Did I hear that right? Janell's birthday is November 26th, a fact Janell repeats multiple times daily as well as spelling her full name for nurses and doctors. This is done for cross check reference that the right medications and blood products are being given to the right person.
On the fifth floor, the "Infusion Floor," Janell was checked in after repeating her birthdate and spelling her full name. The nurse greeted us and proceeded to explain what would happen and it happened that way. From 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., Janell received continuous IV hydration and IV medications while she slept. Then at 11:00 a.m., her stem cells were brought to the room in a sealed metal container to keep them frozen. They were thawed in a special bath to bring them to body temperature and then set-up for infusion back into her body. Very croggy, Janell continued to sleep through.
Father Tom Tsagalakis, our priest from Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church, was present. Right before the stem cells entered Janell's body, he prayed, anointed her body with oil and blessed her. After 20 minutes, Janell received all of her own stem cells back. During that process, Janell became very nauseated and extremely hot, a "normal re-action"to the process. That gave me a moment to pause and think about the power of life God has placed in the blood. Again, Janell was wished a "Happy Birthday" when the process was completed.
About an hour later, one of the nurse assistants, who attended to Janell yesterday, saw me in the hall and asked how Janell was doing today. I told her that Janell had just received her stem cells. She said with surprise,"I didn't know today was her birthday. Oh, Happy Birthday." I asked the nurse why this was considered Janell's birthday. She explained that people receiving their stem cells back are actually being brought back to life. She also shared that in a year, Janell, like little babies, will be receiving her "infant" immunizations because her system is new without those protections she received as a child.
At 4:30 p.m., we left SCCA, after five hours of observations, tests and more continuous IV hydration. I rolled Janell out in a wheel chair. In the elevator, one of the SCCA staff we have seen on numerous occasions, asked how a very tired looking Janell was doing. I indicated that Janell had just received her stem cells today. The staff member's smiled and said "Happy Birthday!"
So next year, when our twin grandchildren are 2.9 years old, I am going to throw their grandmother her one year old birthday party for her strength has truly been renewed like an eagle's.
This first picture shows the lab technician preparing to thaw the double bagged stem cells. The next picture shows the cells being brought to body temperature.
This picture shows the cells ready to enter Janell's body after Father Tom's prayers and his anointing Janell with oil. Thank you God for giving me more time with my beautiful, precious Janell!
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