Hard to believe I’ve been here already for ten days. So hopefully about the halfway point.
Today my white blood cell count reached the 0.0 level, as expected. So for the time being, I have no immune system. On Saturday I will start receiving injections of Neupogen, to help stimulate my stem cells to rebuild the immune system. From Saturday, they expect that to take seven to ten days.
Still mild side effects. Mostly related to the entire length of my alimentary canal. It’s amazing how conscious the staff is to ameliorating any pain issues. I have a standing order for morphine for a sore mouth/sore throat! Pretty heavy stuff for a sore throat, but they tell me that’s standard. I will only use it if things get a lot worse – they’ve also given me all sorts of mouthwashes including lidocaine. I have only used the bicarbonate mouthwash so far but will use the lidocaine tonight.
I have cut back on my food intake, after eating like a pig last week. Mostly because of the possible mouth pain / alimentary canal issues. When I came in on the ninth, I weighed 161 pounds, which was a four or five pound weight gain over the holidays. On chemo the first six days, my weight went up to about 165, but this morning was about 159. I stopped using the dumbbells after the transplant (that was the recommendation) but have used this little cycling machine they have in the room, for about 30 minutes a day. It’s a little machine that doesn’t give you any real workout, but it’s better than nothing.
By the time I get out of here, I may be back to my old rugby-playing weight of about 150! Haven’t been there in over seventeen years.
Hey tom, it sounds like your weight is holding pretty steady which is good! i hope you are not suffering too much with all the poking and prodding they do - and don't suffer too long without some pain relief. i didn't get a hand pump to self administer when i had my first surgery but they gave it to me for the second one on my ripped tendon. i didn't overdo, but can't say it wasn't 'fun' - don't tell the kids!!! and i didn't get addicted to anything! yesterday i went to dr. and they took that leg brace off so i'm hobbling around free right now. i hope to start phys therapy soon and can drive again soon. anyway, dear friend, eat as you can and i'm praying for your speedy recovery. by the way, did a gal named dale brown stop by to see you? she is the aunt of an old friend who's worked at s-k for years as a nurse - now retired. but she is a wonderful person. so if someone stops by who says they know me - well, ask for id first - could be the cops... - but it may be aunt dale. hey, how about that supreme court ruling that came out on parental involvement in n. hampshire. i 'guess' its one for the good guys but we shall see. a unanimous vote - a rarity on that court!! love you - thea
Posted by: Thea McGinnis | Thursday, January 19, 2006 at 12:05 PM