Later today I go for the next step of my treatment (receiving the subclavian catheter and start the stem cell collection). I have started itching all over and I am not sure if it is the Neupogen or nerves or some of both. It started in the head area and has spread to the rest of my body. There are no visible signs on me anywhere of a rash so the itching is inside. I cannot sleep but feel that is because of the anticipation of what is coming.

I have Restless Leg Syndrome and that is also bothering me tonight. I can remember my Mother having much the same problem and she called it the “the heebie-jeebies”…I think her name fits quite well.

I have taken a couple of Tylenol and turned the TV on…now that should put anyone to sleep.

We have just returned to our apartment from M. D. Anderson and I must admit I am a little disappointed because my Stem Cell Marker is not high enough.

We went in early for the usual “blood letting” that is required daily, then off to the Pre Op Center and had the subclavian catheter installed. It is on my left side and above the heart. They chose the left side since the temporary port that was installed when I received chemo (2Cda) in 2000 was installed on the right side. I am left-handed and this will be a learning experience to reach with my right hand until the soreness and pain subside. All went well with that but must say I am extremely sore and in some pain but have taken a couple of Tylenol and am sure it will get better.

After the catheter was installed, X-rays were taken to make sure it is in correctly and will pose no problem. Mine was fine and we were feeling pretty good as we arrived at the Pheresis Clinic to start the Stem Cell Collection. The catheter was fine but my CE 34 is not high enough to start the collection. It is 8 and they will not start the collection until it is 15. We were sent back to the apartment and I will self inject 2 more Neupogen shots and return to the hospital tomorrow morning, give blood to be tested and hopefully it will be 15. I plan on having a good talk with my stem cells this afternoon and tell them to jump to attention so we can move on with the procedure.

Please know we take all of your prayers, thoughts and best wishes with us each time we arrive at the hospital. I wore my beautiful prayer shawl, as I do each day and I have received so many compliments on it and I delight in telling them about it. A dear friend, Gale, heard about this project and requested that another dear friend, V.A. knit one for someone who was going to be gong through some difficult times. I received this wonderful surprise during the holidays and have felt the warmth and prayers that it shares with me. We have received so many wonderful gifts, cards, calls and e-mails from friends and well wishers that each one helps melt the miles away and makes us feel more comfortable.