Following Monday's good news that there was enough stem cells in my blood stream Jen and I headed off to MRI yesterday morning for an 8.30am harvest.
Stem cells are harvested by a line out of my arm that pumps the blood from the vein under pressure, through a machine that using a centrifuge to spin and separate the blood. The stem cells then find their way into a bag for future storage, whilst the remaining blood is returned back to my body via a canular into my other arm.
The process takes around 5 hours and you need to sit incredibly still (particularly your left arm) - having a wee was a bit of an experience and not one for those who are slightly embarrassed!!!
Each stem cell transplant requires around 2 million stem cells. The stem cell team came to see me and were hoping for around 4 million, they always try to take enough for 2 transplants, stem cells can be stored for up to 10 years so if I needed another one I wouldn't have to go through this process again. Given my height, weight and the fact I'm a fairly, ahem, young patient they decided to try for 6 million cells.
The day was long and tiring, not just for me but for Jen. We finally left MRI around 4.15pm battling our way through the traffic on the Mancunian Way to get home at 5.20pm.
The stem cell team rang at 6pm to say they hadn't got the exact figure but it was between 10 & 12 million stem cells - so I didn't need to return today as they are happy they have got enough 😉
The transplant team came to see me whilst I was on the machine and I am booked in for the actual transplant - it all takes place during week commencing 22/8 although I have several appointments beforehand. However the harvest has gone well, it couldn't have gone any better and the first stage is now over.
Time to rest up now and get ready for the next stage.
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