What can we expect???

Hello,

My sister will be admitted to hospital on September 16th...she will have her port placed in chest and later that evening begin her high dose chemo-cytoxan (the beginning of her stem cell harvesting).  They expect her to be discharged on the 18th.

I know everyone is different, just wondering what we can expect....how she will feel?  Will she be able to be left alone? Wondering if we will be back and forth to hospital because of fever, sickness, etc.

Just trying to prepare myself. Thanks.

God Bless.

Danielle

I had high dose cytoxan as part of a cocktail called D-PACE during my stem cell harvest procedure.  Didn't bother me much.   However, like you said, each patient is different.  I've had high dose Cytoxan 3 times and low does oral cytoxan for 4 months...still, never really bothered me.  Cytoxan is a good MM drug.  My doctor likes it for older patients and those having a tough time with chemo because it's easier to talerate in many instances. 

Best of luck. 

Doug

Good Evening Danielle;

My sister will be admitted to hospital on September 16th...They expect her to be discharged on the 18th.

Those dates are what I experienced during mine.

Later that evening begin her high dose chemo-cytoxan (the beginning of her stem cell harvesting). 

I had my CYTOXAN started at 7:00 a.m. for a full 12 hour drip. My body didn't tolerate it as well as Doug's did. P.M. me if you want the details.

How she will feel? 

Everyone's different, but this is some serious chemo.

Will she be able to be left alone?

While she's in the hospital she'll have nursing staff at only a button push away. Tell her not to be a hero and utilize these folks. They understand what's going on and want to help.

Wondering if we will be back and forth to hospital because of fever, sickness.

Believe it or not, but this chemo does its work/damage within those 12 hours or so and then the body is flushed free of it with saline drips. By discharge she will be free of any of the side effects. Bear in mind that she won't feel her normal self for few days after but they won't D.C. her if she's not doing well.

Just trying to prepare myself.

You appear to be a good soul. The world needs more like you! Keep in mind that the medical staff has this routine down pat. Those 2 days afterwards will help her recover.

Good luck and take care;

Kevin

Hi Danielle,

I have just gone through this and have found it to be pretty much to be not a big deal.  I am  a bit ahead of her.  I have had my stem cells harvested and yesterday had my Melphalan get more today and my transplant friday 9/11. Unless something changes I will have to say this has been not to much of a big deal.  Not everyone has the same results, some folks are much more sick. I do feel sleepy this AM. I think a nap is in order. My brains are a bit fuzzy this AM! But good luck to you and your sister.

Gayle

Hi Danielle,

I have just gone through this and have found it to be pretty much to be not a big deal.  I am  a bit ahead of her.  I have had my stem cells harvested and yesterday had my Melphalan get more today and my transplant friday 9/11. Unless something changes I will have to say this has been not to much of a big deal.  Not everyone has the same results, some folks are much more sick. I do feel sleepy this AM. I think a nap is in order. My brains are a bit fuzzy this AM! But good luck to you and your sister.

Gayle