MyExperiencewithStemCell
Transplant
My name is Xi Cheng and I am eight years old this year.
I completed my stem cell transplant on 8 December 2015 and
would like to sharemy journeywith all of you.
To prepare for the transplant, a Hickman line was inserted into
my chest so that it would not be painful each time I was given
an injection or had to withdraw blood. I wished time would
stop as I felt very scared and nervous before the surgery. I fell
asleep after inhaling some gas from an oxygen mask. During
the operation, the doctors installed the catheter and did a bone
marrow aspiration for me. Although I felt relieved when I woke
up, I also felt horrible as I had to remain in a lying position for
another six hours!
Next, I had to do conditioning chemotherapy to suppress
my immune system, destroy any remaining cancer cells and
make room in the bone marrow for new stem cells to grow.
The chemotherapy mademe nauseous and gaveme stomach
discomforts but luckily, I was able to borrow the Wii console
fromCCF to play gameswhichmademe very happy.
Finally, it was time for the stem cell transplant. I had a lot of
wires connected onme that day tomonitor my blood pressure,
heart rate and oxygen levels. All the nurses in my ward came
to my room. While I watched a golf programme, my father
who was alsomy donor, was evenmore nervous thanme! My
father’s stem cells were stored in an ice box and one of my
favourite nurses connected the line tomy large port to start the
stem cell transfusion. I felt a little itch at my throat during the
process but it was all over in less than 10minutes.
The fifth day after the transplant was one of the toughest days
as my blood platelets count dropped drastically and I needed
a platelets transfusion. I developed a high fever and kept
shivering so the nurses gave me a medication called Diphen
which I did not like because it mademe drowsy. I am thankful it
is all over now and I will only keep the goodmemorieswithme.
I started to get better after that and became more active. The
hospital wardwas alsomy playground. Sometimes, the nurses
and doctors even joined me and my sister to play! I spent
my time writing many stories about aliens and Zulu people.
On day 15 after my transplant, I was discharged and given lots
of medication.
At home, my parents kept a watchful eye over me. I was not
allowed to go out becausemy white blood cells count was low
and I was at risk of infections. However, being at home was
much better than in the hospital as I could study, play and do
anything I want! I alsohave togoback to thehospital for routine
follow-ups.
I hope that my sharing can help other children with cancer
and their families. Life is full of challenges and cancer may be
one of them. It is important to stay strong and positive to fight
cancer. Always follow the doctors’ instructions strictly and with
the support from family and friends, cancer will be defeated!
Name:
HUOXI CHENG
Age:
8
Diagnosis:
AcuteMyeloidLeukaemia
2
