Today, the second and last chemo dosage was given to me through my subclavian catheter. So far the side effects I’m feeling are extreme shortness of breath and the inability to sleep. They prescribed Ambian for the sleep problems. The other side effects will kick in later this week.

Tomorrow is a rest day. Tuesday I will receive my stem cells. This seemed like such a short period of time between receiving the chemo and receiving my stem cells back. I asked Dr. Anderlini if there would be a possibility of the chemo destroying my stem cells. His explanation was that “the chemo itself has a short half-life.” The body gets rid of it and by the time I get my stem cells back the chemo will have dissipated. Although the chemo itself will no longer be in my body the side effects will not lessen.

When they talk about stem-cell transplant, they use a timeline. This countdown features the day you receive your stem-cells back as day 0, the days of testing and stem cell collection are considered negative days (e.g. Day -2, Day -1). The days after you receive your stem-cells are plus days. So I am in Day -2 currently.

Good oral hygiene before and during the transplant is extremely important. You must have a dental checkup; this must be done within 30 days of your appointment. In your information packet, you receive a letter that you must take to your dentist at the time of the checkup and he must sign and date it. You bring it with you when the transplant process begins. During the time you’re in the hospital you are given two types of mouthwash that you are expected to use at least four time each in a 24 hour period. This is to help prevent bacteria from building up in your mouth and lessen mouth sores.