Same here. Smooth process. Harvested enough stem cells for two transplants in one session.
I had stem cells harvested in late August of 2023 and an autologous transplant September 1, 2023. It took 4 or 5 procedures to get enough stem cells and I needed injections of a drug to stimulate stem cell production. The stem cell collection was not as bad as it sounds.
I was sick after the transplant (normal reaction) and between September and December I lost 25 lbs due to a low appetite. But I am glad I did it. When they took the bone marrow biopsy in December, MM was in deep remission. Out of 7 million cells examined, no cancer was found. 10 months later, I feel great!
I was able to have the procedure at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. They do it as an outpatient procedure. We stayed at The Gift of Life Transplant House and my husband would push me in a wheelchair to and from the clinic each day.
We were in Rochester for about 6 weeks total and then in semi-quarantine for the remaining 100 days post transplant. That was the hardest part. We could go out but needed to wear masks and avoid people who were obviously sick.
I recommend the procedure.
It was a smooth process. The day before they placed a central line and gave me medicine that made me produce more stem cells. The next morning at 6 am, I was attached to the Apherisis machine for 8 hours. I didn't have to do a second day.
It was an excellent experience. Port installed in neck at 7am. Hooked to Apherisis machine at 8. Done by 3pm with 6.6 million stem cells collected. Only had to do Number 1 once under the sheets. They don’t want you going to the bathroom during the procedure because they have to stop the process.
Wife was there with my bologna sandwich for lunch.
A smooth process.
The context provides an experience of a person who underwent stem cell harvesting for multiple myeloma. Here are the key points from their experience:
- Preparation: They received daily injections of Nuprigen for a week to draw stem cells from the bone into the blood
- Port Placement: A Hickman catheter was placed in Show Full Answer