Every so often I need to put aside the pithy puns and erudite alliterations, and get down to some hard core science. Because after all, that's a big part of what this cancer journey is about - those scientific stops along the road that perplex us and enlighten us all at once. Understanding what is happening to us physiologically, even if we don't fully grasp what is happening to us emotionally or what is even happening to us AT ALL.
As part of my therapy, I received an autologous Stem Cell Transplant (SCT) in January of 2018 (using my own stem cells). As a result of the preliminary chemo treatments, and that culminating SCT process, much of my cancer was eradicated. In its place, as part of the grand plan, new cancer-free cells in my bone marrow have begun to reproduce and re-establish a healthy immune system.
SCT 101: An additional byproduct of my SCT was that it wiped out most of the childhood vaccinations, immunizations or inoculations (whatever you want to call them) that had been working within my body for the past 60 years or so. Therefore, Stem CELL Transplant patients are at a higher risk of infection until their immune systems become stronger. Vaccination can protect the transplant patient from infections such as childhood diseases, influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia. It is recommended that this re-immunization occur one year after the completion of the stem cell transplant. And since I have reached that 12-month milestone, the time has come.
Empathy is a powerful emotion, and I now have enhanced empathy for a pin cushion or the target of the retribution of a porcupine. Five shots later (yes, five in one sitting) I am on the immunization interstate and cruising along. Four more will occur in about two months. And an ongoing series will periodically be administered (ie: injected) over the coming year until the final dose at my 24-month anniversary.
The shots really didn't hurt (like getting a flu shot five times in a row), but here is yet another fascinating aspect of what is going in inside of me scientifically, and the advanced nature of medicine to even know about this need and have it under control. In some respects, this is yet another reminder that this will never end. But seen from another angle, this is yet more evidence of how far they are continuing to push that "end date" out further and further. I can live with that.
