A Couple of Things

My ANC hit zero today where it will likely hover for 7-14 days. Geez, that is a long time! When my ANC starts to rise and reaches 500 I'll be released. Statistically, patients do much better at home than they do in the hospital so if there is an upward trend and all else is okay I'm told that often a doc will release early. Once released I’ll have to come in to clinic every day to have my counts checked (and attended to if necessary) and whatever else might be needed.

As many of you have asked, Brad is feeling well after struggling for a couple of days to work through the effects of his anesthesia and not taking his regular meds, etc. He is feisty as ever and has already started making a list of things that I can do to repay him!!! For the serious minded – I’m only kidding!

My hair is beginning to fall out slowly but surely. I am finding small remnants here and there around my room and in the bathroom. Guess it’s just a matter of time. I’ll post a picture – maybe!

I have lost about 12 pounds since I've been here, mostly in the last ten days. Sometimes food is just not appealing although I'm encouraged to eat as much as I can tolerate. Patients are also encouraged to walk laps around the unit everyday. It's a little boring and I am one of a few that is well enough to do it, but is good to get out of my room, is good for my lungs and overall well being.

Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) - Enterococci are germs that are carried by everyone in their gut – along with numerous other bacteria. These bacteria can sometimes cause infections. Vancomycin is an antibiotic that is often used to treat infections caused by enterococci. In some instances, enterococci have become resistant to this drug and thus are called Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE).

When I was routinely tested for VRE it was discovered that it is present in my body (colonization). It's very likely that I picked up the germ while here. I am at risk for it becoming an infection because I have a weakened immune system. Because it is colonized I require no special treatment - hopefully the antibiotics I am currently taking will keep it at bay.

If left untreated, VRE can manifest into a bacteria infection in the blood. I know, is this all getting a little too Twilight Zone’ish and dejavu’ish??? A bacteria infection in my blood, vancoymycin!!??!! If you haven’t read my first post or know the story of my leukemia diagnoses you won’t get it, but feel free to go back to read that part.

So, I’m kinda in a quasi-quarantine and will be there until I receive 3 consecutive negative finds. They only test only once a week, but I’m told this will not interfere with my release since my infection fighters will be fired up by then and people at home deal with these types of germs everyday and don't even know it. Since VRE is often passed from person to person by the hands of others anyone who visits will have to be suited and wear gloves as well as the usual mask. This is a Hopkins protocol so that the germ won’t be transmitted elsewhere in the hospital. Ultimately, it’s for the protection of the other patients with suppressed immune systems.