Approaching the Low

In clinic news today I got one bag of whole blood and a Monday appointment.  It took a while, but Darlene was a trooper and didn't complain. (Thanks for the ride, Dar!)

I am at .4 and should be at zero tomorrow. That means I am not making any blood cells at all. It also means I am neutropenic and have no immune system. To mitigate the threat of infection, I am on a whole series of pills and taking my temperature every 4 hours whole awake (98.2). At 100.5, I must call the on call doc who will probably send me to the hospital. Last time I had to go in because I was at 100.6. It was not surprising since  I wasn't feeling well. By the time I checked in the fever was down.

Today I started Neupogen, so I have the pain meds Tramadol and OxyContin at the ready.  Bone pain will not be tolerated this time. It will be destroyed! (Side Note: I do not take drugs. I have never had surgery or broken bones so I have not had any experience with pain medication. The bone pain has increased with each Neupogen series, so I will try the oxy with much trepidation. IF the tramadol does not work.)

I got confirmation that one more LP is necessary. My thoughts of being on the up in a week or two are confirmed, but I will still be on heavy restriction: no restaurants, no crowds, no Tybee.  I also learned that on average a person is immune compromised for up to a year after transplant (October 17). Ewwww.... Hope not.

So, this evening we will be having pizza and ice cream. That always makes us smile.

It's no Greek pizza on a Big Green Egg, but it filled the void. Plus, I am still trying to put on weight. I lost at least 14 pounds in May.  I am back to about normal weight. Today I weighed in at 120. (For Ken, that's 54.6 Kg!) Now I will continue to try and gain because I know there will be a time when I won't want to eat.

We continue the countdown to transplant, but I am in no hurry. Let's get past this low and enjoy feeling better before the next smack down.