What is a SCT? Phase I - Preparation for Collection

We've had a lot of questions on timeline, process, and how to help. 

So let's focus on timeline and process:

Andy is going through an Autologous Stem Cell Transplant - which means we will be using his own blood.  No need for a donor.  

We continue with cycle 4 through February 13.  The process is to wait two weeks after the end of a cycle to start the SCT process, which leads us to February 28.  
But before then, Andy will start Claritin and Magnesium for a few days (I don't remember why and I don't remember how long he needs to take them for...just wrote that down in my book of questions!)

Then we move to the complete physical work up to ensure Andy is physically ready for the extreme toll he is about to take his body through. 

We also start daily Neupogen shots.  Neupogen shots will be used to stimulate the production of neutrophils (Clear as mud, right?).  Said another way, Neupogen will help stimulate production of stem cells in the blood that can be collected for the SCT. 

    LITTLE DETOUR - Instead of using bone marrow, we are using Stem Cells for Andy's transplant.  Stem Cells can be collected from the blood.  The Neupogen will help release stem cells from Andy's bone marrow into the blood, which will help with the collection.  

Friday, February 28 Andy will have a 'Trifusion Catheter Line' placed for the stem cell collection and the transplant.  The catheter is placed in his upper chest through intravenous sedation (Surgery #1!) But will be helpful so we don't have to keep place IV lines each time we go in for blood work, labs, chemo, etc.  Andy isn't thrilled about this part.  I can't blame him.  But I bet the do such a great job, he won't even notice it!

We will continue the Neupogen injections through the weekend.  Which means Andy and I will drive to the main Froedtert campus each day.  

Sunday we will also receive a Mozobil injection.  Mozobil will 'mobilize' the stimulated stem cells (from the Neupogen) from the bone marrow into the bloodstream, ready for collection. You guys...for fun...this is what our paperwork says..."Treatment with Mozobil should begin after the patient has received G-CSF (AKA neupogen)  once daily for four days. Mozobil should be administered approximately 11 hours prior to initiation of apheresis* (Apheresis is the procedure for collecting stem cells) for up to 4 consecutive days."  Now...technically, I know all that is happening...but, like what does that all actually say?  It's no wonder our heads our swimming, I read our handouts 100 times, and we are INCREDIBLY blessed with super smart friends that know exactly what we are reading to them and help us decipher all this nonsense!  

I'm assuming these appointments will be relatively quick...but I could be in for a big surprise.  

OK....I think that's enough for now...what do you think?  Next time, I'll review Phase II - Collection.