KEITH'S JOURNEY TO MOSCOW TO RID HIMSELF OF MS
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for MS
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DAY+16: DISCHARGE DAY

11/10/2013

23 Comments

 
What a wonderful day here at the Pirigov National Medical Surgical Centre.  Why you may ask??
Today is my official day of discharge from the autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation program.  Complete blood biochemistry was drawn early this morning to ensure that all parameters were functioning within normal limits.
TODAY'S FINAL BLOOD VALUES:
Hemoglobin: 108
Leukocytes:  11.62 (mildly high, but not unexpected over the first week of recovery)
Platelets: 300
All other biochemistry, coagulation tests,  ALT, AST, creatinine, calcium, uric acic, blood sugars, electrolytes, all within normal limits.  Upon examination, Dr. Fedorenko did question how much fatigue I am experiencing, which is quite high right now.  He explained it was a two fold reason.   One, chemotherapy and rituximab still working in my system, and two; that I am still pretty anemic after the therapy.  One of the saving graces of this lymphoblative or non-myeloblative HSCT regimes, is that it is relatively sparing of the red blood cells and hemoglobin...but only to an extent.  They are still reduced to about 60% of their normal resting values, but this should recover quite well over the next month.  With that, comes energy and a bit more pep in the step.  So what helps with fatugue?  How about a huge slow acting steroid shot in the bottom...sold!  Did the trick!
Since all testing came back normal today, I also got to say goodbye to my sublclavian line which has been hanging off my right collar bone for the last month!  Check this out!

Picture
Just to clarify what it is you are looking at.  You can see the dark blue catheter being held by the nurses hand...that portion to the right was external, had three ports which were used to take blood, use IV's etc.  The light blue portion to the left (about 8" long) was inserted into the Subclavian Vein.  The reason, is that whenever a medication or fluid is injected, it is immediately perfused throughout the body due to it's proximity to the heart. 

We were able to escape for a trip to a local store where I devoured two ice cream sandwiches and came back to the hospital to await Dr. Fedorenko and Dr. Julia's marching orders.  I have been provided with strict instructions regarding medications, foods that can be eaten or avoided and general lifestyle guidelines.  I can expect symptoms to temporarily get worse for the first few months after treatment.  This is understandable, given all the physical stress that I have put my body through.  
    But the most important message you are left with is, exercise, eat well, do your physio regularly and live life!  They all say that even if treatment is not 100% successful in the conventional way, if you live by these facets, you've already won....100%
I'll leave you with a few pics from today and on a very high note!

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Some sunshine on a fresh bald head...feels kinda great!

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Enjoying some fresh air!

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All star head nurse Galeena

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Dr. Julia, myself, and Dr. Fedorenko

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Mom, Dr. Julia, myself and Dr. Fedorenko 

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Still one of my favorite pictures of this magnificent hospital!

We are gearing up for our return home early Monday to reunite with our loved ones.  To all of you who offered your thoughts, prayers, support, emails, etc.....thank you, thank you, thank you!!!  This experience has been difficult, but accomplishable with the love of others.
I will likely take a break from blogging for a bit.  Most of what occurs from here on in is measured in months, not days or weeks.  I will do my best to send regular updates, likely after a month or so, as my body takes time to heal and regain some of it's old strength and stamina! 
One last time, on discharge.....Love from Moscow!
23 Comments
Robin
11/10/2013 03:16:15 am

WONDERFUL
wow....THANKYOU for this blog Keith. 😊

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Jo Lennie
11/10/2013 03:18:37 am

Mission accomplished! Hey Keith, you look great....I know you have to really rest up now and take care of yourself but I am sure you will be happy to do so at home sweet home. Safe travels. Hope to see you soon.




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Chris
11/10/2013 05:04:22 am

Eh bro. Congratulation!! I am so incredibly proud of you. This took an amazing amount of courage n your part and it shows deep to your true character. We are looking forwards to your arrival home. We love you!!

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Struss family
11/10/2013 05:54:08 am

Awesome news!!!!

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Dave & Katrina Nicholson
11/10/2013 06:19:25 am

Amazing courage and strength Moorsey!
Safe travels home

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Debs
11/10/2013 06:59:18 am

Yah bro- congrats!!! We are all waiting across the big pond to see you. Safe travels to you and mom.

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Kristy
11/10/2013 10:00:39 am

Proud of you! You're numbers are WAY better than mine were at discharge! The depo shot is something I loved and cursed at the same time. But now mine has worn off, I have crashed BIG time. Expect it and roll with the punches. Enjoy those gorgeous kids of yours when you get home!

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Sally Stelling
11/10/2013 12:32:54 pm

You look fantastic Keith. I'm definitely looking forward to your next update, even if it is a month away.

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joanne kyle
11/10/2013 04:31:28 pm

WOW!!! What an incredible journey - one that will provide so many memories and emotions!!! Wishing you a comfortable trip home and so glad you will be back safe and in the comfort of your family. Keep up that amazing positive attitude of yours ;)

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Hillary
11/10/2013 10:58:28 pm

So glad things worked out well. Safe travels home. I know you have lots of people who have been counting down these days and are so excited! You'll have to get pics of the boys when they see you for the first time after so long! I'm sure it will be something you treasure! Looking forward to seeing you when you are settled in.

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Amy
11/10/2013 11:20:54 pm

Yahoooooooooooooooo

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Stephanie P
12/10/2013 11:59:19 am

Dr. Moore!!! I just finished reading your entire blog... started at day 1 and just couldn't stop. Went to the clinic this week for a long overdue adjustment, and the assistant filled me in and pointed me to your blog. What a journey!! Congratulations and I wish you a speedy recovery. Take care and see you soon!

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Cheryl
12/10/2013 12:15:55 pm

So excited for your return! Now we need another lonestar outing! You up for it! So happy for you, Tan and the boys.
Love ya lots
Cheryl, Bob, Cam and Mags XOXO

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Angie Mullen
13/10/2013 10:34:46 am

Hooray Keith! Happy Thanksgiving to you!!!

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Krista
13/10/2013 11:29:13 am

Safe travels home Keith. Can't wait to see you when you get back. Congrats on all of your hard work to date.

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Blair and Robyn
13/10/2013 05:52:08 pm

Best wishes to you on the next leg of your battle, Keith. We just heard about what you've been going through and will look forward to hearing positive news about how your body responds to the treatment. What a great hope for all sufferers of MS. Enjoy being home with your family!

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lynn
13/10/2013 10:14:16 pm

Amazing! I've loved reading your blog but will be more excited when you return home to your family.
Such an incredible journey, and looking forward to your recovery!!

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Dorothy Shaw
14/10/2013 02:34:51 am

Absolutely wonderful news! Safe journey home. Is peach jam on your approved food list? Rest and relaxation for the next weeks.

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Adam
16/10/2013 03:53:27 am

Way to go, Mr. Keith. You should keep the Heisenberg hair, though (Breaking Bad reference if you haven't watched the show. And if you haven't, then watch it!).

In honour of your awesomeness, the Sens pulled out the comeback victory last night. They all respect Big K!

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Ross & Cathy Duncan
21/10/2013 07:17:42 am

Hi Keith
We were in to the office today and learned about your journey. Boy, are we out of date! We enjoyed reading your very informative Blog. Black Donald / Centennial Lake is truly an Inspiration. Wishing you all the best in your recovery. Hope to see you soon. Take care, Ross & Cathy

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Francine
22/10/2013 08:41:09 am

Hi Keith
Hope you are recovering well. I am being a little selfish here but after reading your blogs every day....11 days is a long time with no news. My fingers are crossed for you and hope you are doing well. please give us a sign :-)

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Amanda
24/10/2013 06:50:43 am

Dr. Moore! Wow! I just found out about this blog and read it from start to finish! It is amazing how much you have been through and how positive you were through it all, what an inspiration! Loved all the pictures! I hope you are enjoying your time at home now and hope you are doing well!! Take care, and hope to see you as soon as you are ready! :)

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Pamela Russell and family
26/10/2013 12:53:32 am

Keith, we are so proud of you and have been following your experiences with you. We are glad you are back home and on your way to starting your new life with your lovely family!!!
Congratulations on your successful treatment and we can't wait to see you and hear all about it!

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