Well, today was the day I had been waiting for for almost 10 months. A lot of preparation has gone into this to get to this point. It was the day we arrived at the AA Maximov and Pirigov Centre for Cellular Therapy to be admitted and meet the Doctor.
The facility is a breath of fresh air in an otherwise bleak surrounding. The buildings are nestled on lush green grounds, with trees that appear to be some sort of maple that are just starting to get their fall colors.
When we arrived at the hospital, we first had to pass through the guard gate that blocks entry to the grounds. Let me tell you, when you are trying to explain why you are here to a few Russian guards who don't know any English, it becomes a very one sided conversation. Finally, once they determined we were here to see Dr. Fedorenko, one of them waved at us to follow him and he proceeded to walk us across the grounds to a lovely building. Dr. Fedorenko arrived and introduced himself to Tanya and I, and let me tell you, he is the breath of fresh air we have been waiting for.
I have heard from several people who have done this treatment before me that Dr. Fedorenko is a one of a kind, and he has definitely lived up to his reputation. First he took me down to admissions to get registered within the hospital system, then to the finance department to process the payment for my first week of testing.
This first week, is simply to determine that my body will be able to withstand the rigors of the treatment itself. This is one of the reasons I made the choice to come here, is that compared to some other facilities it has very high standards and safety protocols.
To summarize the tests that have been done to date: Blood testing (many vials!), EKG, echocardiogram, chest x-ray, sinus x-ray, lung function test, bacterial cultures of mouth, sinus and bowels, contrast MRI of head , neck and back, ultrasound of kidneys, liver and abdomen, ultrasound of the deep arteries in the legs, and opthamologic examination.
Tomorrow, Dr. Fedorenko and I will have the chance to sit down and discuss the results of all the testing to date, followed by a plan of action for the treatment period. Barring any
contraindications, stimulation shots for the stem cells may start before the weekend!
We are in the right place, with the right doctor. I feel completely at ease with the process and our comfort is of the utmost importance to our hosts. Keep your fingers crossed for Friday!