Day -6 and -5

Today is a beautiful day in Denver that God has given us. Today is day zero minus 5 meaning five more days until day zero when I will receive my stem cells. I feel remarkably well. I am eating good. My doctor I have been seeing is Dr. McSweeney for the past three days. He said I am doing good so far.

The nutritionist Elizabeth said that what is "normal" is that I will probably feel good between now and day zero plus five, so about ten more days. This is not what I was expecting. I had assumed once I started high dose BEAM that I would be feeling nauseous and vomiting like I had when I would go through the RCHOP regimen. Elizabeth said that will probably start around zero plus five. The doc said that is when I could develop mouth sores, which they talk about a lot. Also, blood transfusions, platelet transfusions, spiking temperatures etc. are all on the horizon. Things I knew were coming but thought they would be here now. I am so glad I am doing this as outpatient at this time. I can't imagine feeling this good and being cooped up in a hospital room for 24/7.

The chemo I am now getting is called Etoposide (VP-16). Side effects are:
Nausea and vomiting
Hypersensitvity/Anaphylatic reaction - an allergic reaction that may cause itching, hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, sudden decrease in blood pressure resulting in fever and chills
Pancytopenia - a decrease in red and white blood cells and platelets which will require protection from bleeding and infection
Mucositis/Esophagitis - Inflammation and destruction of the cell lining along the mouth, throat and stomach - may cause bleeding pain and diarrhea
Alopecia - loss of hair several weeks after chemo (too bad because mine was just starting to grow back in LOL!)
Reproductive dysfunction - sterility
Peripheral neuropathies - numbness and or tingling in hands and feet
Rediation recall - won't affect me as I have not had to have any radiation
Hyperpigmentation - darkening of the skin tone
Veno-0cclusive disease - injury to the liver accompanied by an elevated bilirubin level; may result in weight gain, right side abdominal discomfort, enlarged liver, yellowing of the eyes and skin - usually happens between days +7 and +28 of my protocol if it occurs

The veno-occlusive disease sounds a little scary. As the doc says the worst is yet to come, but hopefully not all of this happens to everyone. I am hoping for the best.

All I would like to say is enjoy your day, love your family and friends, thank God for our good fortune to be alive. Thank you for your support!