Taking the Stem Cell transplant path.

Back in July, Hayley wrote about next steps - she said -

"The next few weeks will see Mum, Dad, Tony and possibly some other oncologists for further opinion to decide if a stem cell transplant will be completed. The transplant involves one more batch of chemotherapy to completely wipe the immune system, before injecting the previously harvested stem cells, to trick the bone marrow into forgetting the disease. The process takes around three weeks, of which most will be spent in hospital, due to the risk that comes with having no white blood cells! For now, no decision has been made, but much research and medical advice will determine what the next step will involve."

Well that period of time led to some tooing & froing between, home, the hospital, the internet and other resources in order to make a decision.  In between times I even found some time to go to work!!  (Work have been brilliant throughout all of this illness ).
Well the upshot was that we decided to proceed with the stem cell transplant.  Our view was that whilst the disease is down, give it another good kicking!! plus I've fared relatively well throughout the prior 8 rounds, so hit it whilst I am capable!!  Our readings also indicated that transplant now, may prolong remission. Of course however there is a risk to the transplant which must be considered!!

So the process is (started July 30th)
Week 1 - Into hospital on Tuesday, received chemo on every day that week from Wednesday.
Week 2 - A nasty nasty line was put into my neck (vascath), plus a big chemotherapy day on Monday.  Then I received the previously harvested stem cells (see Feb.) on the Tuesday.
Rest of week 2 cells to drop to zero.  Alan feels generally sickly but fares relatively well.
Cells are currently down at zero (August 12th) & will be down for around another 8 days - HIGH infection risk.  I have to watch any potential infection sites, like a small spot on my leg or any skin break.
Week 3 & 4 time to wait for cells to recover. Maintaining my platelet and red cell levels.

As soon as cells hit required level, I can go home to fully recover.

So that's where we, Team Mellon, are today.  Thanks for reading the blog again, take care and have fun.

Alan