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.