I woke up tired this morning, I think I only got about 3 hours of sleep.  I was anxious about today’s stem cell harvesting, if I had made enough of the CD34 molecules, and if the whole process of harvesting my own stem cells would work.  At least, I felt I had done everything possible to help a positive outcome.  I have been eating well, resting, meditating, using positive imagery, and sending my prayers to the universe.  And, I know I have also been getting a lot of positive vibes from friends…

They took my bloods 8.30am, and sent them off to be analysed straight after.  I asked what the CD34 needed to be in order for them to be able to harvest the stem cells.  The nurse said, at least 10, but ideally higher.  I said they would be 15!  After the blood test, I had an appointment at the rehabilitation unit to see an occupational therapist, a physiotherapist, a dietician and a councillor in preparation for my admission.  I started to panic a little, as there could be a chance that I will not get my own room.  I cannot bear the thought being in a bay with strangers for three weeks.  That is not what I had planned.  It will be hard to get any peace in a bay, and my plan of a ‘retreat’ will not work.  Fingers crossed I will get my own room.

When I got back to the medical day unit at about 10.15am, I saw one of the senior nurses setting up the stem cell harvesting machine.  I desperately wanted to go and ask her if she was setting it up for me, but thought I better not disturb her, and went to the reception desk instead.  One of the nurses saw me, gave me thumbs up.  I rushed to her and asked if the CD34 was high enough.  She said it was 21.75!!  I almost could not believe it, and nor could the nursing staff.  I felt like I had just got an A+ on an exam.  They admitted they were surprised I had managed to develop enough stem cells after so many months of chemo.  I felt so moved.  I totally believe the week in Penny Brohn had helped.  I was the only one who had good results today; the other two patients also scheduled for the harvesting had not made enough stem cells.

I was ‘wired’ to the high tech stem cell harvesting machine (please see the pictures below).  It only took about three hours to harvest the cells, which were then sent to the lab to be checked if there was enough stem cells for the transplant.  There was a chance that I would need to go back tomorrow for more harvesting.  The nurse said it was quite likely as my white blood cells were not that high today.  However, I called them at 5pm to find out if I needed to go back there again, and the answer was I had made enough stem cells, and I did not need to go back tomorrow!  The nurse was amazed and said whatever I did before the harvesting, obviously worked.  The power of mind and spirit on the body, that what it is!  I have got to believe it when I see it.

So the stem cells are in the freezer now, ready for the transplant.  I have few more tests before next week’s admission: heart, kidney and lung function tests.  I have no doubt I will pass these with flying colours.

I feel like celebrating, I am so happy!  But, I will postpone the party, as I am exhausted after poor night of sleep and a day of harvesting.  I am going to chill out at the hotel where I have been since last night, and will trek home tomorrow.  I might treat myself with a nice cup of organic white tea with hint of vanilla accompanied by an organic dark chocolate brownie!

The stem cell harvesting machine. All ready to go!

The yellow bag is my plasma, and the stem cells are in the 'red' bag.

It looks so 70s, yet so high tech! An amazing piece of equipment.

Obviously they used my LTS line for the harvesting. Blood went into the machine from one of the catheter ends (blue) and then came back to me via the machine through the catheter on the right.

The harvesting is finished and the nurse taking the bag down.

The nurse is packing the plasma and the stem cells to be picked up the specialist stem cells lab people.