. If complications arise with graft versus host disease it may take longer. The medications I am taking can also do a number on my kidneys but they are watching this very closely - so far no issues.
Kate and Emma are coming in today - It looks like a decent day so maybe they can get some Aunt - Niece Boston time as well. Jim and Joseph will join them tomorrow and Kate flies home tomorrow night.
Loving that I feel strong right now - very very grateful.
Thanks for checking in
Love
Maureen
Friday, March 27, 2015
Friday March 27 Day +2
All went well with the stem cell transplant. As part of the procedure they filled me with fluid - LOTS of fluids - so I've been a bit uncomfortable for the last couple days. Beyond that, feeling strong and healthy.
So a quick recap - on Thursday March 19 I came back to Beth Israel for a week of conditioning prior to the transplant. The conditioning regimen used two types of chemotherapy to destroy any remaining cancer cells (even though I have been in remission, the conditioning is protocol for any patient going through a bone marrow stem cell transplant).
On Wednesday March 25 I was given a stem cell transfusion from an unrelated donor (an angel from Germany who donated her cells). The healthy immune cells from the donor can recognize cancer cells and destroy them. This is called graft vs. disease (or tumor).
A possible problem after stem cell transplant is graft verses host disease (graft being the donor and host being me). GVHD is a complication of transplantation where the donor graft cells attack and damage some of my tissues - this can cause skin rash, nausea, vomiting and may also damage my liver.
Paradoxically we want graft vs disease to get rid of any latent leukemia cells BUT we want to avoid graft versus host. I am currently taking prophylactic medications and immunosuppressants to prevent GVHD. The amount of the medications is a delicate balance and I have frequent blood draws to make sure I have the right dosage. An art and a science I guess.
Over the next couple weeks my own platelets and disease fighting white blood cells (compromised because of the leukemia) will continue to drop until the new donor stem cells engraft and my new immune system kicks in. We are probably looking at 4 weeks or so for this process to run it's course.
Kate is in this week and it is great to have the company. She saw Jim, Joseph and Emma yesterday and was able to get to one of Emma's volleyball games.
That's it for now - thanks for checking in
Love Maureen
So a quick recap - on Thursday March 19 I came back to Beth Israel for a week of conditioning prior to the transplant. The conditioning regimen used two types of chemotherapy to destroy any remaining cancer cells (even though I have been in remission, the conditioning is protocol for any patient going through a bone marrow stem cell transplant).
On Wednesday March 25 I was given a stem cell transfusion from an unrelated donor (an angel from Germany who donated her cells). The healthy immune cells from the donor can recognize cancer cells and destroy them. This is called graft vs. disease (or tumor).
A possible problem after stem cell transplant is graft verses host disease (graft being the donor and host being me). GVHD is a complication of transplantation where the donor graft cells attack and damage some of my tissues - this can cause skin rash, nausea, vomiting and may also damage my liver.
Paradoxically we want graft vs disease to get rid of any latent leukemia cells BUT we want to avoid graft versus host. I am currently taking prophylactic medications and immunosuppressants to prevent GVHD. The amount of the medications is a delicate balance and I have frequent blood draws to make sure I have the right dosage. An art and a science I guess.
Over the next couple weeks my own platelets and disease fighting white blood cells (compromised because of the leukemia) will continue to drop until the new donor stem cells engraft and my new immune system kicks in. We are probably looking at 4 weeks or so for this process to run it's course.
Kate is in this week and it is great to have the company. She saw Jim, Joseph and Emma yesterday and was able to get to one of Emma's volleyball games.
That's it for now - thanks for checking in
Love Maureen
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Wednesday March 25
As my brother John points out,my half birthday. Fitting. Had my breakfast and shower and am a bit looped up. The infusion has begun ans should last for an hour or so. The word I've heard most often is anticlimactic. So far that is true. May
Get fevers or hives but that is unlikely. Will keep you poste
Get fevers or hives but that is unlikely. Will keep you poste
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Tuesday March 24
Good morning. Wonderful visit yesterday with our good friend Paul who just returned from a wedding in a blizzard to honeymoon in Hawaii. Not bad.
Today is a day of rest for me and tomorrow is the transfusion. I am told lots of sleepy medicines and liquids all afternoon on wed. I will probably have the chemo aftereffects (whatever those might) be within the next week or so. Following that, if all goes well, my new marrow will engraft and start producing blood cells. Sounds simple but I am on a lot of medications to help this all work.
Jim is in tomorrow and Kate comes in Thursday for a long weekend visit.
Not much else New. Thanks for checking in
Love Maureen
Today is a day of rest for me and tomorrow is the transfusion. I am told lots of sleepy medicines and liquids all afternoon on wed. I will probably have the chemo aftereffects (whatever those might) be within the next week or so. Following that, if all goes well, my new marrow will engraft and start producing blood cells. Sounds simple but I am on a lot of medications to help this all work.
Jim is in tomorrow and Kate comes in Thursday for a long weekend visit.
Not much else New. Thanks for checking in
Love Maureen
Saturday, March 21, 2015
Here he comes...Mr North Andover
Last night was a BIG night for the Staudts, our great friends the Collins and their daughter Megan and all of North America - well maybe just North Andover - Below is a photo of the 2015 Mr North Andover Joseph Staudt and his sponsor and best friend Megan Collins
Joseph and Megan had an absolute blast preparing for and participating in the Mr, North Andover contest. The contest consisted of an introduction of each candidate, a beach scene for each candidate, (their sponsor and their ensemble), a group dance, the talent portion and finally a tribute read by the candidate (Joe) to his sponsor (Megan). Joseph's talent was a montage that culminated in a tae kwon do exhibition (he trained at Master Shins in Andover).
Joe tells me it was not until after he read the tribute that he fully remembered this was a contest with a winner being announced - he and his friends simply had an absolute blast with the entire event. There was not a dry eye after the tribute to Megan (his life long friend; side note: my friend and neighbor Karen and I gave birth to the dynamic duo within months of each other and they have spent most everyday together since. They've been talking about Mr. North Andover since at least 8th grade.). Megan is a distinguished athlete (basketball and soccer) and the two of them push each other (literally most times) make eachother laugh and, to our delight, treat each others homes as their own.
Jim, Emma and Joe will come see me tomorrow - Emma has a girl scout sleepover tonight with an evening hike - god bless Anne Marie, Kimberly and Marie (our the troop leaders) as there is still plenty of snow on the ground here. Emma wrapped up basketball with a fun and winning season. Though they made it pretty far in the playoffs this was not their year for a league win - a great, year nonetheless and many thanks to Coach Panos (the originator/manager of the sign up genius meal plan in is spare time). Emma has started volleyball and it seems to be a bit more competitive this year in a new league. So far so good - her team has really nice girls and their play has come together pretty early in the season. Joe starts outdoor track with one of the first orders of business clearing the track field with snow blowers and shovels!
I am here at Beth Israel on Day - (that;s minus) 4 (started chemo on day - 6). Wednesday is Day 0 (transplant day). So far so good - I am far enough from the last round of chemo that I seem to be past those side effects (not quite as tired, my appetite has returned, stomach is consistently normal, and water tastes better - oddly water tasted AWFUL until a couple days ago), The effects from this new round of chemo which started Thursday will probably kick in sometime next week, It feels so good to feel good!! Whatever comes with the chemo is all part of what I need to get through this.
I am on the same floor at Beth Israel and all my nurses are the same - I am right at home
A nice weekend on tap with my aunt and cousin are coming by today. Great few days and so very thankful for all the love and support.
Thanks for checking in
Maureen
PS There was also a nice article in our local news (you may need to copy and paste link into a browser vs link from the UR:.
http://www.eagletribune.com/news/merrimack_valley/here-he-is-mr-north-andover/article_0544853c-9ced-5905-9556-6611d848bb01.html
Joseph and Megan had an absolute blast preparing for and participating in the Mr, North Andover contest. The contest consisted of an introduction of each candidate, a beach scene for each candidate, (their sponsor and their ensemble), a group dance, the talent portion and finally a tribute read by the candidate (Joe) to his sponsor (Megan). Joseph's talent was a montage that culminated in a tae kwon do exhibition (he trained at Master Shins in Andover).
Joe tells me it was not until after he read the tribute that he fully remembered this was a contest with a winner being announced - he and his friends simply had an absolute blast with the entire event. There was not a dry eye after the tribute to Megan (his life long friend; side note: my friend and neighbor Karen and I gave birth to the dynamic duo within months of each other and they have spent most everyday together since. They've been talking about Mr. North Andover since at least 8th grade.). Megan is a distinguished athlete (basketball and soccer) and the two of them push each other (literally most times) make eachother laugh and, to our delight, treat each others homes as their own.
Jim, Emma and Joe will come see me tomorrow - Emma has a girl scout sleepover tonight with an evening hike - god bless Anne Marie, Kimberly and Marie (our the troop leaders) as there is still plenty of snow on the ground here. Emma wrapped up basketball with a fun and winning season. Though they made it pretty far in the playoffs this was not their year for a league win - a great, year nonetheless and many thanks to Coach Panos (the originator/manager of the sign up genius meal plan in is spare time). Emma has started volleyball and it seems to be a bit more competitive this year in a new league. So far so good - her team has really nice girls and their play has come together pretty early in the season. Joe starts outdoor track with one of the first orders of business clearing the track field with snow blowers and shovels!
I am here at Beth Israel on Day - (that;s minus) 4 (started chemo on day - 6). Wednesday is Day 0 (transplant day). So far so good - I am far enough from the last round of chemo that I seem to be past those side effects (not quite as tired, my appetite has returned, stomach is consistently normal, and water tastes better - oddly water tasted AWFUL until a couple days ago), The effects from this new round of chemo which started Thursday will probably kick in sometime next week, It feels so good to feel good!! Whatever comes with the chemo is all part of what I need to get through this.
I am on the same floor at Beth Israel and all my nurses are the same - I am right at home
A nice weekend on tap with my aunt and cousin are coming by today. Great few days and so very thankful for all the love and support.
Thanks for checking in
Maureen
PS There was also a nice article in our local news (you may need to copy and paste link into a browser vs link from the UR:.
http://www.eagletribune.com/news/merrimack_valley/here-he-is-mr-north-andover/article_0544853c-9ced-5905-9556-6611d848bb01.html
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Thursday March 19
Returned to the hospital today for the transplant procedure. Today was all about paperwork, admission day evaluations and getting my central line placed. This line is for the chemo, any IV's needed and blood draws. The procedure went well and I am ready for my chemo to begin tomorrow morning. The plan is for five days of chemo, a day of rest, and then the transplant.
On the drive to the hospital I completed my March Madness bracket (Jim was driving) and mailed in just before the deadline. Never let it be said I lose sight of my priorities.
In other news...North Andover High School announced the 2015 Senior Class Superlatives winners (as voted on by members of the senior class). Our own Joseph Staudt was crowned Class Clown continuing the tradition started a generation ago by his Mom (me) when she was voted Class Clown of Lake Catholic High School. Jim was voted most intelligent and most likely to succeed - we have high hopes Emma takes that path. Between the four of us we tell some pretty cerebral jokes.
Will keep you posted on how things progress - thanks for checking in
Love, Maureen
On the drive to the hospital I completed my March Madness bracket (Jim was driving) and mailed in just before the deadline. Never let it be said I lose sight of my priorities.
In other news...North Andover High School announced the 2015 Senior Class Superlatives winners (as voted on by members of the senior class). Our own Joseph Staudt was crowned Class Clown continuing the tradition started a generation ago by his Mom (me) when she was voted Class Clown of Lake Catholic High School. Jim was voted most intelligent and most likely to succeed - we have high hopes Emma takes that path. Between the four of us we tell some pretty cerebral jokes.
Will keep you posted on how things progress - thanks for checking in
Love, Maureen
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