Update 2023-0922

Stem Cell Rescue - Day 0

A very big day. A very short update.

Today I welcomed back part of the stem cells (8 million of our stash of 23 million for today’s infusion) we collected last week. It’s a big day for so many reasons. The Care Team calls it Day 0, a new birthday. By this point in the treatment, those cells are everything. We took them out, cleared the bone marrow of remaining stem cells and cancer cells. With today’s transplant of stem cells, we have every reason to expect a solid, long remission.

l’m doing remarkably well. Got through the infusion with only minor side effect issues. It is the preservative DMSO used for the cells that is a little problematic, so they give good dose of Benadryl IV, so now I’m just sleepy.

Again I held this bag of life giving cells in my hands in a symbolic gesture of welcome and intention. I was busy managing side effects and not able to speak much at this point and so Jackie read this blessing for me as the cells began their return. It has been a long and blessed day.

Intention for Welcoming Stem Cells*

I am both in my body, experiencing, and I am floating over, serving as witness and protector along with my beloved partner, we have surrendered to time as we await my resurrection. 

With the help of sure, capable, kind hands, seen and unseen, with the benefits of swiftly advancing science and medicine, and ingenious equipment too, created just for this purpose, for this body, and these circumstances,

And with all the prayers and good wishes continuing to collect, drawn to me and my beloved from all directions, enveloping us in a gentle cushion of protection and support, 

With my old life and its old disease gone, but nothing yet to replace it,

Sourcing strength and support following the powerful force that entered my body, sending its healing, cleansing energy all the way down to my marrow to purify and to cleanse, making it ready to welcome the protected stem cells back. 

My life and my breath now balance at the midpoint, as I welcome this gift of fresh stem cells coaxed from my marrow, prepared, and kept safe. My mind is clear, and my heart is strong and open to welcoming this new chance at life with outstretched, grateful, loving arms,

And I will be present, as with all those holding this space with me, and will do all the things necessary during the waiting time to help these new stem cells settle in, take hold, and be the new strength for a solid, long remission.

May you stay safe, be well, love much and be loved, and have a life of ease.  💕

With all our love,
Mary & Jackie

_________________

* Adapted from the words in “A Guided Meditation to help with Stem Cell Therapy” by Belleruth Naparstek.