Stem the Tide: Bridget’s HSCT Blog

 Hi everyone, We are home and happy to be here. I wish I could give some amazing update but the truth is, it’s going to be a few months before anything changes. I am seeing my Hematologist and checking my bloodwork. That’s really all there is to do.  I’ve started MS Gym, which is an online program for all levels and of people with MS. They’ve partnered with my neural sleeve company (Cionic) and they understand the needs of those of us who are post-HSCT.  I’ll also start seeing a Physiatrist to help get my strength back.  It’s going to be just the two of us for awhile here. I’m actually fine knowing I don’t have to cook for thanksgiving. Missing the kids but happy to have this time to heal.  Happy Thanksgiving to all,   Bridget 

Well it is a darn good thing that I’m not at all competitive because it seems I’ve somehow finished in last place down here. Dead last.  In my football league that I’ve been in for over 20 years you actually win money if you come in last. Here, the only thing you win is an extra day in prison paradise. ☹️ No worries though. I just needed an extra day to recover and I’m told this is a sign that my stem cell transplant was successful.  We are very excited to go home and start the recovery stage, albeit a day late and a couple hundred dollars short (I decided to splurge on first class seats- we’ve earned it, haven’t we?) I’ll try and keep this blog updated so you can see how I’m doing at home.  As I said in a prior post it may take a year or even two to know what benefits I might see from this.  To all who’ve followed my journey and sent messages of support and encouragement, it really has meant the world to me. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.   Xoxo Brid...

That’s my title down here at Clinica Ruiz. My main job is dialing “606” and saying something like this: “Hola! Caregiver will have the braised pork loin dinner with mashed potatoes and street corn and I guess throw in one of the banana split desserts (see pic below). For the Patient, just toast again with PB&J on the side. Room 406. Gracias!” As we all know, Bridget is determined and a fighter and those are the reasons we are here fighting back at this disease. This last week has been rough as she had an uncomfortable port put in her chest on Sunday, and then on Monday had her stem cells removed for three hours, followed by another five hours of chemo. Got back “home”  at 10 pm and then headed back out for the final 5 hour round of chemo at 8:30 AM on Tuesday. Wednesday is the day we’ve been waiting for which is known as the “Stem Cell Birthday!” Her stem cells were successfully “rehabilitated” and put back in her body. The port was removed, pictures were taken, and smiles and ...

Week number two is behind us. Mostly, it was injections and doc appts at the clinic every day.  I wish I could say it was amazing, but in reality it was……boring. But, we are halfway now and I’m feeling good.  I decided to participate in the painting activity. What was supposed to be Lilies on the Pond, took a turn for the worse at the end. It’s now called McDonalds French Fries on the Pond (photo below). Warning…. Once you look you cannot unsee it. 🍟🍟🍟🍟🍟 The food here has been amazing for Jeff. For me, it’s mostly toast. I just don’t have an interest in eating, standing, walking, etc. I was able to catch up on my sleep in preparation for these next few days.  Lucky for me I have a new friend who is a fabulous German hairdresser (the lovely wife of one of the patients).  With our hair already falling out, we all decided it was time for a buzz.   I’m currently at Hospital Puebla. Today I had my port in. Tomorrow will be stem cell retrieval, followed by more c...