June 25th- 2nd Stem Cell Collection – Day 10

The days really fly by.  I am kept busy with tests, discussions, preparation for tests etc.  and a bit of socializing with other patients. I’m trying to keep up with friends, family and future HSCT patients so they will know more about what I’m going through and what to expect.
We all have different journeys, different diseases – although some have the same names. Our levels of disability vary extremely as do our financial situation and our level of support at home.  We are all struggling in many ways.
I am so fortunate to be here and be able to finally stop the progression of my Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis.

I know  I am putting too my pressure on my younger son, Adam, to continue to reach out to people to help with additional fundraising while I’m in Moscow.  It’s not right, but I feel I have no choice.  I have to pay my hospital bill.  I’ve been extremely frugal with my spending towards this trip to Moscow, which is not a holiday.

Adam will be starting a new job at his old place of employment, Annapolis Family Physical Therapy.  They have been extremely generous with him, allowing him time off to help me pack for Moscow and move to our new home. Today is day 2 of my stem cell collection.   It should go quicker than yesterday!

Seeing that an American Company made the machine for my stem cell collection filled me with pride.  I was grateful that scientists  in Massachusetts did research and invented a machine that has the ability to change the quality of my life.  I was also grateful that  Dr. Fedorenko at the Pirogov hospital  was able to use it on me and so many other patients from around the world!   While I was in Moscow, there were patients from Australia, Canada, England, New Zealand, Norway and 4 from the United States.  It made me so happy that it was made in America! USA!  USA!

More info on our stem cell collection machine, made in Massachusetts!

The separating and filtering machine all ready to go!

The machine filters out what it needs to keep and what to return to the body  by determining the density of the stem cells, platelets, eosinophils etc.

I love you all, appreciate your continued support and love <3.  Please think of any small ways to help me generate some funds asap.

If you have a date to come to Moscow, or any other legitimate facility, please be grateful.  If you are on a list to come for the future, please be patient.  If you have given up hope because you have been rejected, please keep trying.  Our quality of life can be improved. It will take a lot of stamina and determination, but we can do it!
We are fortunate to have many online groups that have answers to many of our question before, during and after HSCT.

Dr. F just popped in with some good news!

2.1 stem cells/ kg of body weight have been collected and are on their way to be frozen! I also found out that we’ll be having a group head shaving party in the next few days!  Looking forward to the next step.

 

REMOVAL OF THE JUGULAR CATHETER

and it’s out!

no so big, but colorful!

End of a long day. Dan volunteered to take care of my dishes, but it was not a success for me. Oops!

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