Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

KaryninMiami

(3,073 posts)
Sat Sep 27, 2014, 02:24 PM Sep 2014

Three weeks home post Auto-Stem Cell transplant

Doing pretty overall honestly. Totally exhausted most of the time and still needing at least one nap a day. Am doing my best to get some type of walking in every day even if it's just in the hallways. Never had this level of tiredness before but it's to be expected. Appetite is totally gone most of the time- occasionally I'm a wee bit hungry but not often so I have to find things to eat that are at least interesting enough to get down. Also part of the process. But, I was thrilled to leave the hospital (needless to say) after 3 weeks. Was a very intense journey- I wound up having some bizarre infection and had to be moved to the ICU for a few days (but it cleared up) and there were some touch and go moments (most of which I do not remember thank goodness). Very blessed to have my sisters with me (they took turns flying down from Boston and NY) and a parade of friends who visited and the care at Sylvester Cancer Center was extraordinary.
It's going to be a long haul- many months before I start to feel normal again and lots of restrictions on diet, being out in public, special cleaning rules and regulations, etc. But my doctor, who heads up the team at the transplant unit at Sylvester, is very pleased and sees no reason that this will not mean a cure.
Anyway, I'm home, on my sofa, watching old movies and celebrating what I hope and pray, is the end of this horrific chapter of my life. Ready to plan some great vacations next year!

9 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Three weeks home post Auto-Stem Cell transplant (Original Post) KaryninMiami Sep 2014 OP
That is wonderful news ... slipslidingaway Sep 2014 #1
Doing my best to walk KaryninMiami Sep 2014 #5
Great ... slipslidingaway Oct 2014 #8
Glad you're home! (((KaryninMiami))) Solly Mack Sep 2014 #2
Yes it's great being home KaryninMiami Sep 2014 #6
I'm so happy for you. Solly Mack Oct 2014 #7
Great news! sinkingfeeling Sep 2014 #3
What a great report! Ruby the Liberal Sep 2014 #4
I'm so glad to hear that onethatcares Oct 2014 #9

slipslidingaway

(21,210 posts)
1. That is wonderful news ...
Sat Sep 27, 2014, 04:47 PM
Sep 2014

and naps are good and necessary as your body heals. But walking to regain your strength is also very important, when a friend says 'what can I do' ask them to come and walk with you. Great for the body and mind!

Thanks for the update

KaryninMiami

(3,073 posts)
5. Doing my best to walk
Tue Sep 30, 2014, 09:54 PM
Sep 2014

And now I can even swim (or walk in the pool). Had a setback yesterday with some fever and there are some days I'm just feeling so lousy it's not easy to get motivated. But I can see that moving and exercise are key to the healing process! Will do my best to keep moving every day! Thanks '

slipslidingaway

(21,210 posts)
8. Great ...
Wed Oct 1, 2014, 08:02 PM
Oct 2014

I'm sure it is hard to get motivated to walk, but you are so right about it being an integral part of the healing process, and a friend certainly makes it more palatable. Do what you can and build on that each day.

One step at a time, this is a marathon, not a sprint.








KaryninMiami

(3,073 posts)
6. Yes it's great being home
Tue Sep 30, 2014, 09:56 PM
Sep 2014

My own bed, my favorite foods (not that I'm eating much yet ) my balcony on the bay, my 15 year old cat who practically leaped into my arms. It was quite an ordeal!

Ruby the Liberal

(26,318 posts)
4. What a great report!
Tue Sep 30, 2014, 07:02 PM
Sep 2014

So happy to hear from you, and it sounds like you are doing amazing!

My surgery is coming up, so I'll be with you in spirit. Couch bound and old movies for the next several weeks.

onethatcares

(16,572 posts)
9. I'm so glad to hear that
Sun Oct 5, 2014, 03:43 PM
Oct 2014

I think the hardest part is the long haul. Please keep us posted as you progress. and send us pictures of your vacations.

jeeez. Ruby, I wish and pray for the best.

Latest Discussions»Support Forums»Cancer Support»Three weeks home post Aut...