the actual transplant.. long.. with photos...

14 years ago

The time for the actual transplant is here.After retrieval, the cells were mixed with DMSO, then frozen.

Here they are stemcells, frozen in liquid nitrogen.

The were warmed to a specific temperature in a tub of boiling water!

LOL not really, I forget what temperature they told me that the

water was kept. These are my cells, one of two packets, just about to

be put in the warming water to her right.

here they go! lol After warming them up, They were infused via my hickman line (don't worry, no pictures of that! lol And the nursing staff and Doctors explained that the transplantee (my new word! lol) would emanate an odd smell. They said mine was not very discernable. I smelled

better than most transplant patients! ahahaha!

and here the tech and one of the nurses are singing "Happy Birthday" to me.

I can't find the picture of all three! lol The nurse on the right

can't have children, she and her hubby are adopting and she was

waiting for the call, any minute, to come to Ethiopia and pick their

little girl up. That is going to be one lucky kiddlet! lol

We have to be so careful about germs (still do!). Had a specific diet, no salad from restaraunts, no buffets, etc.

7 days later, I was on the transplant ward at the U of W for 10 days, having a lot of transfusions, as I had just 3 red blood cells. lol The nurses, housekeeping and everyone were SO good, so wonderful and attentive.

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Comments (19)

nanny98
14 years ago
So glad that you are doing well and sharing the "process" with us. Keep smiling (I know you are!) and we keep sending our best healing prayers and thoughts you, Kat
monica_pa Grieves
14 years ago
I'm so glad to hear you got thru this with flying colors. The process is amazing, thanks for sharing.

Keep up the good work !
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gardenspice
14 years ago
Wow - thanks for the post - very educational. I think we have only begun to see the value of stem cells in saving lives. Very exciting. Wishing you well!
susanjf_gw
14 years ago
amazing...just like the young man who was on survivor...he's had a slight blip but was doing quite well...

my dd2 had cord blood removed and stored for both of her children...she said it was a small price to pay just in case...
lynn_d
14 years ago
Thanks Kat, that is really interesting. I too am hoping that all goes well and am so relieved that you smell better than the average transplantee! Of course we all know just now special you are so expect no less from you!
deborah_ps
14 years ago
You go Kat!

I've had two stem cell transplants...one autogolous (my own cells) and the other allogeneic (my brothers).

You take good care of building your immune system back :)
donna37
14 years ago
Amazing, thanks for pictures and explanation. Positive thoughts continue for you.
dedtired
14 years ago
Wow, Kat you have such a great attitude about all of this. Thanks for the update and pics. It's very interesting.

Did you happen to catch the piece on the news about the donated heart that was dropped on an airplane runway by the medics? Do try to keep your cells off the floor.

Here is a link that might be useful: heart dropping incident
linda_in_iowa
14 years ago
Stem cell research is really amazing. I have a guy friend in CA whose best friend pioneered stem cell research at Stanford. They are really trying to get stem cells to work for people with paralysis.
pam_25f
14 years ago
Very interesting Kat. Thanks.
lydia1959
14 years ago
Amazing and interesting!! Keeping you in my prayers Kat!
taigen_gw
14 years ago
It really is quite fascinating! I appreciate you taking the time to post about it...thanks.
carol_in_california
14 years ago
I really appreciate your sharing your life saving procedure.
Keeping you in my healing thoughts and prayers.
wanda_va
14 years ago
That is so interesting and amazing--like you! You are in my daily prayers, and I know you will win this battle. With KT prayers and your wonderful attitude, you can't lose. Hugs!
User
14 years ago
This is just heartwarming to me...I am soo very happy for you and thank you so much for sharing this with all of us. I will keep you in my prayers. Love the happy smiles on the nurses. Way to go!!!!
Pieonear
14 years ago
That is just amazing. Good luck!
User
14 years ago
Very interesting. You have a great attitude ,and I know you will be fine.
joyfulguy
14 years ago
Good wishes for an uneventful recovery and healing, Kat.

ole joyful
bee0hio
14 years ago
Very interesting Kat. Thanks for sharing that with us. You are such a treasure to the KT & have been for a verrrrry long time. I hope things are going well. You are so ornery I am surprised that you didn't smell WORSE than most transplantees. LOLOLOL! :D

the actual transplant.. long.. with photos...

Comments (19)

nanny98

monica_pa Grieves

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