Last Friday, I was prescribed Nupragen (sp?) to induce stem cell production in my body. The treatment was 3 injections each of the next six mornings. On Monday, I was prescribed an additional stem cell producing drug, Mozipil(sp?).  Some months ago I had a device called a "chemo port" surgically installed to make chemo treatments easier on the nurses. On Monday, it was surgically removed, and surgically replaced by a device called a "Hickman's Catheter." It is a 3 pronged device, surgically placed in a major artery in my chest, which has 3 tubes permanently extending from it. It facilitates blood filtering, the nurses can just hook up to the tubes. Tuesday and Wednesday my blood was fltered 5 hours each day to harvest the newly produced stem cells. All went well, and the overall result was successful, which sets the stage for my bone marrow transplant. The BMT is scheduled for next Wednesday, 3/21. I will be hit with a lethal dose of chemo (their words) Wednesday and Thursday, which hopefully will kill all of the cancer in my bone marrow. Then the harvested stem cells will be re-introduced. My immune system will have been destroyed, so I have to stay in isolation until it rebuilds itself. Then i can go home, but I still have to avoid most human contact, lest I get some sort of virus or infection. They tell me that if all goes well, in 2-3 months I will be able to resume most normal activities. Please remember me in your prayers, as I will you, and please know how grateful I am for the support and well wishes I have received from virtually everyone on this site. Thank you.

You're in my thoughts, buddy.

PK...you are always in mine and my wife's prayers.  She has had smaller (but serious) bouts with cancer several times over the last few years, but has pulled through each of them.  May your treatments cure you of this disease and keep you cancer free. 

hey man, sounds like your doctors have a plan!   Good luck and we're pulling for you.

You sound incredibly brave with a terrific attitude.  Seems like you're receiving top-notch care.  Hang tough pfattkatt and you will beat this disease.

Wow... wish they would have had some of those procedures when my Dad had multiple myeloma back in the 80's. Sound slike the doctors have a great plan! Stay strong and positive!

Many prayers for you and your family man. May God's hands direct your doctor's hands.

Posted by Bootone on 3/17/2012 9:35:00 PM (view original):
Wow... wish they would have had some of those procedures when my Dad had multiple myeloma back in the 80's. Sound slike the doctors have a great plan! Stay strong and positive!

I've thought a lot about that.  In the past two years, I've had severe pancreatitis brought on by gall stones, and (completely unconnected) ampillary cancer that required the removal of my duodenum as well as parts of my intestines, liver, pancreas, and stomach (and I'm only 50).  Even ten years ago, let alone twenty, either situation would most likely have been a death sentence.  So many people talk about how they would love to live in the past - not I!  The 'romance' of the past doesn't hold a candle to the medical technology of today.

Prayers out to you as always pfatt.

My health problems seem miniscule to what you are going thru. You are in my thoughts and prayers as well.

BEST OF LUCK!!!!!  My wife has had stage 4 lung cancer for 4 1/2 yrs., & still walks 4-5 miles a day. You 2 are TOUGH!!!

God Bless Kat

Pfatt, I might have stopped playing Sim if it wasn't for you.  You gave me some sound advice when I needed it and offered to be my friend.  You're one of the best commissioners in the game and a true gentleman.  Though I am no psychic, I have a strong feeling you have many more years with us.  You're a fighter and you have a lot of people pulling for you.  If anyone can get through an ordeal like this, it's you.  Stay strong and positive and you'll get through this--and we all look forward having you back very soon. 

Go get em PK. Lots of positive thinking coming from the Pacific Northwest.