Today I went to Sheffield Hallamshire hospital to start my HSCT journey. The chemotherapy that is given is cyclophosphamide which is used to suppress the immune system. Along with the hydration infusion for 27+ hours, I had a lot of anti sickness drugs and steroids. I had to stay in overnight whilst hooked up to an IV of fluid to wash the toxicity of the chemo out of my body.
Three days before I started the chemo I went on a fasting mimicking diet which rejuvenates your stem cells and releases new ones. It is also known to lessen the side effects of the chemo. So three days before, one day during the chemo and one day after I fasted eating a plant based calorie controlled diet.
Arrived at hospital at 8am got hooked up to the drip machine and I don’t think I realised how much fluid I was going to have! I was hooked up to hydration fluids for 5 hours then had a short burst of steroids and anti-sickness drugs to support the bladder and prevent water infection, before the chemotherapy was eventually hooked up and administered. I was then moved to a ward where I continued to have hydration fluids for 24 hours. The number of times I have been to the toilet is ridiculous! And every time it had to be in a disposable toilet pan so the ratio of fluid input and output could be measured.
The only side effect I seemed to have was a funny under water feeling in my nose whilst it was administered.Obviously I know a longer term side effect is hair loss so I have had it cut short in preparation.
Hoping to be out of hospital tomorrow (Tuesday 12th) and not return until 16th when I will start injections to release my stem cells into my blood stream ready for harvest. Anyway enough about that, I’ll save it for another post.
Bye for now X
My MS Stem Cell Journey 