DAY #14 - Last Treatment!

Today was treatment #5-the last one!  I am still really tired today, but I am feeling better than yesterday.  I'm definitely not as grouchy as yesterday so that's good.  They did my last treatment this morning, and again it tasted like peaches.  So to sum up the week, I had 2 treatments of umbilical cord stem cells (about 5 ml each) and 3 treatments of adipose derived stem cells (about 20 ml each).  With all the treatments combined, I was injected with approximately 100 million stem cells - 40 mill cord and 60 mill of of my own.  The viability rates were 75% for my own cells and 80% for the cord cells.  I should say that's pretty darn good!  Now it is just time for the waiting game since it is different for everyone with how they heal.  Even if I don't have some miraculous healing right away, I am hoping to go months without an exacerbation.  That would indeed be miraculous for me!       

Below are Dr. Barnett (who I talked to on the phone before we came) and Dr. Paz.  Like I've said before, I am so impressed with the health care team at the Stem Cell Institute!  Dr. Paz created a plan for me to follow when I return home - including lots of vitamin supplements based on my blood work.  It turns out I have some adrenal functions and cortisol levels that are off but can be easily managed.  He also gave me some pills called Stem-Kine that enhance stem cell viability and encourage more production.  The Institute follow up with me every couple of months to find out how I'm doing.

I don't have any pictures of them, but I have to say that I met the nicest people today from Brazil.  We are already friends on facebook, and we have each other's skype information.  They have inspiring stories, particularly about their experiences with MS.  You know how you meet people and they just give you a good feeling?  That's these guys to a tee!  I really look forward to keeping in touch with them and hear about their journey with the stem cells.

Tomorrow we have lunch with Franklin and Luchita.  I can't wait to see them again - they are great company!  Maybe I can talk them into posing for a picture or two! :)