28. Port In and Ready for Tomorrow's Apheresis (Stemmie-removal day)

Без труда́ не вы́тащишь и ры́бку из пруда́.
                                                                          No pain, no gain.
Literal: Without effort, you can't even pull a fish out of the pond.

Another quick note day (lucky you!).  Mostly updating process:

Got a bit better sleep last night owing to sleeping pill and disregard of some online drama, so feeling good!

1.  I've finished my 4th Solumedrol IV and that IV line has been removed (YAY!)

2.  I have 3 of 4 nights' Neupogen shots behind me, one to go (tonight)

Bone pain is there, but moderate in comparison to CIDP pain so not much to worry over at all.

3.  Catheter has been surgically inserted into my juggler vein (see bad photo below) and I have had my xray to be sure it's in place. It was truly not painful (slight pressure, weird feeling tubes pushed down about to heart) and it's not bothersome though it's a bit ugly.  I thought perhaps if Ashley was here, she'd help me spray paint it gold and decorate it with some stick-on Swarovski crystals or something. Miss my accessory advisor granddaughter today!.  

4.  Tomorrow at 8:30 I begin to have stem cells removed. If enough tomorrow, no 2nd day repeat. Think postive!

So here it is - a bit like an octopus attached to my neck. I'll just pretend I got it snorkeling with the kids off Maui. It's really all in how you look at things, isn't it. Yes, tired in the bloodshot eyes for sure. Need sleep! And that's my dorky fake smile. I just didn't want the kids to be scared, though. 

Just a NOTE: Love to my family, friends!  I'm doing well. Don't worry.  Rain in Moscow earlier today and so not so sad to now be hospital bound.  Two very nice 'new' HSCT patients arrived today, one I'd known for years. Jamie (CIDP) and Sue (MS) will now join the journey at their own pace.  Sheeba continues to delight me. And Iliana can now convers with us since Sue knows some Russian.  Nice people!