April 23, 2004

Main Page • John's Journal (2000-2003) • CLL Information • Contact John • Seattle Cancer Care Alliance • MD Anderson

 

 

Up at 6am to make it to a 7:30 lumbar puncture appointment at the SCCA. With an appointment this early, there was only one person to call. Michelle's dad, Bill. He is an early bird.

 

 

Lumbar Puncture Explained: Clear fluid circulates around everyone's brain and spinal cord. It is called cerebral spinal fluid. This fluid is made in the brain and its major function is to act as a cushion to protect the delicate brain and spinal cord tissue. In order to further protect these tissues, the body has made it difficult for medications to cross into this fluid. This is called the blood-brain barrier. In some cancers, cells can circulate in this fluid. It is important to know this because chemotherapy given by a standard infusion into the blood won't be able to reach these cells because of the blood brain barrier. To find out if there are cancer cells in this fluid, or to treat the fluid if cancer cells are found, it is necessary to do a lumbar puncture, also called a spinal tap.

If that little explanation wasn't enough for you, I have some pictures:







The after effects of the procedure were minimal. I have no pain what-so-ever, it just took a while to shake off the effects of the sedation. I was just a little off the rest of the day. What's new?

No more appointments until Monday. I have my last three-day weekend free. It will be easy for me to practice "deliberate joy" this weekend. On Monday, however, things heat up as have my data review where I consult with my transplant team about all the tests I have had and make the final
decision to move forward with transplant. If the data review gives me the green light the Hickman Port will be put in on Wednesday and I'll begin
conditioning chemotherapy on Saturday, May 1st. Four days of conditioning will set me up for the May 5th transplant date.

With all that lies ahead I will be clinging to God's promises to give me the strength I need. I am sure I've referenced this passage before, but I look to it often for encouragement:

" Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus-I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

Philippians 4: 4-7, 13

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