Tell the Bees

Never Mind: Fast Train to Transplant Derailed

Yesterday, Friday, March 14, Craig and I and Moriah drove to Boston and I was admitted, as scheduled, to Brigham and Women’s hospital for my “mini allo” stem cell transplant. The nurses did their initial work on me, putting in lines and IVs, asking me dozens of questions, bringing me medications, oral care supplies, etc. My room was noisy and I didn’t sleep well, but we were there and things seemed underway.

But it’s now Saturday evening, March 15, and here I am back at home in Cape Elizabeth, not as scheduled, much to our great frustration. Dr. Armand’s proxy doctor at Brigham and Women’s Hospital decided late this afternoon that I needed to go home to get rid of my runny nose and cough, even though NONE of the tests they did on me came back positive for the flu or any viruses.

I guess we should respect his extreme caution. As my blood counts & immune system would have gone down next week as the result of the chemo, I would have been more vulnerable to viruses, germs in general. But, it’s also probably safe to assume that I would have gotten better before then. It’s especially annoying because my regular Dana Farber doctor, Dr. Armand, knowing I had a minor cold, had given us the ok to come on down to Boston. Time and money spent…At least they said Mark could stick to his schedule of donating his stem cells; they would just be frozen until I (and the doctors) are ready for the transfusion/transplant.

Na Ja, as they say in German, oh well…. let’s let the negative energy go and look for the silver lining. More chances to do things out in the world before the restrictions that will be imposed post transplant….eat out at restaurants, go to movies, go out any where. A chance to get a better room at the hospital next time (the nurses told me I could request a certain floor or room). More time to help the cleaning team here in this dusty house. In general more time to get ready emotionally and mentally for this transplant.

7 comments

7 Comments so far

  1. Deborah Integlia March 15th, 2008 7:59 pm

    Lina, thank you for allowing me to be a part of hearing what is going on for you and your very real challenges. I am and have been amazed at your very strong positive energy and attitude through all that you have been through in the past three years. Sincerely, you are in my daily prayers. Debbie

  2. JeffTiton March 15th, 2008 11:00 pm

    Yes, anticlimactic and frustrating, yet the bright side is that when you dump that little cold you’ll be back stronger than ever for the transplant. My thoughts are with you and Craig and Chloe and Moriah. Looking forward to going to another Sea Dogs game with you this summer! Jeff

  3. Susan Baker March 16th, 2008 8:10 am

    I’m so sorry for your frustrating experience Lina. I can appreciate the energy it takes to “get ready”, and although it was probably the right thing to do, medically, its frustrating to get those mixed messages, especially when those that makes the decisions probably don’t understand all the implications. Don’t get me started!! Yet, I’m a firm believer in the idea that things happen for a reason and many times we don’t why until later when we look back. It seems like you’ve “adjusted” and I wish you gourmet, fattening meals and movies that make you giggle! Again, thank you so much for this format. xoxo

  4. Marta Daniels March 16th, 2008 8:56 am

    Here, here Susan. Your words are well taken. What was that doctor thinking knowing Lina had a persistent cough and a cold!?? This time, perfect has to be the enemy of the good. Lina, Susan and Jeff are right: you will be in better shape to handle the challenges of the transplant. In the meantime, get those big baked potatoes mounded with sour cream and butter into that body of yours. Think of it as reinforcement time. You have another opportunity to get fat! 🙂 xxoo, Marta

  5. Joyce Read March 16th, 2008 9:58 am

    Lina, this is your ole buddy from Texas. Keep the “ball” in mind and know that not every play is successful in getting a first down. That’s why there is more than one down! Important to keep focused and stay in the game!

    Several previous diversions and frustrations that you have already experienced, have made you mentally stronger. Draw on that and keep moving forward.

    Know I love you and my phone still rings 24/7.
    Joyce

  6. Joan March 16th, 2008 10:26 am

    That all must have been a major disappointment and very frustrating. As you said, the good news is that now you can hopefully enjoy more time when you’re not confined, eat good food, enjoy your family. Thinking about you all.
    Joan

  7. Kathy March 17th, 2008 1:13 pm

    Sorry to hear of an unproductive trip to Boston, Lina. Hopefully there was some good that came of it; you may not even know. Perhaps you being there at the hospital at that time was an important part of an “adjacent” person’s journey. I’m glad to hear Mark could continue as planned anyway. Thanks so much to whomever had the website/comment idea! I’m sorry I haven’t been able to keep in better touch. This makes it easy. Please know I think of you often.
    Kathy

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