Countdown
So T-15 Days until I return to Cleveland to start the Stem Cell Collection procedures. It is so hard to believe that this day is almost here. A lot of things have happened since my last update. I am still on track to be Cleveland Clinic’s first patient to have aHSCT for Multiple Sclerosis. I am excited about this unique opportunity. I was also asked to be interviewed on the HSCT Warriors podcast. This will take place September 2nd but I am not sure when it will be posted. I will keep everyone updated.
My prayer is that I do not forget how God has moved in so many ways. It started when I knew that I could no longer drive the bus if I was going to maintain my health. When I started pursuing a different job, I asked YAHWEH for very specific things. The most important thing was that I wanted to work for an employer that was a Christian. I wanted to have the opportunity to show off my skills. I wanted to be in a position where I was able to make a positive impact with every person I came into contact with. Man did YAHWEH show off big. I work for an HVAC, Plumbing, and Electrical service provider. The owner is a Christian. I was originally hired to handle quotes for their National Accounts division but, now I manage the customer relationships in that division. I absolutely love what I do. I can freely talk about Jesus in my workplace and know that the owner of the company supports me. It doesn’t stop there, my employer’s insurance has been so good to me that they ended up approving this procedure so it will be covered 100%. When I took this job almost 3 years ago, I never thought I would be where I am today. But God knew.
When I return to Cleveland Clinic on September 9th, I will have one final consult with the Transplant Doctor to get the green light to proceed. On the 14th, they will install a port and infusions will begin on the 16th to stimulate stem cell growth. After the daily infusions, they will start collecting stem cells around the third week of September. This will all be done as outpatient. By the end of the month we should have the amount of stem cells they are seeking (~2,000,000). I will return home for a couple of weeks and then head back to Cleveland around Mid-October.
This journey is long but I know that my God is in control. I plan to video as much of the procedure as they will allow and also video my response and reactions. All of this will be posted to this blog and to my YouTube Channel.
