Day -2

Well I’ve made it through another day unscathed. My last dose of Busulfan was at 1:00 AM and then I started Cytoxan at 6:00 AM. Prior to the Cytoxan I received 2 anti-nausea meds (I don’t remember their names), Adavan (to relax me) and Mesna (to protect my bladder). The Cytoxan infusion only lasted an hour and all I felt was a slight burning in my nostrils, a common side effect. Twice today I was given additional anti-nausea drugs as part of the regimen. I understand from the nurses that most side effect symptoms won’t rear their ugly heads during my 6-day prep, but will instead show up about a week after my transplant – I know, it makes no sense to me either, but what do I know?

I have to admit, it is extremely unnerving to put all these poisons and drugs into my body. It just seems wrong, yet it’s what I need to do to prepare myself for the new bone marrow which will ultimately keep me alive for many years to come. It’s kinda like flying in an airplane I guess, which seems impossible and unnatural yet it’s the best (and the only way in my case) to get from point A to point B?

I am very tired again tonight and expect to feel more and more fatigued as my marrow and counts are taken down. Only two more days and I’ll be heading out the other side of this nightmare.