Doctor Visit (by aaron)
Yesterday, Natalie and I traveled down to UCLA for some more tests and procedures to bring me closer to starting the stem cell transplant.
Thankfully, I did not get another spinal tap with chemotherapy. Although they usually affect the patient very, very mildly, the spinal tap I got last week hit me hard. I was extremely nauseous and felt really awful all last week. So I was filled with joy when Dr. Paquette said we would not do another one!
To balance the day out, though, I did get a bone marrow biopsy. Basically, they drill into the bone and remove a small cylindrical sample of the bone about the size of a skinny, very short toothpick. The drilling is really a slow grind and as Dr. Paquette was grinding away, I quickly remembered why I do not like bone marrow biopsies! They are miserable and in a very unique way which makes it worse. It is hard to describe but just imagine someone drilling/grinding into your bone. You should be cringing right now and mad at me for making you think about it! I do not know how long it will be sore for, but the pain has let up a little bit after 24 hours.
The current estimate is that I will begin the transplant in about two weeks.
God bless you all so very much!
March 15th, 2007 at 3:04 pm
OK THAT sounds real yucky. You are so brave! I was listening to last years VBS music Artic Edge… and the words of the music are so applicable to this situation. For example…” The Lord commands us to be courageous, whatever adventure we face he will be with us..” And from a different song…”You are my hope, You are my strength, You are my breath, my everything, Your hand made me, You gave me life, How can I fear what lies ahead… I will follow you Jesus because I believe in God’s plan for me. I will follow you Jesus ’cause I know for sure He holds my future and He loves me so…I will follow…”
I will give you the cd if you don’t have it or I am sure Michelle does. It was Great to see you Tuesday. Love Ya Lots.
Amy
March 17th, 2007 at 7:01 pm
I do know what it feels like after the fact (I was not awake when they replaced my knees) but they drill a hole in the Femur and Tibia and cement the metal ends into and on the end of the bone. So I am one who also is VERY thankful to be able to walk. I know how difficult a walker is to have to use and am thankful I only had to use if for a very short time. Praise God that he uses many ways to heal. I now have a great empathy for the disabled!