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Sunday, May 31, 2009
Day +5
More of the same today. Food is starting to revulse me. My numbers are falling and I am now considered neutropenic. I am exactly where I should be but forgive me for being blunt - I'm whopped and getting into bed! Love to all!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Day +4
I received my last dose of Cytoxan this morning. I am so glad that part of this process is over. My counts continue to fall (as they should) with only a few minor side effects so far.
My bathroom problems continued through the day until about 3:00. Of course, the nurses want to measure quantities, send off samples and generally make my life miserable. The large quantities of antibiotics they are giving me is not helping this situation! I know they are doing what they need to do, but Yuck and Yuck!
I have also had some problems with swallowing today. My throat is a little sore. It's nothing I can't live with right now, so I'm trying to remember to not gulp liquids and to cut my food smaller than normal. No sense exacerbating the problem. I'm going to practice some of the hypnotic techniques I learned now so that if it worsens I will be able to cope.
My bathroom problems continued through the day until about 3:00. Of course, the nurses want to measure quantities, send off samples and generally make my life miserable. The large quantities of antibiotics they are giving me is not helping this situation! I know they are doing what they need to do, but Yuck and Yuck!
I have also had some problems with swallowing today. My throat is a little sore. It's nothing I can't live with right now, so I'm trying to remember to not gulp liquids and to cut my food smaller than normal. No sense exacerbating the problem. I'm going to practice some of the hypnotic techniques I learned now so that if it worsens I will be able to cope.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Day +3
Again, nothing too eventful going on. Boredom has officially set in - at least for now. I started my morning at 5:00 AM when I began Mesna and IV fluids. At 6:00 AM I got Cytoxan and once again only experienced a slight burning in my nostrils. Tomorrow will be my last day of IV Chemotherapy. Yippee!
Today is the first day that I have begun to show any significant side effects. I am extremely tired and, well, have to make frequent bathroom visits. Enough said. Once a sample is tested I'll be offered Imodium, but I'm told it won't work in this instance anyway. Great!
My blood counts are depleting which is exactly what is supposed to happen. I received two pints of blood today to give me a little boost, but this is how things will be going over the next 10 days or so. The chemotherapy is clearing out my old cancerous marrow and as a result my blood counts are dropping. Perfect!
Today is the first day that I have begun to show any significant side effects. I am extremely tired and, well, have to make frequent bathroom visits. Enough said. Once a sample is tested I'll be offered Imodium, but I'm told it won't work in this instance anyway. Great!
My blood counts are depleting which is exactly what is supposed to happen. I received two pints of blood today to give me a little boost, but this is how things will be going over the next 10 days or so. The chemotherapy is clearing out my old cancerous marrow and as a result my blood counts are dropping. Perfect!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Days +1 and +2
Days + 1 and +2 were rather uneventful. They were meant to be days of rest and that's what they were. I have been sleeping fairly well, (as well as you can in a hospital) but the more fluids they infuse the more bathroom visits I need to make during the night. I am on various medications - anti-fungal, anti-viral and antibiotics to insure I won't contract something I shouldn't. My blood counts are beginning to decrease so I am becoming more susceptible with each day. I am feeling okay, just plain tuckered out. Tomorrow I start back on IV Cytoxan chemotherapy for two days and then I just need to be patient and let my new marrow do its job. I'll keep ya posted.
I have to say, this experience has been such a science lesson. The process is so complex it's hard to imagine how it was ever conceived!
I have to say, this experience has been such a science lesson. The process is so complex it's hard to imagine how it was ever conceived!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Day Zero
Hi all! Mom asked me to post an update. Today was Day Zero, aka Transplant Day. We have all been anxiously awaiting this day. And I think we all feel relieved that it came and went so uneventfully.
Brad got to the hospital bright and early. Approximately 2 liters of marrow was aspirated from his pelvic bones. I am told he did well with the procedure and was discharged this afternoon. I think the plan was for him to spend the remainder of the day resting. I know he has a follow up visit tomorrow to check the site of the harvest, but this is just routine and he should do just fine.
Once the marrow was harvested, it was then sent to the lab to be processed. That processing including filtering it and also depleting it of red blood cells. Apparently, this depletion makes it easier for Mom to tolerate the infusion of the marrow.
After the processing was complete, the nurses brought in the marrow. All the nurses kept saying "Happy Birthday!" I suppose that was in recognition of the fact that this is truly a turning point in the treatment.
For Mom, the transplant was a bit anti-climactic, as it was no different than receiving any IV infusion. Yep, that's right, it was given by IV. Somehow, those beautiful stem cells know where they are meant to go and will make their way into the marrow space where they will begin making all the components of normal blood, including red cells, white cells and platelets.
It will take a while for them to make their way there and begin creating new blood cells. In the meantime, Mom's blood counts will start to fall as her own native marrow is now "cleaned out" by the chemo and no longer producing blood cells. During this time, and until the donor stem cells start producing new blood cells, her blood counts will be extremely low. They expect the lowest point to be reached at around Day 7-10. Typically, the new stem cells don't start making large numbers of new blood cells until about Day 21 or so. So, the next couple of weeks may be hard on Mom as we wait for the new marrow to "kick in" and she begins to feel some delayed effect of the chemo drugs.
Many thanks to everyone for all the well wishes and love sent our way. Rest assured that everything is going well and that we've cleared another hurdle!
Stephanie
Brad got to the hospital bright and early. Approximately 2 liters of marrow was aspirated from his pelvic bones. I am told he did well with the procedure and was discharged this afternoon. I think the plan was for him to spend the remainder of the day resting. I know he has a follow up visit tomorrow to check the site of the harvest, but this is just routine and he should do just fine.
Once the marrow was harvested, it was then sent to the lab to be processed. That processing including filtering it and also depleting it of red blood cells. Apparently, this depletion makes it easier for Mom to tolerate the infusion of the marrow.
After the processing was complete, the nurses brought in the marrow. All the nurses kept saying "Happy Birthday!" I suppose that was in recognition of the fact that this is truly a turning point in the treatment.
For Mom, the transplant was a bit anti-climactic, as it was no different than receiving any IV infusion. Yep, that's right, it was given by IV. Somehow, those beautiful stem cells know where they are meant to go and will make their way into the marrow space where they will begin making all the components of normal blood, including red cells, white cells and platelets.
It will take a while for them to make their way there and begin creating new blood cells. In the meantime, Mom's blood counts will start to fall as her own native marrow is now "cleaned out" by the chemo and no longer producing blood cells. During this time, and until the donor stem cells start producing new blood cells, her blood counts will be extremely low. They expect the lowest point to be reached at around Day 7-10. Typically, the new stem cells don't start making large numbers of new blood cells until about Day 21 or so. So, the next couple of weeks may be hard on Mom as we wait for the new marrow to "kick in" and she begins to feel some delayed effect of the chemo drugs.
Many thanks to everyone for all the well wishes and love sent our way. Rest assured that everything is going well and that we've cleared another hurdle!
Stephanie
Monday, May 25, 2009
Day -1
I was up at all hours last night for meds, vital signs, bathroom visits, etc. By the way, my 11:00 PM trash pick up was right on time! No wonder I am so tired. I got my second dose of Cytoxan at 6:00 AM today and basically slept right through it. No symptoms at all until this evening when I experienced some waves of nausea. Tonight I will begin to receive antibiotics and other drugs to ward off any potential side-effects. The docs and nurses tell me the worse is yet to come next week when my body struggles to accept, sort out and kill off all at once. I guess that’s when I’ll learn what my true mettle is all about!
Brad was here for a final blood draw and will report for the bone marrow harvest at 7:30 AM tomorrow morning. After some sort of cleansing and processing I will receive the bone marrow around 12:30 PM. I don't know how long the infusion will last, it depends on the quantity which is determined my cell count. I am very anxious and a little scared, but am looking forward to tomorrow.
Brad was here for a final blood draw and will report for the bone marrow harvest at 7:30 AM tomorrow morning. After some sort of cleansing and processing I will receive the bone marrow around 12:30 PM. I don't know how long the infusion will last, it depends on the quantity which is determined my cell count. I am very anxious and a little scared, but am looking forward to tomorrow.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Day -2
Well I’ve made it through another day unscathed. My last dose of Busulfan was at 1:00 AM and then I started Cytoxan at 6:00 AM. Prior to the Cytoxan I received 2 anti-nausea meds (I don’t remember their names), Adavan (to relax me) and Mesna (to protect my bladder). The Cytoxan infusion only lasted an hour and all I felt was a slight burning in my nostrils, a common side effect. Twice today I was given additional anti-nausea drugs as part of the regimen. I understand from the nurses that most side effect symptoms won’t rear their ugly heads during my 6-day prep, but will instead show up about a week after my transplant – I know, it makes no sense to me either, but what do I know?
I have to admit, it is extremely unnerving to put all these poisons and drugs into my body. It just seems wrong, yet it’s what I need to do to prepare myself for the new bone marrow which will ultimately keep me alive for many years to come. It’s kinda like flying in an airplane I guess, which seems impossible and unnatural yet it’s the best (and the only way in my case) to get from point A to point B?
I am very tired again tonight and expect to feel more and more fatigued as my marrow and counts are taken down. Only two more days and I’ll be heading out the other side of this nightmare.
I have to admit, it is extremely unnerving to put all these poisons and drugs into my body. It just seems wrong, yet it’s what I need to do to prepare myself for the new bone marrow which will ultimately keep me alive for many years to come. It’s kinda like flying in an airplane I guess, which seems impossible and unnatural yet it’s the best (and the only way in my case) to get from point A to point B?
I am very tired again tonight and expect to feel more and more fatigued as my marrow and counts are taken down. Only two more days and I’ll be heading out the other side of this nightmare.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Day -3
No major changes from Day -4. I’m still on Busulfan every 5 hours and luckily have experienced no side effects other than a slight darkening of my skin, which will gradually disappear, and a feeling of being hot all the time. Fortunately my room has it's own thermostat.
Tomorrow at 6:00 AM I will be introduced to my first dose of Cytoxan (Cyclophosphamide) which will be administered via IV drip. Cytoxan is given in very high doses (once a day over 1-2 hours) for 2 days before an allogeneic transplant (getting bone marrow from another person) to kill any cancer cells that remain and to make room for new bone marrow to grow, then again on days 3 and 4 following my transplant in order to prevent Graft-versus-Host disease.
Graft-versus Host (GVHD) is a common complication following an allogeneic transplant. Twenty to 50% of patients with a related HLA-matched donor develop GVHD which is typically triggered by cells called T-cells. T-cells are a type of white blood cell that recognizes which cells belong in an individual’s body and which cells do not. When a donor’s T-cells are transplanted they perceive the patient’s organs and tissues as foreign cells and orchestrate an immune system attack to destroy them. Fortunately, most patients transplanted with a matched related donor experience only a mild case of GVHD that resolves itself over time with treatment. But of those with a more severe case of GVHD, managing this potentially life-threatening complication can be a serious challenge. There are lots of nasty side effects of GVHD but I'll let you know about them later if necessary!
For each dose of Cytoxan that I get I will receive 4 doses of a drug called Mesna that helps to protect the bladder wall – one before infusion and three after. Bladder irritation is very common with Cytoxan so IV hydration is a very important aspect to protect and flush the bladder. High-dose chemotherapy is toxic to normal tissues and organs, as well as diseased cells. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mouth sores (mucositis), throat sores (stomatitis), a burning sensation in the nose or sinuses, a lowering of blood cells (putting me at risk for infection and bleeding), and hair loss (alopecia) almost always occur to varying degrees, probably one week after transplant. While organ damage (liver, lungs, heart) can occur, it is usually mild and completely reversible. There are several other possible side-effects, but since they're not likely to occur, why fret over them now!
Let’s pray that I’ll do as well on the Cytoxan as I did on the Busulfan. I’ll fill you in tomorrow.
Tomorrow at 6:00 AM I will be introduced to my first dose of Cytoxan (Cyclophosphamide) which will be administered via IV drip. Cytoxan is given in very high doses (once a day over 1-2 hours) for 2 days before an allogeneic transplant (getting bone marrow from another person) to kill any cancer cells that remain and to make room for new bone marrow to grow, then again on days 3 and 4 following my transplant in order to prevent Graft-versus-Host disease.
Graft-versus Host (GVHD) is a common complication following an allogeneic transplant. Twenty to 50% of patients with a related HLA-matched donor develop GVHD which is typically triggered by cells called T-cells. T-cells are a type of white blood cell that recognizes which cells belong in an individual’s body and which cells do not. When a donor’s T-cells are transplanted they perceive the patient’s organs and tissues as foreign cells and orchestrate an immune system attack to destroy them. Fortunately, most patients transplanted with a matched related donor experience only a mild case of GVHD that resolves itself over time with treatment. But of those with a more severe case of GVHD, managing this potentially life-threatening complication can be a serious challenge. There are lots of nasty side effects of GVHD but I'll let you know about them later if necessary!
For each dose of Cytoxan that I get I will receive 4 doses of a drug called Mesna that helps to protect the bladder wall – one before infusion and three after. Bladder irritation is very common with Cytoxan so IV hydration is a very important aspect to protect and flush the bladder. High-dose chemotherapy is toxic to normal tissues and organs, as well as diseased cells. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mouth sores (mucositis), throat sores (stomatitis), a burning sensation in the nose or sinuses, a lowering of blood cells (putting me at risk for infection and bleeding), and hair loss (alopecia) almost always occur to varying degrees, probably one week after transplant. While organ damage (liver, lungs, heart) can occur, it is usually mild and completely reversible. There are several other possible side-effects, but since they're not likely to occur, why fret over them now!
Let’s pray that I’ll do as well on the Cytoxan as I did on the Busulfan. I’ll fill you in tomorrow.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Day -4
Today was rather uneventful, with the exception of increasing the amount of times I receive the Busulfan - 31 pills every 5 hours. No blood draws tonight so I am looking forward to getting a decent nights sleep. My kinetics tests indicate that I am now receiving the proper dosage. On Sunday I'll start Cytoxin which is an IV chemotherapy drip. I am really tired so it's going to be an early night. But, I have one question, why does housekeeping have to empty my trash at 11:00 PM????
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Day -5
In JHH terms, today is day -5 which leads up to Day Zero, transplant day. So far I have had 5 doses of Busulfan, thankfully with no side effects. I am most grateful! As a result of the blood tests last night it was found that my chemo levels are not sufficient to get the job done for my height and weight so I am now taking 31 teeny tiny pills per dose instead of 29. My most recent dose was at 8:00 PM, my next will be at 2:00 AM. Because my dose increased I was NPO (nothing by mouth) from 6:00-10:00 PM. Fortunately, I was smart enough to eat dinner before that time. I am currently having blood drawn every 12 minutes. At 10:00 the intervals will be longer but that doesn't count when they come in to take vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, temp). Hopefully, I'll get some good power naps in there at some point!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
I'm Here!
Well, I'm here and ready to get this party started even though admittedly, I'm scared to death! Fortunately, I had my Hickman replaced yesterday without incident. A little extra sedation and my new hypnosis techniques helped a lot. I will remain on 750 mg's of the antibiotic, Cipro for 3 or 4 more days.
I'm settled in my room awaiting my first dose of Busulfan (or Myleran), which is one of two chemotherapy drugs I'll receive during my 6-day prep. Busulfan slows or stops the growth of fast growing cells such as cancer cells and bone marrow cells (hair has fast growing cells too). It is given before bone marrow transplants in very high doses to kill cancer cells and to make room for new bone marrow to grow. I got it in pill form - 29 teeny tiny pills that are distributed in 4 clear capsules with 6 tablets in each and 1 clear capsule with 5 tablets. After this first dose I'll have approximately 10 blood draws in two-hour intervals to insure that my body is getting the correct amount. For this first dose, I can't eat or drink anything for 2 hours before taking Busulfan or 2 hours after because food changes how quickly it gets into my blood stream. Today I stopped eating/drinking at 3:00 PM with the expectation of getting the Busulfan at 5:00 PM. Not! Instead I got it at 8:30 PM - guess there'll be no dinner for me tonight.
Not everyone has side effects from Busulfan, but it's possible that I may experience nausea or hair loss as I receive it over the next 4 days. I have been given and will continue to receive an anti-nausea drug as well as an Adivan to help relax me. Another side effect of Busultan is that my skin color may darken, especially in areas where skin touches skin. The darkened skin color will gradually disappear over time. Very high doses of Busulfan can very rarely cause seizures so I'll also be given a drug called Dilantin to take before, during and for a short time after taking the Busulfan. So, your guess is as good as mine in regard to how things are going to go for me - every patient reacts differently. I'll be sure to let you know! More to come on Cytoxan, the other chemo drug I'll be getting in a few days.
I'm settled in my room awaiting my first dose of Busulfan (or Myleran), which is one of two chemotherapy drugs I'll receive during my 6-day prep. Busulfan slows or stops the growth of fast growing cells such as cancer cells and bone marrow cells (hair has fast growing cells too). It is given before bone marrow transplants in very high doses to kill cancer cells and to make room for new bone marrow to grow. I got it in pill form - 29 teeny tiny pills that are distributed in 4 clear capsules with 6 tablets in each and 1 clear capsule with 5 tablets. After this first dose I'll have approximately 10 blood draws in two-hour intervals to insure that my body is getting the correct amount. For this first dose, I can't eat or drink anything for 2 hours before taking Busulfan or 2 hours after because food changes how quickly it gets into my blood stream. Today I stopped eating/drinking at 3:00 PM with the expectation of getting the Busulfan at 5:00 PM. Not! Instead I got it at 8:30 PM - guess there'll be no dinner for me tonight.
Not everyone has side effects from Busulfan, but it's possible that I may experience nausea or hair loss as I receive it over the next 4 days. I have been given and will continue to receive an anti-nausea drug as well as an Adivan to help relax me. Another side effect of Busultan is that my skin color may darken, especially in areas where skin touches skin. The darkened skin color will gradually disappear over time. Very high doses of Busulfan can very rarely cause seizures so I'll also be given a drug called Dilantin to take before, during and for a short time after taking the Busulfan. So, your guess is as good as mine in regard to how things are going to go for me - every patient reacts differently. I'll be sure to let you know! More to come on Cytoxan, the other chemo drug I'll be getting in a few days.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Weekend Update
Let's just say, I like to keep it interesting! Went for my IV antibiotic today only to learn it will be my last. Seems my infection has been identified and can be treated with a $12 oral antibiotic I am already on. Thank God! I am constantly amazed at how well things have worked out for me. My transplant date is secure and I am feeling blessed. Please join me in one big sigh of relief!
The wig selection, however, did not go as well. There isn't a manufacturer around that could possibly replicate my thick, kinky hair. All the styles are sleek and smooth - the hair I've always wished I had. Guess now is my chance. I think I need another set of eyes to help me decide. That's a job for another day.
The wig selection, however, did not go as well. There isn't a manufacturer around that could possibly replicate my thick, kinky hair. All the styles are sleek and smooth - the hair I've always wished I had. Guess now is my chance. I think I need another set of eyes to help me decide. That's a job for another day.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
SNAFU #2 Update
I went to see Dr. Carraway this morning. My blood cultures have already begun to grow a gram negative rod infection of some sort, but will take several days before the organism can be identified. She has taken me off one of the oral antibiotics (the $70 one, not the $12 one,of course) and has opted for a different IV antibiotic because it will enter and get to work faster than oral meds do. So, I'm back in clinic everyday, at least until the organism can be definitively ID'd. Here lies the problem - I am to be admitted in 6 days to start my prep prior to transplant. If there is any possibility that this infection is still in my system they will postpone my transplant. While I totally understand the rationale, I am so bummed I can't stand it. This is not the SNAFU #3 I was considering.
This afternoon I met with my transplant doc, Dr. Javier Bolanos Meade. We talked at length about the side effects of transplant and all the nasty stuff that can happen - more to come on that later. We also signed all the necessary consent forms and am proceeding as if all will go according to plan. I like the positive energy that evokes.
Tomorrow I'm back to clinic for IV antibiotics and to Image Recovery for wig selection and fitting. Blonde, redhead? Hmmm!
This afternoon I met with my transplant doc, Dr. Javier Bolanos Meade. We talked at length about the side effects of transplant and all the nasty stuff that can happen - more to come on that later. We also signed all the necessary consent forms and am proceeding as if all will go according to plan. I like the positive energy that evokes.
Tomorrow I'm back to clinic for IV antibiotics and to Image Recovery for wig selection and fitting. Blonde, redhead? Hmmm!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
SNAFU #2
Well, we managed to get past SNAFU #1 - Brad came back to Baltimore and got his bone marrow biopsy today. Things went well.
SNAFU #2 - The last two nights have been very unpleasant for me. After getting ready for bed and flushing my Hickman Catheter with Heparin (a daily chore) I became extremely cold causing uncontrolable shriving for over an hour. I was so cold, nothing could warm me up - it was very scary. Come to find out I probably had a bacteria infection (here we go again!) on my Hichman line and by flushing it I inadvertently forced the organism to circulate through my body. So, after a stern lecture from my sister-in-law and Dr. Carraway about the importance of reporting things aren't quite right, I had to have my Hichman removed and blood drawn from it and also from another site in order to have cultures done. All of my blood counts are fine, but it will take a few days for the results of the other blood work and cultures to be available. I am now on two antibiotics and am seeing Dr. Carraway tomorrow, unsure when they'll place my new Hichman - I'm going to need it very soon. OK, so things happen in 3's right? One more small SNAFU is acceptable, then no more! Keep your fingers crossed.
SNAFU #2 - The last two nights have been very unpleasant for me. After getting ready for bed and flushing my Hickman Catheter with Heparin (a daily chore) I became extremely cold causing uncontrolable shriving for over an hour. I was so cold, nothing could warm me up - it was very scary. Come to find out I probably had a bacteria infection (here we go again!) on my Hichman line and by flushing it I inadvertently forced the organism to circulate through my body. So, after a stern lecture from my sister-in-law and Dr. Carraway about the importance of reporting things aren't quite right, I had to have my Hichman removed and blood drawn from it and also from another site in order to have cultures done. All of my blood counts are fine, but it will take a few days for the results of the other blood work and cultures to be available. I am now on two antibiotics and am seeing Dr. Carraway tomorrow, unsure when they'll place my new Hichman - I'm going to need it very soon. OK, so things happen in 3's right? One more small SNAFU is acceptable, then no more! Keep your fingers crossed.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Brad's Bone Marrow Biopsy
Sorry to report that Brad's bone marrow biopsy had to be postponed. Our case manager neglected to tell him to stop taking one of his medications four days ago! Hence, the doc refused to do the test. Poor Brad has to fly back on Wednesday to have it done then. It's the little things! If this is the only thing that goes array, I am grateful.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Pre-Transplant Testing
The last few days have been very busy with pre-transplant testing. I don't think there is one crevice, orifice or organ in my body that hasn't been examined - closely! The first day I was at JHH almost 9 hours, the second day 4. I have two more days of appointments - 14th & 18th and then I am done! One of the appointments was to meet with a JHH Social Worker who talked about Living Wills and Advance Directives. Another appointment was a Bone Marrow Education Class (that's a whole blog post in itself!). Boy, did I learn a lot! Reality has hit - I have cancer, it's not going to be easy, and it's going to take much longer than I anticipated. Hope you all are prepared to hang with me for the long-haul!
Between appointments I wandered into the Image Recovery Center to look at wigs, scarves and hats. I purchased two simple caps (similar to what a newborn might wear - I'm told I'll get cold) and two stylish scarves that can be worn by themselves or under a hat. Up until Tuesday I wasn't sure if I would lose my hair or not, but have since been assured I will (head, forearms, eyebrows, lashes, pubic) as a result of intense chemotherapy. So, not only have I decided to get my hair cut yet again (really short this time) I have also decided to purchase a wig - my insurance will pay up to $350. My initial consultation is on the 14th.
Brad is in town getting his testing done too. The worse part for him will be getting a bone marrow biopsy this afternoon. My advice - get conscious sedation if offered. We've had a nice time hanging out and he'll head back to Tampa tomorrow afternoon.
Yesterday I met with a hypnotist - Debbi, who is a dear friend of my daughter Stephanie. She is working with me to help manage the stress and anxiety associated with my illness, as well as nausea, pain, sleeplessness and anything else that may arise. We have two more sessions scheduled, but I have already been able to practice and use some of her techniques to help me get through a very unpleasant bout of illness last evening.
For some reason I became violently ill with flu-like symptoms that lasted about 3-4 hours and just as quickly disappeared. At first I was worried, but when a fever didn't manifest, I realized it must have been something I ate! Anyway, I am feeling pretty good today (just this lousy headache still) and am off to the dentist to get a temporary crown replaced that fell off! My numbers are all good except my white counts (infection fighters) which have dropped from 6600 to 3380. Not sure why they are falling now, but hopefully will continue to hold for just a while longer.
Between appointments I wandered into the Image Recovery Center to look at wigs, scarves and hats. I purchased two simple caps (similar to what a newborn might wear - I'm told I'll get cold) and two stylish scarves that can be worn by themselves or under a hat. Up until Tuesday I wasn't sure if I would lose my hair or not, but have since been assured I will (head, forearms, eyebrows, lashes, pubic) as a result of intense chemotherapy. So, not only have I decided to get my hair cut yet again (really short this time) I have also decided to purchase a wig - my insurance will pay up to $350. My initial consultation is on the 14th.
Brad is in town getting his testing done too. The worse part for him will be getting a bone marrow biopsy this afternoon. My advice - get conscious sedation if offered. We've had a nice time hanging out and he'll head back to Tampa tomorrow afternoon.
Yesterday I met with a hypnotist - Debbi, who is a dear friend of my daughter Stephanie. She is working with me to help manage the stress and anxiety associated with my illness, as well as nausea, pain, sleeplessness and anything else that may arise. We have two more sessions scheduled, but I have already been able to practice and use some of her techniques to help me get through a very unpleasant bout of illness last evening.
For some reason I became violently ill with flu-like symptoms that lasted about 3-4 hours and just as quickly disappeared. At first I was worried, but when a fever didn't manifest, I realized it must have been something I ate! Anyway, I am feeling pretty good today (just this lousy headache still) and am off to the dentist to get a temporary crown replaced that fell off! My numbers are all good except my white counts (infection fighters) which have dropped from 6600 to 3380. Not sure why they are falling now, but hopefully will continue to hold for just a while longer.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
The Last Few Days
I have been suffering with a small headache the last few days and am wondering if this dreary, rainy weather has anything to do with it. Fortunately, if I lay down it dissipates at least for while.
I am anticipating the battery of tests I face this week and of course, having my brother here to also begin his testing. It will be good to know for sure that are bodies are able to support the tremendous burden we will be asking of them in the near future. As the day approaches I am growing more and more anxious about so many things. I hope you'll continue to keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I enter this next phase.
I am anticipating the battery of tests I face this week and of course, having my brother here to also begin his testing. It will be good to know for sure that are bodies are able to support the tremendous burden we will be asking of them in the near future. As the day approaches I am growing more and more anxious about so many things. I hope you'll continue to keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I enter this next phase.
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