Transplant Prep Day 4

I almost forgot to share today’s picture!

Port Exchange

Mike had to get a new type of port for the stem cell collection tomorrow. It’s still a central line like his old one, but it has two access points that are always external. For those who like to research, it’s called a Hickman style port.

The two access points will be used simultaneously tomorrow when they collect his stem cells. They will draw his blood out with one, run it through a centrifuge that separates the blood parts, collect the stem cells, then return his blood to him all in one fluid motion (no pun intended!).

Tomorrow, Collection

Mike was told to eat tons of dairy products to boost his calcium intake for tomorrow’s collection, so he had ice cream for dinner 😂 And he’ll have yogurt and fortified oatmeal for breakfast, yogurt at lunch, and snack on some ice cream as a reward for his hard day when he gets home.

It’s been a crazy long day and tomorrow will be even longer. It’s time for bed! Whew!