After the bone marrow transplant
March 22nd, 2009
Well, the best way I can say it is that the bone marrow transplant was both very stressful and anti-climactic at the same time. It was scheduled at 10:30 am here on Friday, and all was ready, not too nervous, but then there was some sort of delay in the operating room (OR, I guess) – hopefully not too bad for the person (people) involved – but we had to wait an extra 2 hours. As everyone can probably guess or relate to, the waiting kinda sucked. But finally the wait was over and I was whisked away in my bed down to the OR. I haven’t had surgery since I was 3 years old, so it was interesting to see the ceiling whizzing by. Got to the OR, got on the operating bed on my right side to take the marrow from my left hip, and then I laid there listening to all the activity (in Chinese!) around me wondering when the general aneshetic would start to kick in so I could stop thinking about size of the needle they were going to use! And then, after what seemed like less than a minute, the doctor says, “OK, all finished.” I was stunned and impressed. The anaesthetic was so good I literally felt nothing. What a relief! Half an hour in the recovery room flirting with the nurses in my (very) limited Chinese and I was back in my room. A few hours a bit groggy, and then I felt fine. 24 hours of strict bedrest was imposed, though; but as I was weak as a babe, it was no problem. Still recovering and weak today (Sunday), but the most major procedures are now over. The next lumbar puncture will be on Wednesday afternoon Mar. 25 here (14 hours earlier in Calgary). I will try to give a more exact time when I can.
Oh, I forgot the best part! At 8:00 on Friday morning, while I was still dozing in bed, I had the unique experience of having a nurse come in and shave my entire hips and bum – with a safety razor no less! Certainly an interesting way to start an interesting day!
Entry Filed under: ms,Uncategorized
8 Comments Add your own
1. Claudia | March 22nd, 2009 at 9:05 pm
Dear Jason, good to hear that all is going on relatively smoothly. You are still in my prayers. Sending love your way. Hare Krishna!
2. Teri Youck | March 23rd, 2009 at 3:24 am
Hi Jason,
I can’t believe that you were actually conscious for the bone marrow extraction! And thank heavens you were still awake enough to flirt with the nurses afterwards! Whew! haha
. Looking really forward to hear how Wednesday goes. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers!
Teri
3. Stephen Williams | March 23rd, 2009 at 6:39 am
Hi… glad to hear that all is going well. Best wishes from Edmonton.
4. howdie | March 23rd, 2009 at 9:43 am
you seem to have passed the first stage there jason.
don’t forget, there is likely something else there for you to see or experience or understand while in china- keep your attention up, especially in moments that seem like nothing is going on, to catch the underlying omens of the dream state. there is likely more happening in china than just your time in the hospital
cheers
h
5. Curtis Nicholson | March 24th, 2009 at 12:24 am
Jason, your courage here is inspirational. We have not spoken in some time (a phone call I believe when I was in Calgary about 3 years ago). My apologies for letting it go that long. I really look forward to reading your blog updates.
Your long lost cousin,
Curtis
6. Susan | March 24th, 2009 at 9:19 am
Hey Jason,
This sounds pretty intense, incredible and in your very Jason tone somewhat amusing. I am glad to see that this has not been as painful as expected and that you are keeping your humour about you.
Warm, thoughts, hugs and prayers,
Susan
ps. You are right it is a very auspicious time for all religions and I hope their blessings are with you.
pps. Careful with the flirting in Chinese, the slightest intonation can completely change the meaning of a word from mother to cow and this is not a mistake that you want to make!
7. Home Heating | February 28th, 2012 at 12:41 pm
Thank you amazing blog, do you have twitter, facebook or something similar where i can follow your blog
Sandro Heckler
8. JasonN | March 2nd, 2012 at 12:53 am
Hi Sandro,
Thanks for your post. I am not on twitter, but I have a facebook account. I don’t really blog, though. This was just during my treatment. Perhaps I should… Your kind words are appreciated. I mostly get spam on this blog these days!
Warmly,
Jason Nicholson
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