Not so Scary after all!

Day 8

Today started again with the early morning 3am injection, couldn't get back to sleep so downloaded my Woman's Day to find out the goss on The Bachelor, very disappointing story - not enough detail, sounds like he turned out to be a big dud!!

Got a bit of sleep afterwards which was great as it was well needed, still awake by 7am though.  The lovely Anastasia popped in to let me know what was happening today, goodness this girl works hard, I'd already heard people sing her praises and let me tell you she deserves them all.  Dr Fedorenko also pops in to let me know what's happening, he also so very busy but always gives you the time to answer any questions you have and make you feel at ease - yes I will probably continually bang on about how wonderful these two people are as they are!!

Another Aussie, Prue, arrived today.  Had a quick chat with Prue and her mum but I was feeling quite uncomfortable so had to go and lie down.

Today was the day I was a bit scared about - no actually - a lot scared about.  It was time to get my catheter jugular line inserted ready for Apheresis (stem cell collection).  It's different for everyone it seems, some have struggled while others haven't, the thought of it just made me feel queasy and it really doesn't look that appealing either!  Paul isn't allowed in the room but Anastasia will be so I ask if she will hold my hand - "of course I will my dear, I will be with you", she is so calming.  Off upstairs, Matt & I will both be having it done, he's also a bit nervous, I go in first. 



A few minutes after the jugular line insertion

The doctor and assistant are also both gorgeous Russian girls and very lovely.  I lay on the table and I have to look to the left out the window.  Anastasia comes in and holds my hand the whole time.  They all chatter in Russian and Anastasia lets me know they are talking about general things, I still feel nervous but very safe.  The anaesthetic (which I was dreading) was really not that bad, just a bit of sting, pressure when they put the tube in and a warmth spread across my chest.  Anastasia told me to stay calm and breathe normally and I just concentrated on the breathing which helped so much, I wanted it to go smoothly and work the first time so keeping calm was definitely the thing to do.  At the finish there is some pressure, I guess to make sure it is in place, but it wasn't too uncomfortable.  The stitches hurt a little as I could feel them a bit and the pulling to tie them off but again nothing overly concerning.  And then it is done, they help me sit up and that is very weird, it feels quite heavy in the neck and you feel like you can't turn your head.  Feeling like a bit like a princess at the moment so need a bit of a cuddle from Paul.  Matt's turn!! 

When Matt is finished we go upstairs for an x-ray to make sure the catheter is in the correct position - all good for both of us so that's a great relief!  Not so Scary after all!!



Fellow patient Aaron cheering me up!  

Still feeling like a bit of a Princess so head downstairs for a rest.  Feeling a bit of pain (think from injections) so Anastasia organises the nurse to give me some pain relief..  Expecting an injection in the bum but no, now that I have this amazing neck accessory the drugs can go straight in there.  Bit hungry as I wasn't keen on the morning tea today and Jenny had asked if there was anything I needed when they went out, Pizza was my answer and boy did she come through with the yummiest salami pizza, thank Jen xx  It's quite weird to eat and drink now as it's like you feel everything going down the left side of your throat..  No problem, just a weird feeling.


Feeling so much better after some sleep

Sleep time and as I close my eyes I see Paul snuggling up on the couch as well.  He's my rock as I've mentioned before and I couldn't be doing this without him, he's burning the candle at both ends as well and I couldn't be luckier to have him here with me!

That's about it I think.  Chat with Emma, love our chats, will miss her when she leaves tomorrow but so happy she is on her way home to see her family and start her next phase of recovery.  Nice stew for dinner, time for Paul to head off and time for a Skype with Irene, we could talk all night, she's so easy to chat to!

Big Day Tomorrow - Its time for Apheresis!! 
(time to try out the Tena's Trudes!!)