Tom Scholberg
Well-known member
Hi everybody. First and foremost I can't thank everyone enough for your support over my adventure this last year plus. It really does feel like family here.
Now on to what has been going on with my medical situation. After the two surgeries a year ago last fall to remove the tumor in T7 vertibra I was on a chemo program through most of the summer. I was scheduled for a stem cell transplant at Mayo in Sept. Something happened down there and I was called 2 weeks early, we had everything covered here so off we went. One of our neighbors is working on sainthood, she moved into the house with her two dogs and took care of everything while we were gone. Not having to think twice about our two guys while we were gone was one of the best stress reliefs we could have had. In Rochester we stayed at a house that was just for transplant patients so everyone had the same germ concerns. There are 2 houses that can accommadate 80 patients and caregivers. You rent the room with private bath and share kitchen/ dining facilities.
After 3 days of prep the process starts. I was fortunate enough to harvest enough stem cells for two transplants in one session. Next day I had a central line installed that allowed the staff to take lab samples, administer the chemo and give me my stem cells back without needle sticks every time. Next day they hit me with some really nasty chemo to " clean out the garden". One day of rest and I got my healthy frozen stem cells back. Then every day for the next 5 weeks I had lab work done and usually got some IV fluids. Finally I got cleared to head out, seemed strange to be out in the world driving and going home. After 60 days from transplant I went back to Mayo for a checkup and they told me I wouldn't have to come back for the 100 day checkup. Now I am on a maintenance drug and will be for ????
A few interesting things. I lost 40 pounds and am having a tough time getting it back. My moustache grew right back but hair and beard are taking their sweet time.
All in all I am feeling pretty good and planning next season
Now on to what has been going on with my medical situation. After the two surgeries a year ago last fall to remove the tumor in T7 vertibra I was on a chemo program through most of the summer. I was scheduled for a stem cell transplant at Mayo in Sept. Something happened down there and I was called 2 weeks early, we had everything covered here so off we went. One of our neighbors is working on sainthood, she moved into the house with her two dogs and took care of everything while we were gone. Not having to think twice about our two guys while we were gone was one of the best stress reliefs we could have had. In Rochester we stayed at a house that was just for transplant patients so everyone had the same germ concerns. There are 2 houses that can accommadate 80 patients and caregivers. You rent the room with private bath and share kitchen/ dining facilities.
After 3 days of prep the process starts. I was fortunate enough to harvest enough stem cells for two transplants in one session. Next day I had a central line installed that allowed the staff to take lab samples, administer the chemo and give me my stem cells back without needle sticks every time. Next day they hit me with some really nasty chemo to " clean out the garden". One day of rest and I got my healthy frozen stem cells back. Then every day for the next 5 weeks I had lab work done and usually got some IV fluids. Finally I got cleared to head out, seemed strange to be out in the world driving and going home. After 60 days from transplant I went back to Mayo for a checkup and they told me I wouldn't have to come back for the 100 day checkup. Now I am on a maintenance drug and will be for ????
A few interesting things. I lost 40 pounds and am having a tough time getting it back. My moustache grew right back but hair and beard are taking their sweet time.
All in all I am feeling pretty good and planning next season
