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What does a transfusion feel like?

So, what does a blood transfusion feel like? Well, the blood going in actually feels no different than an IV, but I had to put a blanket over the IV tube because I didn't want to see it going in. So strange.

The day after getting the transfusion, it feels like I had a head transplant. It feels like I was given a new head. I didn't realize how cloudy and foggy I had been for the last week and now my mind is clear and I can focus so much better. I can really tell that I was in a "funk" before the transfusion and it's "cleared up" after. Kind of crazy how that all works.

It's really scary, though, signing the paper work, and reading the warnings and risks. You can't imagine all the things that could happen to you. They should have said, close your eyes and sign here. They sure don't put those warning on ER or Grey's Anatomy when they yell, "I need 2 units of blood, stat!"

But today, I'm doing well. My heart is still beating, I think they gave me the correct blood type. And my mind is clear. I pretty tired, but that's more recovering from the past week of sickness.

Heading to bed early really helps and I'm going to need it going into the big Halloween Party tomorrow (my school has an Institute Day on Friday).

You may be asking, what is my Halloween Costume?

Well, I teach first grade with two other (awesome) teachers, Sharon and Liz. They are going as cheerleaders who are "cheering" me on. I am going as a boxer who is "fighting the fight". I think the idea is cute and fitting for this Halloween.

I was thinking about not wearing my wig to school for Halloween and telling my class that I shaved my head. Unfortunately, they're smart enough to know it couldn't grow all the way back by Monday.

E

Posted by cancersucks on 2009-10-28 16:16:30 | Rating:

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Glad you can keep your sense of humor through some of this...its so important. Happy Halloween!

Posted by funfreak on 2009-10-28 16:20:59

Girl your gonna be blessed with all of the beauty you have in yourself...Don't forget that:)

Posted by michelle8angels on 2009-10-28 18:30:19

I was gonna tell you not to wear your wig and get the Martin Luther coat from church and go as Uncle Fester but then I realized your 1st graders would have no idea who that was!!! You could don a zip up sweatshirt (i think it was green) and an umbrella and be Britney Spears, they probably do know that picture. And then you attack cars with it and get a lot of aggression out that way. GI Jane? The possibilities are endless really. Look at my husband. I say bald is beautiful and so are you, inside out and sideways. We love you and pray for you EVERY day. Have fun on Halloween and I hope you break your healthy diet for the day and enjoy some chocolate. God won't let it effect your cancer. What's Halloween without candy.

Posted by gdollysro on 2009-10-28 22:15:52

I'm glad your feeling better and out of your "funk". I've never had a tranfussion and I'm really glad it did help. I guess you could say it's like drinking and energy drink LOL. Hope you pain is subsiding too. Have a fun halloween with the kids. Oh a Boooooo!!!!!

Posted by BeJeweled on 2009-10-29 11:36:35

I've had many transfusions and I thank God for the people who were generous enough to donate it. Once, many years ago, when I had 2.5 litres of blood pumped out of my abdominal cavity alone, I received blood for a couple of days and it literally saved my life. I can't donate any myself because of the drugs I'm on but I think it's amazing that people take time out to do it for no reward - just the feel good factor. Hope you're feeling much better and stronger.

Posted by overthehillandfar... on 2009-10-29 11:43:14

What an awesome idea! (The Halloween Costume that is). Love that you keep such a positive attitude through all this! I have to admit, that being a cancer survivor I was contemplating getting a tattoo; with two boxing gloves and the cancer ribbon intertwined. Symbolizing "Fighter". :).

Glad to hear you're feeling much better! Have a great weekend!

Posted by brlracincwgrl on 2009-10-29 15:21:54

Awesome costume idea. How cool to go through a whole day of people literally and metaphorically cheering for you. I love it!! This is pushing toward the achievable goal of being cancer free by your birthday. I believe its going to happen!

Side note:Is there anything that can be done with stem cells to help you out? You found blood donors that match what about bone marrow with stem cells?

Posted by dbaker11 on 2009-10-30 13:01:49