Apheresis

[Otterfield]

Sorry for posting so frequently in the past few days, but I thought I would share this bit of the start of my SCT journey.

Some people with MF have a high number of peripheral stem cells in circulation. If this is the case, they can extract, freeze and store them to return to the patient just in case the graft fails. Obviously if that happened, the patient would still have MF and have a long recovery period but would at least still be alive. It's like an insurance policy and my consultant has assured me that it's unlikely that they would have to use it.

The process of extraction is called Apheresis and I had the procedure on Friday. The whole thing took about 5 hours and involved cannulas in both arms so it was quite restrictive, but it's reassuring to have had it done.

[Cja1956]

Thanks for sharing this. I’ve never heard of it before. No apology necessary. All the information we can get is helpful.

[Mostew]

Always good to see your posts . Thank you for info

[ksos]

I'm sorry to just be catching up on this, but want to give you all the support in your decision that I can, and I'm glad to read whatever you want to share with us as you go through this.

I took care of a friend as she had a STC, many years ago now. She had MDS and the procedure gave her a number of good years she wouldn't have had otherwise. I was, and am, constantly in awe of what medicine is able to do. Best of luck to you in this.

[mhos61]

Hi Jennie, that makes perfect sense, and it must be reassuring for you. Like Cindy, I was not aware of this process either.

Don’t ever apologise, you need this forum more than ever now. We can also learn from you, and who knows when anyone of us maybe in the same position and need that extra support.

Sounds like you have an excellent team!

[JediReject]

Always wise to have a plan B Jennie, , I'm sure not a single one of us has any objection to you posting as often as feel you need or want to so dont worry on that score. It's not always ideal being hooked up to a machine for longish periods but anything like that with bloods can't be hurried along, Not too bad if using a drip stand because it's mobile.

One learns to be a very patient patient after a while. Well done and Thanks for sharing your news with us.

Chris

[Hopetohelp]

Thanks for sharing x

[Wyebird]

Thank you don’t you dare stop posting- this is a huge ordeal for you. I do hope you continue to do so. I’m wishing you well on this unpleasant but extremely encouraging journey

[Hydranga18]

Good luck … Thanks for sharing

[mark382]

Please don't apologise, just share away. We are on the journey with you. Hopefully it gives you some comfort to know your virtual friends are by your side giving you support and helping you through unknown times.

[JP1952]

Hi Otterfield, I agree with the other posts that you have no need to apologize. What you are undertaking is huge and communication with others who have been affected or may be affected is a good thing. We have all felt the need to reach out to understanding and sympathetic friends otherwise we wouldn't be on this site. I know it is a great comfort to me.

I have to say your post is not at all about feeling sorry for your self or complaining. I think you are incredibly brave. In fact the information you shared about apheresis and peripheral stems is really interesting , although not a pleasant procedure for you, a good back up plan.

I wish you all the best on this journey and hope you continue to share your story.

[EmeraldA]

Thanks for sharing! It's good to be as knowledgeable as possible and learning from others here is essential. Without the knowledge that people have on here I may never have wrapped my head around ET. X

[Bullace]

Thanks so much for sharing this info. I am at the beginning of a similar journey and any information on what happens is so helpful.

[JeniMac]

We are all here to Support each other so post away. I have had lots of support on here. It's the group no one would like to be in but we are so need each other. It's also a learning curve for us all and if one person could use any of the information others give that can only be a bonus.Take Care and keep us all imformed of your progress.

[champ30]

Thanks for sharing .... Keep smiling and informing if able !! We want to be with you on your journey.

[Annula]

Well done you! I think stem cell treatment is possibly the way forward.Fingers crossed for a long & happy life.

[azaelea]

I echo what everyone else has said. Thank you for sharing and I wish you all the best in your journey. I admire your bravery. Hope and prayers it all goes well. xx Fran

[ConniesDad]

Hi Jennie. Thanks for this information. I too am about to embark on the STC journey and didn’t know about this procedure. I will be sure to discuss this with my consultant when I see him in a couple of weeks. Garry

[pj1963]

And I must echo what everyone else has said. I value everything you tell us about your journey to SCT and beyond, Jennie. How interesting about apheresis (I'd never heard of it).

[Tintins]

Thank you for sharing. It is always interesting to read your posts. Thinking of you and wishing you all the best.

[Wewo01]

Hi Otterfield,Your post is appreciated! Sending hugs and prayers for excellent results as you go through this process. Keep us posted on your progress.

[Meatloaf9]

Thank you for posting and the best always on your journey. Hoping you have a very successful transplant with minimal discomfort and many many years ahead of you.

[nightshadow]

Glad the apheresis went well. I hope the rest of the transplant goes smoothly and you feel better soon. Personally I feel that one of the great things about this site is that you can come on and talk about what's bothering you and get stuff off your chest without having to put too much of a burden on friends and family.