This was an excellent weekend that just ended. We finally had back to back days of comfortable temperatures and clear skies, and we definitely took advantage of that. Yesterday my parents visited and brought a gift for Isaiah, who turns 3 this week. Isaiah opened up a big box, and inside was a new bike with training wheels. Isaiah was excited to get on his bike, and was a little disappointed that he wasn't able to ride as far as my parents and I were. This was my first time on the bike in a long time, and it felt good. I got in a few miles, and worked hard enough to create a little burn in my legs. I was a little stiff this morning from moving muscles I haven't used in months, but it felt great to be able to get out outside and exercise normally.
So if I were to judge my health by how my weekend went, I'd say I am doing very well. My energy level is good and I haven't had any issues since I was discharged from my recent inpatient stay last week. Kate drove me over to the hospital this morning, and most things checked out alright. My lab reports were good, except my white counts and neutrophils seem to have dropped a little more than they expected. My neutrophil count was abnormally high because of the neupogen shots I had while I was inpatient. Without those injections, the counts will drop until they find a level that is stable. The doctor today said he anticipated they would drop to 1500 to 2000. When the results came back they were at 900. So the neutrophils are lower than they expected, which was the issue several weeks ago before I had the fever and go inpatient. However, they are not so low that there will be any change in my treatment right now. When I visit the clinic on Thursday, they may put me back on the neupogen again if the counts continue to fall.
Thursday is another big day for my family, since I'll be having a PET Scan that morning. The results of the PET Scan 1 month after the transplant were very good. Hopefully the new immune system has continued to fight the cancer in my body, and this scan will show even better results. Since I am progressing so well, I have a feeling that this scan will show us some more great things. So any prayers for a positive PET Scan result and further healing would be very much appreciated.
Showing posts with label white blood cells. Show all posts
Showing posts with label white blood cells. Show all posts
Monday, February 9, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
Day +46
Well its been an interesting week. With the last note I wrote, I was feeling great but my neutrophil counts were extremely low. After being neutropenic for several days, I eventually got a fever Wednesday evening. My temperature had been rising and falling all that day, but rose to 101.8 just before 7:00. The hospital wants you to call if a fever goes above 101.6. Since my temperature was elevated and I was neutropenic, I was told to come in and be admitted to the inpatient wing I have previously been on.
That night they gave me antibiotics and took blood cultures to see if they could find the source of the infection. The cultures were inconclusive and the doctors never truly figured out what caused my fever. Most doctors seemed to blame the Bactrim, although I received one dissenting opinion from a doctor whose judgment I trust. He pointed out that my platelets held steady and it was just my neutrophils that dropped. Usually when Bactrim is the cause of a loss in neutrophils, the platelets are also effected. This occurs because the neutrophils and platelets grow in the same area of the bone marrow. This doctor thought it was likely a delayed reaction to the Rituxan I took with the EPOCH-CR back in the fall. Rituxan can cause delayed neutropenia several months after it is taken. I remember my chemotherapy doctors mentioning this a year ago when I finished EPOCH-R the first time. This explanation seems to make sense to me, although I guess it can't be proven as the cause either. Overall, I'm not concerned with the cause, but am just happy to be feeling better now.
I did have a large cold sore on the inside of my lip that swoll up pretty good. It was extremely uncomfortable for a couple of days, but has subsided for a few days. The doctors said the cold sore could have been a result of the neutropenia, or it could have helped cause the infection that led to the fever. Its hard for them to pinpoint what caused me to get a fever, but the good news is that it went away quickly after starting antibiotics.
So by Thursday morning my temperature was normal but I didn't get discharged until Sunday. I was receiving neupogen shots to stimulate neutrophil growth, but my counts didn't start to rise until Friday. By Sunday morning the number was high enough that the doctors felt good to take me off of the antibiotics. Their plan was to keep me another 24 hours for observation, but I wasn't ready to spend another day in the hospital when I hadn't had a temperature in days. I pointed out that I would be back to the hospital for an outpatient visit today, and they agreed to discharge me on Sunday rather than Monday.
So I was able to get home and watch the Super Bowl at Kate's cousin's apartment. That was a lot more enjoyable watching the game with others than sitting on my hospital bed by myself.
The outpatient visit today was pretty routine. My blood results were good, and I didn't need any infusions. It feels like I'm back to where I was before my neutrophil counts dropped more than a week ago. My energy is good and everything else at home is going well.
That night they gave me antibiotics and took blood cultures to see if they could find the source of the infection. The cultures were inconclusive and the doctors never truly figured out what caused my fever. Most doctors seemed to blame the Bactrim, although I received one dissenting opinion from a doctor whose judgment I trust. He pointed out that my platelets held steady and it was just my neutrophils that dropped. Usually when Bactrim is the cause of a loss in neutrophils, the platelets are also effected. This occurs because the neutrophils and platelets grow in the same area of the bone marrow. This doctor thought it was likely a delayed reaction to the Rituxan I took with the EPOCH-CR back in the fall. Rituxan can cause delayed neutropenia several months after it is taken. I remember my chemotherapy doctors mentioning this a year ago when I finished EPOCH-R the first time. This explanation seems to make sense to me, although I guess it can't be proven as the cause either. Overall, I'm not concerned with the cause, but am just happy to be feeling better now.
I did have a large cold sore on the inside of my lip that swoll up pretty good. It was extremely uncomfortable for a couple of days, but has subsided for a few days. The doctors said the cold sore could have been a result of the neutropenia, or it could have helped cause the infection that led to the fever. Its hard for them to pinpoint what caused me to get a fever, but the good news is that it went away quickly after starting antibiotics.
So by Thursday morning my temperature was normal but I didn't get discharged until Sunday. I was receiving neupogen shots to stimulate neutrophil growth, but my counts didn't start to rise until Friday. By Sunday morning the number was high enough that the doctors felt good to take me off of the antibiotics. Their plan was to keep me another 24 hours for observation, but I wasn't ready to spend another day in the hospital when I hadn't had a temperature in days. I pointed out that I would be back to the hospital for an outpatient visit today, and they agreed to discharge me on Sunday rather than Monday.
So I was able to get home and watch the Super Bowl at Kate's cousin's apartment. That was a lot more enjoyable watching the game with others than sitting on my hospital bed by myself.
The outpatient visit today was pretty routine. My blood results were good, and I didn't need any infusions. It feels like I'm back to where I was before my neutrophil counts dropped more than a week ago. My energy is good and everything else at home is going well.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Day +41
Things are going well, although not quite as boring as I would have liked. My usual appointment last Thursday went very well and Kate and I were out of the hospital fairly quickly. However, we got a call that night that my neutrophil count was around .500, which is borderline neutropenic. So the doctors wanted us to come in the next day and have my blood redrawn.
So Friday involved me heading to the hospital again and having my blood drawn. I stayed around to hear the results, and the doctors let me know that my neutrophil count had risen since the day before to .688. While that happened, somehow my white blood cells had dropped, from 2.2 to 1.8. The doctors were happy to see the neutrophils rise, since those are the infection fighters, and just warned me to be careful over the weekend and they would reevaluate on Monday during my normal visit.
So over the weekend I felt great and didn't feel any signs of infection...great news. Yesterday during the appointment, everything goes well and the labs show my white blood count had risen back to 2.2. The neutrophil count takes a longer time for the lab to process, but the doctors felt confident that the neutrophils would look good after the white cells rose. So Kate and I head home and are resting nicely around the house before I notice a message on my phone. I call back the doctor from NIH, and not only have my neutrophils dropped, but there weren't any. 0.000 Even during my chemotherapy and before my transplant, the lowest I ever saw my counts go was .006. I always had some floating around, and since I feel so great these days, I shocked that there were none. The dotors were perplexed as well.
So Kate and I made the trip over to NIH for a second time in one day, and had my blood drawn again. I was given a neupogen shot in order to boost my white blood cells and neutrophils, and was asked to come back the next day to have my blood checked again.
So this morning Kate, Isaiah, and I head over to NIH. Driving me around is already a nuisance for Kate, but doing it in the snow around the beltway wasn't exactly her idea of how to spend a morning. It took us twice as long as usual, but luckily the roads weren't too bad. I found out my results from yesterday afternoon, and my white blood cells remained the same, while I had .021 neutrophils. That ruled out an error with the labwork from yesterday morning, and indeed I had an extremely low amount of neutrophils. I had my labs done this morning, and it came back that my neutrophils held pretty much the same at .020, while my white blood cells dropped further to 1.2. The plan for now is to take the neupogen shots for the next week and see how my cells react. I stopped taking Bactrim, which is the prophylactic antibiotic that I've been given.
Apparently that medication at times can cause reactions with the immune system. I'll head back to NIH for my regularly scheduled appointment on Thursday, and hopefully this issue starts to work itself out. I had told the transplant team that I had decided to have my Hickman line removed, and the procedure was scheduled for tommorow. That will be put off for now while this is going on.
Although I feel good, it feels like somewhat of a step back to be neutropenic again. I was feeling pretty good about how I was doing, but now have to be extra cautious about what I touch and washing my hands. Although this is a little bit of a hiccup in the process, this seems like it is probably something minor compared to everything that could happen. The doctors say the results of my bone marrow biopsy were excellent, and everything looks to be growing well.
So Friday involved me heading to the hospital again and having my blood drawn. I stayed around to hear the results, and the doctors let me know that my neutrophil count had risen since the day before to .688. While that happened, somehow my white blood cells had dropped, from 2.2 to 1.8. The doctors were happy to see the neutrophils rise, since those are the infection fighters, and just warned me to be careful over the weekend and they would reevaluate on Monday during my normal visit.
So over the weekend I felt great and didn't feel any signs of infection...great news. Yesterday during the appointment, everything goes well and the labs show my white blood count had risen back to 2.2. The neutrophil count takes a longer time for the lab to process, but the doctors felt confident that the neutrophils would look good after the white cells rose. So Kate and I head home and are resting nicely around the house before I notice a message on my phone. I call back the doctor from NIH, and not only have my neutrophils dropped, but there weren't any. 0.000 Even during my chemotherapy and before my transplant, the lowest I ever saw my counts go was .006. I always had some floating around, and since I feel so great these days, I shocked that there were none. The dotors were perplexed as well.
So Kate and I made the trip over to NIH for a second time in one day, and had my blood drawn again. I was given a neupogen shot in order to boost my white blood cells and neutrophils, and was asked to come back the next day to have my blood checked again.
So this morning Kate, Isaiah, and I head over to NIH. Driving me around is already a nuisance for Kate, but doing it in the snow around the beltway wasn't exactly her idea of how to spend a morning. It took us twice as long as usual, but luckily the roads weren't too bad. I found out my results from yesterday afternoon, and my white blood cells remained the same, while I had .021 neutrophils. That ruled out an error with the labwork from yesterday morning, and indeed I had an extremely low amount of neutrophils. I had my labs done this morning, and it came back that my neutrophils held pretty much the same at .020, while my white blood cells dropped further to 1.2. The plan for now is to take the neupogen shots for the next week and see how my cells react. I stopped taking Bactrim, which is the prophylactic antibiotic that I've been given.
Apparently that medication at times can cause reactions with the immune system. I'll head back to NIH for my regularly scheduled appointment on Thursday, and hopefully this issue starts to work itself out. I had told the transplant team that I had decided to have my Hickman line removed, and the procedure was scheduled for tommorow. That will be put off for now while this is going on.
Although I feel good, it feels like somewhat of a step back to be neutropenic again. I was feeling pretty good about how I was doing, but now have to be extra cautious about what I touch and washing my hands. Although this is a little bit of a hiccup in the process, this seems like it is probably something minor compared to everything that could happen. The doctors say the results of my bone marrow biopsy were excellent, and everything looks to be growing well.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Day +19
Bummer! I suppose everybody who has been keeping up with my updates is expecting me to write about how good it feels to be home today. Unfortunately the planned discharge for today did not happen like expected.
On Sunday I had another day pass and got to spend some good time with family, including Mary, Mya, and Reed before they head back to Florida. I was feeling pretty good most of the day, but unfortunately had some diarhea. When I got back to the hospital last night, I had some more diarhea throughout the night. So because of that issue, the transplant team wanted to keep me for at least another 24 hours to monitor the situation and make sure I don't have an infection or some other problem. It stinks to anticipate a return home and then have it taken away, but its better to be safe when dealing with my health.
One of the things that I learned over the weekend is that I'm not expected to drive while I am on the tacrolimus. That stinks. So when I do get home, I won't be able to be as independent as I thought I would. Kate will have to play the role of driver as well as wife and mother. Unfortunately Kate doesn't enjoy driving like I do, so that will be another of those nuisances that we have to deal with during this situation.
My blood results from today were excellent. My white blood cells were 7.87 and my absolute neutrophil count was 5.588. Those numbers are more than doule what they were two days ago, and are actually towards the high side of the healthy range. So my new immune system seems to have come in strong. I believe I will no longer have to take the neupogen shots, which stimulate cell growth in the bone marrow. Thats another step in the right direction.
Right now I am feeling extremely positive about my health. I feel like I have dealt with the bone marrow transplant about as well as I could, and am thankful for that. The only question I have in my mind right now is whether or not the cancer is still present. Since I am feeling so well, I take that as a sign that the new bone marrow cells and the high level doses of cytoxan and fludarabine might have wiped out the remaining cancer. However, I have felt confident before about being in remission and been let down. So I will keep on praying for my complete healing and giving thanks for how healthy I feel so far. After today's disappointment, I'm not planning on necessarily being home tommorow, but hopefully my next update will come from home rather than a hospital room at NIH.
On Sunday I had another day pass and got to spend some good time with family, including Mary, Mya, and Reed before they head back to Florida. I was feeling pretty good most of the day, but unfortunately had some diarhea. When I got back to the hospital last night, I had some more diarhea throughout the night. So because of that issue, the transplant team wanted to keep me for at least another 24 hours to monitor the situation and make sure I don't have an infection or some other problem. It stinks to anticipate a return home and then have it taken away, but its better to be safe when dealing with my health.
One of the things that I learned over the weekend is that I'm not expected to drive while I am on the tacrolimus. That stinks. So when I do get home, I won't be able to be as independent as I thought I would. Kate will have to play the role of driver as well as wife and mother. Unfortunately Kate doesn't enjoy driving like I do, so that will be another of those nuisances that we have to deal with during this situation.
My blood results from today were excellent. My white blood cells were 7.87 and my absolute neutrophil count was 5.588. Those numbers are more than doule what they were two days ago, and are actually towards the high side of the healthy range. So my new immune system seems to have come in strong. I believe I will no longer have to take the neupogen shots, which stimulate cell growth in the bone marrow. Thats another step in the right direction.
Right now I am feeling extremely positive about my health. I feel like I have dealt with the bone marrow transplant about as well as I could, and am thankful for that. The only question I have in my mind right now is whether or not the cancer is still present. Since I am feeling so well, I take that as a sign that the new bone marrow cells and the high level doses of cytoxan and fludarabine might have wiped out the remaining cancer. However, I have felt confident before about being in remission and been let down. So I will keep on praying for my complete healing and giving thanks for how healthy I feel so far. After today's disappointment, I'm not planning on necessarily being home tommorow, but hopefully my next update will come from home rather than a hospital room at NIH.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Day +17
Today was a good day. I got to spend the afternoon at home with Kate and Isaiah. After 25 nights in the hospital, it was a bit strange to head back into our house. I know its not a big house, but it seemed really small when I first went in. Isaiah was really excited to have his daddy back, and it was a great visit. It will be nice to have another visit home tommorow, and to finally be discharged on Monday.
So when I got back from my visit home, I asked my nurse for the results from my morning blood tests. I was pleasantly shocked when I took a look at the numbers. My white blood cells came in at 2.970, after registering 1.740 the morning before. My absolute neutrophil count also rose dramatically from 1.235 to 2.198. The white blood cell count is still a bit low, but the neutrophil count is within the normal range.
My other numbers from the blood results increased as well. My red blood cells went from 2.92 to 3.11, hemoglobin went from 9.2 to 9.3, and my platelets went from 13 to 19. All of those results are still low, but its a good sign that they are coming up on their own without having to receive tranfusions. These recent results are really making me feel good as I get ready to head home from the hospital.
So when I got back from my visit home, I asked my nurse for the results from my morning blood tests. I was pleasantly shocked when I took a look at the numbers. My white blood cells came in at 2.970, after registering 1.740 the morning before. My absolute neutrophil count also rose dramatically from 1.235 to 2.198. The white blood cell count is still a bit low, but the neutrophil count is within the normal range.
My other numbers from the blood results increased as well. My red blood cells went from 2.92 to 3.11, hemoglobin went from 9.2 to 9.3, and my platelets went from 13 to 19. All of those results are still low, but its a good sign that they are coming up on their own without having to receive tranfusions. These recent results are really making me feel good as I get ready to head home from the hospital.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Day +16
Got some good news today. The doctors are still happy with my progress and there are no new concerns. My white blood cells were up to 1.880, and my neutrophil count is 1.235. There is steady progress there, but my platelets are still low, 13 as of this afternoon.
So this morning the attending doctor said that Monday will be my planned discharge date! In addition to that good news, they plan on giving me a day pass to leave the hospital tommorow and Sunday. So at some point tommorow I should be able to head home and spend time with Kate and Isaiah at home. It will be strange to leave the hospital after almost a month here, but I am extremely excited for it. There is still a lot of things I need to follow up on once I leave the hospital, but it will be so much more comfortable to be treated as an outpatient and to be able to spend more time with my family.
Although I am still in the hospital tonight, I feel somewhat free. I have been receiving tacrolimus through an IV since Day -2, and they finally removed that IV for good this afternoon. So I am not currently hooked up to any IVs, and don't have any plans to unless I need a transfusion. I will continue to receive the tacrolimus orally for the next 100 days, but my dose level is so low that they do not have a pill small enough for me. So the pharmacist had to make an elixir with the small amount of tacrolimus that I'll be receiving, and I will be taking that orally twice a day. Things are really starting to look up today. The hospital stay will soon be over, and the next stage in this journey will pick up.
So this morning the attending doctor said that Monday will be my planned discharge date! In addition to that good news, they plan on giving me a day pass to leave the hospital tommorow and Sunday. So at some point tommorow I should be able to head home and spend time with Kate and Isaiah at home. It will be strange to leave the hospital after almost a month here, but I am extremely excited for it. There is still a lot of things I need to follow up on once I leave the hospital, but it will be so much more comfortable to be treated as an outpatient and to be able to spend more time with my family.
Although I am still in the hospital tonight, I feel somewhat free. I have been receiving tacrolimus through an IV since Day -2, and they finally removed that IV for good this afternoon. So I am not currently hooked up to any IVs, and don't have any plans to unless I need a transfusion. I will continue to receive the tacrolimus orally for the next 100 days, but my dose level is so low that they do not have a pill small enough for me. So the pharmacist had to make an elixir with the small amount of tacrolimus that I'll be receiving, and I will be taking that orally twice a day. Things are really starting to look up today. The hospital stay will soon be over, and the next stage in this journey will pick up.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Day +15
Another day at the hospital and another day without much to report. My white blood cell counts are pretty much holding steady. They seem to be improving slightly each day, but the progress isn't quick like it was a week ago. The doctors remain positive about my progress, and there aren't any new issues coming up.
I had a new nurse today and she came in at one point and said, "I heard that you were going home tommorow." I explained that I had heard that too at one point, but that the doctor had told me there was no set date for discharge. Later she came in and told me one of the research nurses, who don't usually spend time on the ward, called and asked if I was being released tommorow. So this rumor of being sent home is making its way around the hospital, but I just haven't gotten any confirmation of this from any doctor.
Thats all I have for an update. There really isn't much going on. I'm feeling pretty decent, but tired for most of the day. If I don't get the ok to head home tommorow, hopefully I'll at least get a date to look forward to.
I had a new nurse today and she came in at one point and said, "I heard that you were going home tommorow." I explained that I had heard that too at one point, but that the doctor had told me there was no set date for discharge. Later she came in and told me one of the research nurses, who don't usually spend time on the ward, called and asked if I was being released tommorow. So this rumor of being sent home is making its way around the hospital, but I just haven't gotten any confirmation of this from any doctor.
Thats all I have for an update. There really isn't much going on. I'm feeling pretty decent, but tired for most of the day. If I don't get the ok to head home tommorow, hopefully I'll at least get a date to look forward to.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Day +13
Today was a little more exciting than yesterday, but not by much. My absolute neutrophil count rose by about 100 this morning. Thats in the right direction but not as much as I would have liked. As usual, the reports from the doctors were all positive. It seems like my discharge date has been scheduled for Friday. So if everything goes well for the next few days I should be home by the weekend!
My platelets held steady from yesterday to today, so the Doctor shared that he didn't think I needed a platelet transfusion. I reported that I hadn't had any major nosebleeds for a few days, so he was happy with that. Then he asked me to sit up so he could check my back for any rashes, and a drop of blood dripped out of my nose. He turned to the other doctor on rounds with him and said, "I guess we should go ahead and order platelets anyways."
I also got two units of blood, although my hemoglobin was only in the 9's. I'm used to 9's being high for my hemoglobin, so its kind of funny that they infuse me inpatient when they are at that level. Oh well...if it gives me more energy, then I'll take it.
Everything else seems to be going well, and its encouraging to know where the finish line is. Tommorow will be two weeks since the transplant, and I can't believe how time has flown by. It feels like forever since I've been at work or at home, but at least I haven't been bored too much in here.
My platelets held steady from yesterday to today, so the Doctor shared that he didn't think I needed a platelet transfusion. I reported that I hadn't had any major nosebleeds for a few days, so he was happy with that. Then he asked me to sit up so he could check my back for any rashes, and a drop of blood dripped out of my nose. He turned to the other doctor on rounds with him and said, "I guess we should go ahead and order platelets anyways."
I also got two units of blood, although my hemoglobin was only in the 9's. I'm used to 9's being high for my hemoglobin, so its kind of funny that they infuse me inpatient when they are at that level. Oh well...if it gives me more energy, then I'll take it.
Everything else seems to be going well, and its encouraging to know where the finish line is. Tommorow will be two weeks since the transplant, and I can't believe how time has flown by. It feels like forever since I've been at work or at home, but at least I haven't been bored too much in here.
Day +12
Yesterday was Day +12, and it was boring. My neutrophil count went over 1.000 for the first time since my counts dropped. My white blood cells were 1.480 and my absolute neutrophil count was 1.199. That was a nice milestone. The doctors didn't have anything else special to report, and it looks like everything is progressing without problem.
I did ask the doctor now that I am feeling well when he thought I might get discharged. He stated most likely the end of this week. Thats pretty good news. I think I'll be able to manage until then. Otherwise, like I said before, Day +12 was a pretty boring day. Not much going on, but I'm feeling a lot closer to discharge.
I did ask the doctor now that I am feeling well when he thought I might get discharged. He stated most likely the end of this week. Thats pretty good news. I think I'll be able to manage until then. Otherwise, like I said before, Day +12 was a pretty boring day. Not much going on, but I'm feeling a lot closer to discharge.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Day +11
Today is Day +11, and I am feeling as good as I have since entering the hospital. My white blood cells continue to increase, going from .718 yesterday afternoon, to .903 this morning, and 1.430 this afternoon. The absolute neutrophil count rose above .500 to .605 this morning. That means I am no longer neutropenic, and no longer have to take the antibiotic I've been on since my counts started dropping.
In addition to the good blood counts, my day was made better when my nurse let me know it was in the 60's outside and I could go take a walk. There was a nice breeze outside and it felt like the beginning of spring. I wasn't outdoors for a long time, but it was the first time I've been outside since December 9th. Its hard to believe that its almost been three weeks since I was admitted. Although parts of the day can be quite slow, the whole process is flying by.
My bladder issues are still a nuisance, but I think I observed the most improvement with that today. Another thing that has been bothering me the last 3 nights and not helping with my sleep has been some neuropathy in my toes. I've had slight neuropathy in my fingers with chemotherapy, but it didn't have a negative effect on my motor skills. However, my toes have felt like they were burning. I've found wasy to help deal with it, like placing them in a cold shower, putting lotion on them, and elevating my feet. However, those solutions only last a short amout of time, and I've been finding myself still awake with the burning toes. Tonight I was given some oxycodone for it, so hopefully that will help me get to sleep easier. Speaking of sleep...I can't wait to get back to my bed back home! I feel like I am getting to the end of my stay here, and the idea of going home is extremely exciting.
In addition to the good blood counts, my day was made better when my nurse let me know it was in the 60's outside and I could go take a walk. There was a nice breeze outside and it felt like the beginning of spring. I wasn't outdoors for a long time, but it was the first time I've been outside since December 9th. Its hard to believe that its almost been three weeks since I was admitted. Although parts of the day can be quite slow, the whole process is flying by.
My bladder issues are still a nuisance, but I think I observed the most improvement with that today. Another thing that has been bothering me the last 3 nights and not helping with my sleep has been some neuropathy in my toes. I've had slight neuropathy in my fingers with chemotherapy, but it didn't have a negative effect on my motor skills. However, my toes have felt like they were burning. I've found wasy to help deal with it, like placing them in a cold shower, putting lotion on them, and elevating my feet. However, those solutions only last a short amout of time, and I've been finding myself still awake with the burning toes. Tonight I was given some oxycodone for it, so hopefully that will help me get to sleep easier. Speaking of sleep...I can't wait to get back to my bed back home! I feel like I am getting to the end of my stay here, and the idea of going home is extremely exciting.
Day +10
Day +10 is almost over and things are still looking positive. My neutrophil count made a huge jump to .484, so its starting to look like I have some semblance of an immune system. When the doctors came on rounds today, they didn't feel there was anything going on that was a problem, and that "I'm on their good list." I'll take that.
Unfortunately the morning was somewhat chaotic. I slept very poorly last night because of the continuing bladder issue. Its hard to get a good rest when you are up once or twice an hour. So about 8:00 in the morning I finally had settled into a restful state, when blood started gushing out of my nose. My whole life I've been a nose bleeder, and most of this week I've had dried blood in my nose rather than mucus. I must have done something to clear the airway, and there was fresh blood all over the sheet and pillows.
Since I've dealt with bloody noses most of my life, I tried to stop the bleeding the way I normally do. However, my techniques didn't work quickly with my low platelet count. When the nurse came in she got me a bag of ice and cleaned up after me so I could rest and try to stop the bleeding. I wasn't supposed to get platelets today, but because of the bleeding they ordered them right then.
So while I am getting the platelets my nurse takes my vital signs, which includes taking my blood pressure. She said she was going to be back in 10 minutes and asked if I was fine leaving the blood pressure cuff on. I said yes...thinking what would be the problem with that. The problem arose when my bladder started yelling at me to empty. I got the cuff off of my arm with no problem. Then I got my backpack that carries my ambulatory pump for the Tacrolimus. I struggle out of bed, and since I'm still receiving platelets I need to roll the IV pole into the bathroom with me as well. Ok...still feeling alright. However, the cord for the blood pressure machine is plugged in and pulled tight in front of the bathroom door. I go to reach for the plug, but my Tacrolimus line is caught on the bedframe. Now I'm feeling anxious. I get the line unstuck, unplug the blood pressure machine, and try to pull the IV pole into the bathroom. The good news is that I got to the bathroom before urinating. The bad news is that I didn't quite make it to the urinal. So I clean myself up and my nurse comes in. I explain what happened with the bathroom, and like a true professional she takes it all in stride.
I guess the message of the day is to give a ton of respect to nurses. They put up with a lot of nasty stuff in hospitals, and don't get the credit they deserve.
After the bleeding and the bathroom debacles, the day went pretty smoothly. I had another great visit from my family, and am starting to get excited about going home. Hopefully within the week I'll be back in the real world.
Unfortunately the morning was somewhat chaotic. I slept very poorly last night because of the continuing bladder issue. Its hard to get a good rest when you are up once or twice an hour. So about 8:00 in the morning I finally had settled into a restful state, when blood started gushing out of my nose. My whole life I've been a nose bleeder, and most of this week I've had dried blood in my nose rather than mucus. I must have done something to clear the airway, and there was fresh blood all over the sheet and pillows.
Since I've dealt with bloody noses most of my life, I tried to stop the bleeding the way I normally do. However, my techniques didn't work quickly with my low platelet count. When the nurse came in she got me a bag of ice and cleaned up after me so I could rest and try to stop the bleeding. I wasn't supposed to get platelets today, but because of the bleeding they ordered them right then.
So while I am getting the platelets my nurse takes my vital signs, which includes taking my blood pressure. She said she was going to be back in 10 minutes and asked if I was fine leaving the blood pressure cuff on. I said yes...thinking what would be the problem with that. The problem arose when my bladder started yelling at me to empty. I got the cuff off of my arm with no problem. Then I got my backpack that carries my ambulatory pump for the Tacrolimus. I struggle out of bed, and since I'm still receiving platelets I need to roll the IV pole into the bathroom with me as well. Ok...still feeling alright. However, the cord for the blood pressure machine is plugged in and pulled tight in front of the bathroom door. I go to reach for the plug, but my Tacrolimus line is caught on the bedframe. Now I'm feeling anxious. I get the line unstuck, unplug the blood pressure machine, and try to pull the IV pole into the bathroom. The good news is that I got to the bathroom before urinating. The bad news is that I didn't quite make it to the urinal. So I clean myself up and my nurse comes in. I explain what happened with the bathroom, and like a true professional she takes it all in stride.
I guess the message of the day is to give a ton of respect to nurses. They put up with a lot of nasty stuff in hospitals, and don't get the credit they deserve.
After the bleeding and the bathroom debacles, the day went pretty smoothly. I had another great visit from my family, and am starting to get excited about going home. Hopefully within the week I'll be back in the real world.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Day +9
The good news from yesterday continues today. My absolute neutrophil count rose from .034 to .166. With the neutrophils rising quickly, I'll soon be above what is considered neutropenic. I received platelets again today, and my afternoon labs show that they are still way below normal at 19. So I'm getting used to a daily dose of platelets. Can't wait to see those start rising on their own as well.
I've had a pain in my groin the last two days and went for an ultrasound today. The good news is that nothing serious was found by the ultrasound. However, the doctor couldn't tell me what the reason for the pain is. Hopefully it will just subside on its own, but thats what I've been told will happen with the blood in my urine and that hasn't happened yet. The most important thing to know is that the engraftment is working, but I am truly hoping for no more uncomfortable side effects and an end to the ones I have.
Other than a visit from Kate, this was a boring day...which is a good thing.
I've had a pain in my groin the last two days and went for an ultrasound today. The good news is that nothing serious was found by the ultrasound. However, the doctor couldn't tell me what the reason for the pain is. Hopefully it will just subside on its own, but thats what I've been told will happen with the blood in my urine and that hasn't happened yet. The most important thing to know is that the engraftment is working, but I am truly hoping for no more uncomfortable side effects and an end to the ones I have.
Other than a visit from Kate, this was a boring day...which is a good thing.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Christmas is Day +8
This was a very good Christmas. I met with the doctors early in the morning, and they gave me the best news of the day. They believe the donor cells have engrafted!!!
Over the last 3 blood draws, my white blood cell count has gone from .043, to .107, to .123. My neutrophil count also jumped from .06 to .034. Since the average range of healthy white blood cells is 3.3-8.7, I am still a while away from sitting pretty. However, every step in the right direction is something to give Thanks for.
My platelets this morning were down to 5, their lowest yet. They only bumped up to 12 after receiving another tranfusion this morning. Seeing the platelets rise without the need for more transfusions is the next thing for me to keep my eye on, but the white blood cells are the most important.
Since this is Day +8, my engraftment came pretty early. The lead doctor told us before beginning the study that the earliest they've seen is Day +7, day +8 is rare, but most occur between Days +9 and +12. The earliest I've heard of people leaving the hospital after this procedure is Day +14, which would be New Years Eve. Since I had to come into the hospital with a neutropenic fever last year on January 31st, I think it would be fitting if my discharge date after transplant would be exactly one year later.
After me platelet tranfusion, I had a great visit with my family. Kate brought Isaiah, her sister Jen, and her parents in around 11:00, and we were able to make the Christmas Mass held in NIH's chapel. After Mass, my parents came along with Mary, Mya, Reed, Matt, and Tim. We had lunch in the activity room down the hall, and had a big gift giving session. I was overwhelmed by the amount of gifts everybody gave to each other, and Kate told me it was nothing compared to what Isaiah got to open up at home. I don't know how our small house is going to fit all of these new things, but I'm glad there was such joy amongst everybody today. I remember feeling disappointed last year that Kate and I only had several presents for Isaiah under the tree. Anybody who knows me well knows I'm not materialistic, but the joy it brought to his face to open each present was the best feeling in the world. I missed out on some of that this Christmas, but my hope is that cancer never gets in the way of any future Christmases or holidays again.
Thanks to everybody who shared their Christmas wishes and stories on the guestbook. I hope everybody who I'm sharing with had an amazing Christmas with their families as well.
Over the last 3 blood draws, my white blood cell count has gone from .043, to .107, to .123. My neutrophil count also jumped from .06 to .034. Since the average range of healthy white blood cells is 3.3-8.7, I am still a while away from sitting pretty. However, every step in the right direction is something to give Thanks for.
My platelets this morning were down to 5, their lowest yet. They only bumped up to 12 after receiving another tranfusion this morning. Seeing the platelets rise without the need for more transfusions is the next thing for me to keep my eye on, but the white blood cells are the most important.
Since this is Day +8, my engraftment came pretty early. The lead doctor told us before beginning the study that the earliest they've seen is Day +7, day +8 is rare, but most occur between Days +9 and +12. The earliest I've heard of people leaving the hospital after this procedure is Day +14, which would be New Years Eve. Since I had to come into the hospital with a neutropenic fever last year on January 31st, I think it would be fitting if my discharge date after transplant would be exactly one year later.
After me platelet tranfusion, I had a great visit with my family. Kate brought Isaiah, her sister Jen, and her parents in around 11:00, and we were able to make the Christmas Mass held in NIH's chapel. After Mass, my parents came along with Mary, Mya, Reed, Matt, and Tim. We had lunch in the activity room down the hall, and had a big gift giving session. I was overwhelmed by the amount of gifts everybody gave to each other, and Kate told me it was nothing compared to what Isaiah got to open up at home. I don't know how our small house is going to fit all of these new things, but I'm glad there was such joy amongst everybody today. I remember feeling disappointed last year that Kate and I only had several presents for Isaiah under the tree. Anybody who knows me well knows I'm not materialistic, but the joy it brought to his face to open each present was the best feeling in the world. I missed out on some of that this Christmas, but my hope is that cancer never gets in the way of any future Christmases or holidays again.
Thanks to everybody who shared their Christmas wishes and stories on the guestbook. I hope everybody who I'm sharing with had an amazing Christmas with their families as well.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Christmas Eve is Day +7
Merry Christmas. I hope that everybody reading this is enjoying their holiday celebration. Christmas Eve is my day +7 out of transplant. I'm still not feeling great, but at times today I did feel a lot better. Maybe its an early Christmas gift, but my neutrophil count rose again from .005, to .006, to .011. That is still extremely low and incredibly risky for infection, however that looks like its moving on the right path. My temperature has been raised a bit the last two days, but not to the point of fever. I'm praying that it stays that way and that the increase in neutrophils is an early sign of engraftment.
I received platelets again today...fourth day in a row. Since they were only at 11 on my afternoon lab count, they will probably be back in the single digits soon and I'll probably need more platelets tommorow.
I miss not being with my family for Christmas, but the plan is for all of them to come to the hospital tommorow for a litle celebration here. We aren't perfect, but I have an excellent family. I want to thank them all for everything they have done to help me out. Once again...Merry Christmas to everybody.
I received platelets again today...fourth day in a row. Since they were only at 11 on my afternoon lab count, they will probably be back in the single digits soon and I'll probably need more platelets tommorow.
I miss not being with my family for Christmas, but the plan is for all of them to come to the hospital tommorow for a litle celebration here. We aren't perfect, but I have an excellent family. I want to thank them all for everything they have done to help me out. Once again...Merry Christmas to everybody.
Day +6
Today was day six and not much really changed. My neutrophil count went up from .005 to .006. I've been eagerly awaiting my counts to start shooting up, but I think those numbers represent an insignificant difference.
I also received platelets for the third time in as many days. It seems like every time I receive the platelets they bounce up and then head back to an even lower point the next morning. I guess that shows how much my body is beat down right now, and I'm grateful for the people who go out of their way to donate platelets.
Those were the big medical news for the day. As usual the doctors say everyhing is on the right track. My bladder issue is still a nuisance, and hopefully that will resolve itself soon.
Kate came by for a long visit today, and that helped the day fly by. I want to give thanks to Kate's family for helping her out with Isaiah and making it easier for her to make time to come over here. After she left my Dad was around, and he was later joined by my brother Matt and our family friend Christy. They all got to watch the process of having one of my lumen's fixed on my Hickman line. While one of my three lines was being flushed with saline, I heard a pop and felt something wet on my midsection. A hole just burst open in the lining, and I had saline and blood on my belly. Luckily this didn't happen when chemo was coming through. That would have been more of a problem.
I also received platelets for the third time in as many days. It seems like every time I receive the platelets they bounce up and then head back to an even lower point the next morning. I guess that shows how much my body is beat down right now, and I'm grateful for the people who go out of their way to donate platelets.
Those were the big medical news for the day. As usual the doctors say everyhing is on the right track. My bladder issue is still a nuisance, and hopefully that will resolve itself soon.
Kate came by for a long visit today, and that helped the day fly by. I want to give thanks to Kate's family for helping her out with Isaiah and making it easier for her to make time to come over here. After she left my Dad was around, and he was later joined by my brother Matt and our family friend Christy. They all got to watch the process of having one of my lumen's fixed on my Hickman line. While one of my three lines was being flushed with saline, I heard a pop and felt something wet on my midsection. A hole just burst open in the lining, and I had saline and blood on my belly. Luckily this didn't happen when chemo was coming through. That would have been more of a problem.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Day +5
Day +5 is over. It really does feel good to count down the days, even though I don't know the exact day I will get out of here. Today was a decent day for me. It wasn't the worst or the best. I got more platelets, which only brought me up to 23. Still a very low number, but without that I'd probably be in the single digits. I also got two units of red blood cells, which should help my energy.
My white blood cells shrank from .039 to .031. So I'm still decreasing. I can't wait to see those numbers start coming up. Despite the high risk of infection I haven't spiked a fever yet. The bladder issues and the diarhea are the two most bothersome issues right now. The bladder problem I feel is slowly improving, but still not comfortable. This evening I've noticed how badly my hands have dried out from the constant handwashing. I took a shower and the water stung my hands and wrists from where the skin has been so badly treated. So its time to up the amount of times I put lotion on them to keep things moist.
Not much else to report today. Doctors feel everything is progressing well, and I was able to get a visit in from Kate which was nice. Its still probably too risky for a sick Isaiah to come visit. I guess this means I just have to sleep a bit longer to make the time fly by faster.
My white blood cells shrank from .039 to .031. So I'm still decreasing. I can't wait to see those numbers start coming up. Despite the high risk of infection I haven't spiked a fever yet. The bladder issues and the diarhea are the two most bothersome issues right now. The bladder problem I feel is slowly improving, but still not comfortable. This evening I've noticed how badly my hands have dried out from the constant handwashing. I took a shower and the water stung my hands and wrists from where the skin has been so badly treated. So its time to up the amount of times I put lotion on them to keep things moist.
Not much else to report today. Doctors feel everything is progressing well, and I was able to get a visit in from Kate which was nice. Its still probably too risky for a sick Isaiah to come visit. I guess this means I just have to sleep a bit longer to make the time fly by faster.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Day +2
Today was day +2 after transplant, and thankfully I didn't have any vomiting or nausea. Thats something to be thankful for. Unfortunately a few other minor nuisances crept up. Diarhea continues to be a problem, a headache developed during the middle of the day, and I'm waiting for a doctor to come prescribe me medicine for what might be a urinary tract infection. My body isn't failing me, but these issues let me know that it is still weak at this time.
The headache is a sharp persistant pain in the top and back of my head. I was given oxycodone for it, which seemed to help but not completely alleviate the headache. I've been having trouble trying to sleep and took another dose of oxycodone to try and ease the pain enough to sleep. I think the headache is being caused by the Tacrolimus. One of its listed side effects is headache, and I haven't felt any the previous 4 days I have been on it. However the doctors let me know that my tacrolimus level is at 16, when they want it to be between 5 and 10. The elevated levels in my system are probably whats causing this. I have been off of the tacrolimus since the afternoon and won't get back on it until the morning. Hopefully the headache eases up before then.
On the home front, Kate took Isaiah to the Doctor, who suspects he has strep throat. He is now on antibiotics for that, but probably won't make it to the hospital to visit for a few days. Its hard not to see Isaiah and Kate because of that, but luckily for us one of the research nurses at NIH lent us a webcam of hers when she heard my family mention that we were looking into that. So despite having to stay at home, Isaiah and Kate were able to visit with me on the webcam a couple of times today.
Well other than what I've mentioned, there was a lot of waiting around today. My white blood counts are still dropping, making me more at risk of infection. Although the doctors seem to be pleased with the progress I'm making, so I'm still up beat.
The headache is a sharp persistant pain in the top and back of my head. I was given oxycodone for it, which seemed to help but not completely alleviate the headache. I've been having trouble trying to sleep and took another dose of oxycodone to try and ease the pain enough to sleep. I think the headache is being caused by the Tacrolimus. One of its listed side effects is headache, and I haven't felt any the previous 4 days I have been on it. However the doctors let me know that my tacrolimus level is at 16, when they want it to be between 5 and 10. The elevated levels in my system are probably whats causing this. I have been off of the tacrolimus since the afternoon and won't get back on it until the morning. Hopefully the headache eases up before then.
On the home front, Kate took Isaiah to the Doctor, who suspects he has strep throat. He is now on antibiotics for that, but probably won't make it to the hospital to visit for a few days. Its hard not to see Isaiah and Kate because of that, but luckily for us one of the research nurses at NIH lent us a webcam of hers when she heard my family mention that we were looking into that. So despite having to stay at home, Isaiah and Kate were able to visit with me on the webcam a couple of times today.
Well other than what I've mentioned, there was a lot of waiting around today. My white blood counts are still dropping, making me more at risk of infection. Although the doctors seem to be pleased with the progress I'm making, so I'm still up beat.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Another Transfusion
Today was my first unplanned day off of work since school began in August. I really hate missing any time at work, but had to call out in order to get a blood transfusion today. I was starting to get short of breath while walking around, and needed a break on the stairs at work on Monday. Struggling going up two flights of stairs was an obvious sign that the chemotherapy effects me more than I like to let on. I also developed a headache over the weekend, so I had plenty of signs of anemia. My hemoglobin count on Friday had been 8.3 and it was down to 7.6 on Monday morning. Those numbers were pretty similar to the last cycle of chemotherapy, so I figure another tranfusion will probably be in the cards for my final round of EPOCH-CR. I'm feeling pretty good after the new blood was put into my system. The headache went away and I can feel the increase in energy as I walk around the house and the yard.
I've been neutropenic the last few days, which is usual during this part of each chemo cycle. However, my white blood cell counts have been lower than I can remember having. My neutrophil count was 154 yesterday, which is as low as I remember being recorded. When my blood was drawn today they were down to 16. My nurse today was worried that I was so low and pulled the curtain around where I sat, and gave me Michael Jackson style masks for covering my face when I left. At one point she asked me, "Aren't you scared?" I told her it wouldn't help anything, and thats the truth. I'm at a point where I'm susceptible to infection, but I've been able to live pretty well and avoid any major problems. As long as I stay smart about exposing myself to potential germs or bacteria, than I feel pretty confident about how I am doing.
Some of the other issues I've been having are a slight cough since the weekend, and some irritating mouth sores. Met with one of the nurse practicioners at NIH today and he set me up with a quick chest X-ray just as a precaution with the cough. I haven't heard anything back yet about the X-ray, so I'm taking no news as good news. So right now I'm getting through things and dealing with the annoyances of chemotherapy. It still sucks, but tommorow is another day. So I'll be ready for it just like usual.
I've been neutropenic the last few days, which is usual during this part of each chemo cycle. However, my white blood cell counts have been lower than I can remember having. My neutrophil count was 154 yesterday, which is as low as I remember being recorded. When my blood was drawn today they were down to 16. My nurse today was worried that I was so low and pulled the curtain around where I sat, and gave me Michael Jackson style masks for covering my face when I left. At one point she asked me, "Aren't you scared?" I told her it wouldn't help anything, and thats the truth. I'm at a point where I'm susceptible to infection, but I've been able to live pretty well and avoid any major problems. As long as I stay smart about exposing myself to potential germs or bacteria, than I feel pretty confident about how I am doing.
Some of the other issues I've been having are a slight cough since the weekend, and some irritating mouth sores. Met with one of the nurse practicioners at NIH today and he set me up with a quick chest X-ray just as a precaution with the cough. I haven't heard anything back yet about the X-ray, so I'm taking no news as good news. So right now I'm getting through things and dealing with the annoyances of chemotherapy. It still sucks, but tommorow is another day. So I'll be ready for it just like usual.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Low Blood Counts Coming Up
I've felt the urge to update the blog several times this week, and even started typing at one point only to stop. Having the concentration and energy to sit down, gather my thoughts, and type for a few minutes can be hard at times. Its was probably harder the past few days than most since my blood counts were at their lowest during this time.
On Monday my white blood cell count was 400 with a neutrophil count of 310. Thats extremely low and offered me about as little help fighting infections as a person can get without a completely ineffective immune system. My temperature is usually between 97 and 98 degrees, and it went up to 99.5 at one point on Tuesday. So I had a borderline fever. However, my temperature came down quickly and I didn't have to consider calling NIH and heading to the hospital. Since then it has remained normal.
Yesterday was day 14 of my cycle and the day that I am usually told I can stop taking the neupogen shots. However, my neutrophil count was 4400, which is below the 5000 number necessary to stop the injections. I was somewhat expecting this since my counts were so low on Monday. So I'll make an extra stop to NIH tommorow to have my blood checked and ensure that my counts have risen to a safer level.
I worked all week and was pretty tired most days after getting home. Today I have a lot more energy in the afternoon and I feel like I've turned the corner in terms of energy this cycle. The next 5 days I should feel pretty normal and enjoy things before the next round of EPOCH-C begins.
On Monday my white blood cell count was 400 with a neutrophil count of 310. Thats extremely low and offered me about as little help fighting infections as a person can get without a completely ineffective immune system. My temperature is usually between 97 and 98 degrees, and it went up to 99.5 at one point on Tuesday. So I had a borderline fever. However, my temperature came down quickly and I didn't have to consider calling NIH and heading to the hospital. Since then it has remained normal.
Yesterday was day 14 of my cycle and the day that I am usually told I can stop taking the neupogen shots. However, my neutrophil count was 4400, which is below the 5000 number necessary to stop the injections. I was somewhat expecting this since my counts were so low on Monday. So I'll make an extra stop to NIH tommorow to have my blood checked and ensure that my counts have risen to a safer level.
I worked all week and was pretty tired most days after getting home. Today I have a lot more energy in the afternoon and I feel like I've turned the corner in terms of energy this cycle. The next 5 days I should feel pretty normal and enjoy things before the next round of EPOCH-C begins.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Feeling Better
FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2008 11:02 PM, CDT
Today was a very good day. Unfortunately Isaiah woke up at 7 and instead of playing quietly in his room, he decided to make a lot of noise and force me up. So I was up much earlier than I have been used to lately. However, I felt great all day and didn't need a nap to get through it. Thats the first time in weeks I've been able to go through a day without passing out once or twice. So I had a great day spending time with Isaiah and Kate.
After my blood tests from Monday revealed my white blood cell count was down to 800, I received a call that my blood count yesterday was at 7800. I needed a blood count of over 5000 in order to stop my neupogen shots, so it is great that I rebounded that much. I think my renewed energy is a sign of that.
I also got a call from the doctor who leads my research team. It was interesting that I talked to him, because its usually a nurse who makes calls. He passed on that the search for bone marrow donors was complete. His words were that there were a lot of potential donors, and it was highly likely that they would find a match. So thats great news. It was expected, but it was great to hear nevertheless.
There have been a lot of people, whether through my wife, my parents, or I, who have expressed an interest in becoming a bone marrow donor. I would hope that anybody who had that urge would follow through with that. It appears that I will be blessed enough to have a donor match, but it would be amazing if more people could make themselves eligible as donors so that other people who find themselves in a similar situation as mine will have better opportunities.
Today was a very good day. Unfortunately Isaiah woke up at 7 and instead of playing quietly in his room, he decided to make a lot of noise and force me up. So I was up much earlier than I have been used to lately. However, I felt great all day and didn't need a nap to get through it. Thats the first time in weeks I've been able to go through a day without passing out once or twice. So I had a great day spending time with Isaiah and Kate.
After my blood tests from Monday revealed my white blood cell count was down to 800, I received a call that my blood count yesterday was at 7800. I needed a blood count of over 5000 in order to stop my neupogen shots, so it is great that I rebounded that much. I think my renewed energy is a sign of that.
I also got a call from the doctor who leads my research team. It was interesting that I talked to him, because its usually a nurse who makes calls. He passed on that the search for bone marrow donors was complete. His words were that there were a lot of potential donors, and it was highly likely that they would find a match. So thats great news. It was expected, but it was great to hear nevertheless.
There have been a lot of people, whether through my wife, my parents, or I, who have expressed an interest in becoming a bone marrow donor. I would hope that anybody who had that urge would follow through with that. It appears that I will be blessed enough to have a donor match, but it would be amazing if more people could make themselves eligible as donors so that other people who find themselves in a similar situation as mine will have better opportunities.
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