HERE WE GO!!
The day has come. Never thought this is where I would be at 31 years old. Such a crazy mix of emotions right now. Still not really too sure what to expect at this point and I don’t think mentally it had really clicked that this is real life.
Started my day at 5:00 AM. My good friend Jarid came by the house and we drove over to the skatepark. I asked Jarid to join me as one of the last moral boosters before I left on my big adventure. Of course AZ would cool down to hoodie weather the day I check in for transplant!!
Came home soon after, showered and got Reece off to school. Had an emotional “see you soon” moment with both Reece and Ryker. I am glad my sons are so still so young that they wont really remember this but still telling them goodbye for now just tears my heart into a million pieces. (Mayo wont allow on floor I am on due to health restrictions).
Arrived at Mayo Hospital today at 8:30 AM for admittance and to sign the all important paperwork. By 10:00 AM I was prepped and ready to receive my central line.
A central line is like an exposed port that will be able to run fluids, chemotherapy and even draw blood. Procedure only took about 35 minutes in total and I didn’t feel much at all. Mayo definitely helps comfort you throughout all this.
There are 3 lumens coming out of my chest. Each has their own purpose. Overall the area does not hurt too much and just feels more like a tender bruise.
By noon I was in my current room. The room I am in will be my new home for the next month if not longer. I will receive all treatments from here on out in the comfort of my own room and not have to relocate at all.
Bone marrow transplant, or “BMT” as you might see my refer in future entries, is essentially a complete remove and replace of the immune system. Because the immune system will be destroyed then completely rebuilt the room conditions needs to be completely sanity at all times.
I am learning the ropes for sure today. Daily urine samples and not to flush toilets. Mouth care 4x daily minimum. Washing hands and sanitizer as frequent as possible. Monitoring of all foods and drinks. Urine needs to stay a clear color to show body is well hydrated. Etc etc etc you get the point… stay clean, stay sanitary.
Nurses are like angels. I am not one to ask for much or require much attention, but the ones I have on my floor are already so welcoming and friendly.
Tomorrow is still just another day and I have no idea what to expect. My first experience with Chemotherapy….. lets see how this goes!!
Mike's Journey 