Stem Cell Discussion

I woke up this morning and already the air was thick.  It was only about 75 but the thunder heads were rolling in.  We never actually had a thunder storm today but all day the air was heavy.  Even Bill made a comment that it was like soup outside.

I had the appointment with the Doctor about the possibility of getting stem cell treatments, and they said he would call between 3:00 and 5:00.. 
It occurred to me that they were probably talking about Eastern Time so that would be Noon to 2:00 p.m. my time. 

As it was he called about 1:30 my time.  He did most of the talking .... explaining that this would be a 3 to 4 day process.  First they administer a drug that makes my stem cells happy and healthy.  Then they harvest them from my blood.  If those aren't good enough then they would take the stem cells from my bone marrow.  The stem cells are then looked at to make sure they are good and then the last day I would go in and have them infused into my blood and lung tissue. 

They will attach themselves to whatever they find damaged and repair it.  He said within 6 to 9 months I should see results.  Some people will be able to come off O2 during the day, others at night.  Some patients can do without their inhaled medication.

I asked him if he was affiliated with a hospital and he said no, this is done out of his clinic in Sarasota Florida.  He said that insurance will not cover this and the base cost is $5,700.00.  That does not count airfare or hotels and transportation.  He also mentioned because I would be coming from across the United States that he would most likely give me additional cells.  Then give me 9 months worth of medication afterward.  I would still be able to take all of my medication and none of this would effect my meds or present treatment.  There is of course no certainty. 

So I told him I would talk this over with my doctors and then I would call them back.  Most likely in August.

It's a lot to think about.  It's a lot of money for something that may or may not work.  Or is that the skeptic in me?  The coward who would prefer to stick my head in the sand and pretend that everything will be alright.  There is something to be said for denial.  I don't know.  I will sleep on it a few nights and talk to my doctor.  I want to check out this program and the doctor himself.  That's where I think my doctors can help me, tell me how to check on a program like this, and the doctor.

I was about to call it a day and go hide my head in a pillow, when I finally talked myself into going to Curves (which I really, really didn't want to).  I didn't want to miss a day.  I wasn't sure how my lungs would hold up with the air being so bad.  As it turned out, I did just fine. 

I had to give myself a pat on the back.  I REALLY didn't want to go workout.  I feel like if I just go every day I will be keeping my core strong, and will eventually begin to lose inches again.

Any how... I am tired.  Mentally exhausted from worrying about the stem cell stuff.  Why?  Because on a daily basis I can almost talk myself out of feeling sick or damaged.  Yes, I have a cannula around my face, and yes I have pain in my chest (the list goes on) ... but when you live with something everyday it becomes normal. 

Goodnight.