Introducing the next Cancerlebrity- Anna

WHOA. I can hardly think I’ve had such a rough day. Watch the videos to get an idea.
I really am in one big haze. I think it’s probably better to feel this way. At least, I’m out of pain.
First thing this morning, I called Melissa and Dr. Alyea. I always try both and take the information from whoever gets ahold of me first.
What happened next was inter-hospital collaboration at its best.
I told Melissa to call Meehan’s office, a allogenic transplant specialist at DHMC, but I didn’t know the number so I gave her Dr. G and Anna’s number.
Melissa said she’d work everything out. And she did, everybody did. I was so well taken care of.
I got to lie miserable on my couch, trying to medicate the pain away and stay still enough not to throw up, and Melissa got a hold of Anna.
Anna wanted to see me PRONTO. HOORAY ANNA!
I was told to come in, page Anna, and go directly to an isolation room WITH A BED! YES!
I did not want to leave the comfort of my own bed, but I’d get to go to another.
I made it to the clinic at DHMC sometime this morning to have my blood drawn, a chest X-ray, and get some fluids. Then went to the infusion room to cuddle up in bed and wait for Anna.
Anna did my intake and assessed me. Eventually she brought in Beth, Dr. Meehan’s nurse practitioner.
Everything was taken care of for me, everybody worked together quickly and efficiently, and I think I got great care.
I was worried who I would call if I got sick. I’d seen Dr. Meehan prior to my transplant so he could take over my care as I transitioned back from Dana Farber, but I’d only met him once.
I had faith in Dr. G and Anna, but if they say someone else is the best for me I’m going even though it means meaning another set of providers.
I decided I would just call everybody if that was what it was going to take and see who was available to take care of me first.
I have so many providers I can’t keep them straight. I have a special area for their cards so I can remember who belongs with who in what hospital and in which city.
I forgot how safe and comfortable I feel at DHMC. That feeling is priceless.
I got some fluids to “buff me up.” I’ll go back on Friday for more.
I was given some more ativan for my nausea, which effectively knocked me out for the day. I learned I’ve lost nine pounds from my base weight, or 4 lbs since Monday. Oops.
On better news, just so you know. ..
Yesterday Spain, Brittain and Italy have used a cadaver wind pipe and added adult human stem cells to transplant the pipe without the use of anti-rejection drugs. It’s a huge step forward in the realm of stem cell research. Notice, the United States did not take part.
Despite the fact that Roe v. Wade has been in effect since 1973, legalizing abortion, we continue to throw away precious undifferentiated embryonic stem cells every day. The federal government has chosen to thwart health technology in America by refusing to allow access to this “medical waste” that may hold the cure for cancers, neurological, and autoimmune diseases.
Spain, Brittan, and Italy apparently, have not chosen this route. Maybe, I’ll move there.