Before going into the stem cell transplant so many things need to be done. Of course, you want to head into the procedure with the best possible outcome which includes total remission (absence of disease). Yesterday was my exciting, exhausting day for testing, unfortunately the 2nd time I have gone through this being we found disease the 1st time.
The testing protocol to get ready for the transplant includes but not limited to the following procedures.
1- Heart Ultrasound
2- Chest Xray
3- Arterial Blood Gas test (if needed), many people that live in high alttitudes will need this procedure.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arterial_blood_gas
4- Pulmonary Lung Function Testing http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/medicalpubs/diseasemanagement/pulmonary/pulmonary-function-testing/#s0010
5- EKG
6- Bone Marrow Biopsy http://www.webmd.com/cancer/bone-marrow-aspiration-and-biopsy
7- Lumbar Puncture with IT Chemo http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/Cancertreatment/Treatmenttypes/Chemotherapy/Lumbarpuncture.aspx
8- Lab Draws and Urine testing.
This all takes place during the course of one day and as out patient but is required to enter the transplant stage. After results register (hoping they are all good), what needs to be treated will be and can delay the transplant. Cross your fingers with me that all results are good this time.
If you know anyone that has been diagnosed with AML or other Leukemia's please have them check out my blog, I will be posting a page with helpful sites for them to visit.
My transplant will follow the New Year, what a great way to kick off 2012. Let's do this!
No comments:
Post a Comment