WE MADE IT! HOME! After the docs. visit, we were out of the rat race of Atlanta and both of us agree none too soon. Counts are looking good, white counts - 9.1 (normal 11), red blood and platelets coming up slowly as expected. So Franklin needs to be careful not to cause bleeding- falls, shaving etc. and also is anemic. The doctor prescribed some meds for a cough, that they think will clear with movement, and reminded him not to be a hero and take meds for pain in buttocks and back. Next visit is not until Tuesday and then Friday if things are going well he will have the hickman cath. removed from his chest. Feelings of relief came over me because the flushing of his lines would soon be over. We arrived home about 4 p.m.,WOW!
Feb.2- I typed the beginning of this post on Saturday (Jan. 27) morning and Franklin had intended to complete the remainder but as you see he has not be able to update and express appreciation to all of you. Here is why. Through the weekend his cough continued to worsen and by Monday a.m., he was on the phone with the doctor. We headed to Emory for a visit with the doctor and then to have a CAT scan and viral nose swab. CAT scan showed pneumonia in both lungs - levaquin was prescribed. Tuesday afternoon brought more bad news, viral swab came back showing a respiratory virus called RSV and being told to report back to Emory as quick as possible. Needless to say, STRESS was the mood of the evening. Once settled in our room, Franklin felt GREAT relief just knowing that he was in a place where serious conditions could be monitored and once I calmed down from the return flight, ME TOO!
He is having 3-2 hour breathing treatments a day for 5 days, continuing Levaquin, is in isolation (and we mean ISOLATION- Franklin has compared it to being radioactive- gloves,masks and robes worn by all who enter the room). His Oxygen rate is reduced so breathing is aided by oxygen but signs positive. Right now the schedule is to go home Monday??? Just a reminder to all that transplant progress is WONDERFUL so even though the adventure had a bump, we are back on the ROAD TO SUCCESS!
I am going to share some thoughts from Franklin - Getting stronger daily and have confidence that I will be back pedaling and hiking before long. Look forward to seeing each of you in the days to come and THANK ALL for your prayers, dedication, and friendship. We intend for this to be our last blog post and hope that all of you have a properous and healthy 2007. Love Franklin and Aimee
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Can't Keep A Good Man Down
Jan. 24 -Day 16
We were able to leave the hospital on Monday, Jan. 22. Of course nothing at the hospital moves fast so it was about 5 p.m. before we were ready to leave but leave WE DID. The suite will meet our needs for now and believe it or not it almost feels like home. Franklin is so relieved that the poking, prodding and checking are over and that he is not connected to ANYTHING. He is using a walker to add stability and has very little energy or stamina but with Franklin's strong will and fighting attitude it won't be long before hugh gains will be noticed.
The doctor's visit brought GREAT NEWS!! Blood work looks great!He is changing the steriod, Dexamethsome, to Prenisome so the tapering process can begin. We are so thankful for finally being able to get off of that awful steriod. Bye bye moon face, hello muscles. Franklin was assured that energy levels will be creeping up daily and that he is doing better than he thinks he is. The doctor explained that we have no frame of reference when it comes to transplant progress but they do and things could be so much worse. He said that after our appointment on Friday that we could go home for the weekend and if everything is still progressing this well, next week probably go home for good. It is hard to believe that this adventure may be finally drawing to a close.
We were able to leave the hospital on Monday, Jan. 22. Of course nothing at the hospital moves fast so it was about 5 p.m. before we were ready to leave but leave WE DID. The suite will meet our needs for now and believe it or not it almost feels like home. Franklin is so relieved that the poking, prodding and checking are over and that he is not connected to ANYTHING. He is using a walker to add stability and has very little energy or stamina but with Franklin's strong will and fighting attitude it won't be long before hugh gains will be noticed.
The doctor's visit brought GREAT NEWS!! Blood work looks great!He is changing the steriod, Dexamethsome, to Prenisome so the tapering process can begin. We are so thankful for finally being able to get off of that awful steriod. Bye bye moon face, hello muscles. Franklin was assured that energy levels will be creeping up daily and that he is doing better than he thinks he is. The doctor explained that we have no frame of reference when it comes to transplant progress but they do and things could be so much worse. He said that after our appointment on Friday that we could go home for the weekend and if everything is still progressing this well, next week probably go home for good. It is hard to believe that this adventure may be finally drawing to a close.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Baby Steps/Giant Steps
We have said THANKS before but we wanted you all to know again how much we appreciate you taking your time to send comments. It just lets us know how special our family and friends are to us.
Jan. 19, Day 11 - White count - 2.5, HCT - 30.2, Platelets - 24,000
Doctor Flowers suggests baby steps - No Appetite - Try to eat a little each meal, Fluid Intake - 2 Liters if possible, Build Strength - Leg exercises, Walk hall laps beginning with 1 and increase daily, Swelling - try to see if walking will help reduce. Doctor Flowers, "SEE HOW THINGS ARE GOING AND YOU MAY GET OUT OF HERE THE FIRST OF NEXT WEEK." Franklin and I both had to pick up our chins off the floor after that one. This is baby steps???
Franklin was put on a few meds for anixous feelings.
Jan. 20, Day 12 - White count - 5.9, HCT - 28.6 (drop no big deal), Platelets- 16,000(last to come up, also not making fast enough to replace ones dying). We have been told that it is not unusual to continue to receive blood and platelets even after release form hospital. He did receive platelets today. It still is a struggle to eat so Ensure was the drink of choice today. 4 laps - SUPER! P.M. blood work, after platelets- 63,000, WBC- 9.4, and HCT- 29.1. Anixious feeling better but groggy.
Jan.21, Day 13 - WBC- 8.0 (Look at it go!!) HCT- 26(We are beginning to know what this means - blood - 2 units if under 27), Platelets- 61,000. Reduced dexamethsome to 2.5mg and also reduced one of the anxiety meds in half. Ready for the real kicker? Doctor Flowers asked, DO YOU WANT TO GO ON A LITTLE FIELD TRIP? I want you to go to your suite for a few hours and then plan to leave the hospital tomorrow and plan on staying at the suite for about 2 weeks." Well we went, Franklin enjoyed getting out but you can imagine how tired he was when we returned. Unless something happens by tomorrow afternoon we will be out of here and taking our first step back to Forsyth. We are determined and confident that this step will be successful. Thank God for Prayers!!!
Jan. 19, Day 11 - White count - 2.5, HCT - 30.2, Platelets - 24,000
Doctor Flowers suggests baby steps - No Appetite - Try to eat a little each meal, Fluid Intake - 2 Liters if possible, Build Strength - Leg exercises, Walk hall laps beginning with 1 and increase daily, Swelling - try to see if walking will help reduce. Doctor Flowers, "SEE HOW THINGS ARE GOING AND YOU MAY GET OUT OF HERE THE FIRST OF NEXT WEEK." Franklin and I both had to pick up our chins off the floor after that one. This is baby steps???
Franklin was put on a few meds for anixous feelings.
Jan. 20, Day 12 - White count - 5.9, HCT - 28.6 (drop no big deal), Platelets- 16,000(last to come up, also not making fast enough to replace ones dying). We have been told that it is not unusual to continue to receive blood and platelets even after release form hospital. He did receive platelets today. It still is a struggle to eat so Ensure was the drink of choice today. 4 laps - SUPER! P.M. blood work, after platelets- 63,000, WBC- 9.4, and HCT- 29.1. Anixious feeling better but groggy.
Jan.21, Day 13 - WBC- 8.0 (Look at it go!!) HCT- 26(We are beginning to know what this means - blood - 2 units if under 27), Platelets- 61,000. Reduced dexamethsome to 2.5mg and also reduced one of the anxiety meds in half. Ready for the real kicker? Doctor Flowers asked, DO YOU WANT TO GO ON A LITTLE FIELD TRIP? I want you to go to your suite for a few hours and then plan to leave the hospital tomorrow and plan on staying at the suite for about 2 weeks." Well we went, Franklin enjoyed getting out but you can imagine how tired he was when we returned. Unless something happens by tomorrow afternoon we will be out of here and taking our first step back to Forsyth. We are determined and confident that this step will be successful. Thank God for Prayers!!!
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Stem Cells Engraphing
First I must apoligize for the awful spelling in the last couple of blogs. If you know me very well, you know I am an awful speller. I usually just type then do spell check to correct. Well the spell check did not post on the last couple of posts. I know it doesn't really matter but I am like Lauran's boyfriend, Jeff, it bothers me to send something that is not correct. On with the important stuff.
Day 9, Jan. 17 - All vital signs are remaining stable and white counts at 700, Hct - 30.1 and Platelets - 21. This was the midnight reading. Around 3a.m. Franklin received platelets because of bleeding from nose. Of course this too is a normal occurance because of low platelet counts and after about 30 minutes clotting occurred. Franklin was up frequently will more bleeding and diaherra. They found no bacteria in the stool samples so Imodium was given. Thank goodness!!
GREAT NEWS ARRIVED ABOUT 10:00 A.M. - CELLS WERE BEGINNING TO ENGRAPH - MARROW MAKING CELLS(A formula is used to determine this immature cells x WBC(white)divided by 100 = amount that is engraphing - must be at least .500, Franklin's is .700). WOW!!! Lonial came in with uplifting news also. Franklin is doing better and at a quicker pace than he had expected and this included the tongue and throat swelling. Even with stumbling block Sunday (Jan. 14) he has had better progress than anyone else on hall. He wants to reduce dexamethsome to 1/2 the dosage(4mg) starting tomorrow. take off of IV fluids except for one antibiotic which has to be given IV. Franklin must start eating and drinking. Getting out of hospital is up to 3 factors now - eating,drinking and moving around. MIND BOGGLING!!
Physical therapist began her visits today and started Franklin on some valuable exercises to begin rebuilding.I am doing flips while Franklin is feeling overwhelmed.
Nose bleed about midnight brought more platelets.
Day 10, Jan. 18 - Dr. explained Franklin's overwhelmed feelings as you guessed it "normal". It is comforting to know that the doc and nurses have pretty much seen it all. Cabin fever, anixous and speedy recovery come together to make overwhelmed. I quess all the prayers are working - THANKS!! Franklin's strength is slowing improving, so he has been able to move around the room with minimal assistence. The hardest part of today was trying to eat, when he has no appetite. The speed of recovery is wonderful but has its scary moments.
Day 9, Jan. 17 - All vital signs are remaining stable and white counts at 700, Hct - 30.1 and Platelets - 21. This was the midnight reading. Around 3a.m. Franklin received platelets because of bleeding from nose. Of course this too is a normal occurance because of low platelet counts and after about 30 minutes clotting occurred. Franklin was up frequently will more bleeding and diaherra. They found no bacteria in the stool samples so Imodium was given. Thank goodness!!
GREAT NEWS ARRIVED ABOUT 10:00 A.M. - CELLS WERE BEGINNING TO ENGRAPH - MARROW MAKING CELLS(A formula is used to determine this immature cells x WBC(white)divided by 100 = amount that is engraphing - must be at least .500, Franklin's is .700). WOW!!! Lonial came in with uplifting news also. Franklin is doing better and at a quicker pace than he had expected and this included the tongue and throat swelling. Even with stumbling block Sunday (Jan. 14) he has had better progress than anyone else on hall. He wants to reduce dexamethsome to 1/2 the dosage(4mg) starting tomorrow. take off of IV fluids except for one antibiotic which has to be given IV. Franklin must start eating and drinking. Getting out of hospital is up to 3 factors now - eating,drinking and moving around. MIND BOGGLING!!
Physical therapist began her visits today and started Franklin on some valuable exercises to begin rebuilding.I am doing flips while Franklin is feeling overwhelmed.
Nose bleed about midnight brought more platelets.
Day 10, Jan. 18 - Dr. explained Franklin's overwhelmed feelings as you guessed it "normal". It is comforting to know that the doc and nurses have pretty much seen it all. Cabin fever, anixous and speedy recovery come together to make overwhelmed. I quess all the prayers are working - THANKS!! Franklin's strength is slowing improving, so he has been able to move around the room with minimal assistence. The hardest part of today was trying to eat, when he has no appetite. The speed of recovery is wonderful but has its scary moments.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
FRUSTRATING BUT EXPECTED
HALLALUAHS for better days! After 2 units of blood and continuation of antibotics, we were very thankful that Monday brought improvement. Temperature was normal,blood pressure was under control and other vital signs were stable. Blood work continued to show reasons for Franklin's feelings of listlessness and fatique even though vitals had improved - white counts < than 300,platelets - 12,000 and HCT (hemoglobin and other things) - 29.1 (it had been 25 Sunday night that is why the 2 units of blood). Doctor Lonial - tests confirmed gram negative bacteria so he added another antibotic to cover all bases, watch for bleeding may need platelets, mouth and throat not as bad as he had feared but could worsen next couple of days, finally stated that Franklin is on track except for setback Jan. 14. Growth factor shots began tonight to boast white cell production, these will be given daily. Thank goodness nurses will administer this time.
Jan.16 - Platelets were given due to nose bleed. Diahera began in early morning. This coupled with muscle fatique made for a frustrating day for Franklin to say the least. These struggles are to be expected even though, like Franklin stated so well before, the journey is no fun. Lonial felt like the tongue and throat swelling has gone down some but tapering of the steriod dexamethasome will not happen until he is eating and drinking and counts rising. A physical therapist was called in to assess and will be working with him daily. Even though the staff is working hard to cover all bases, it is hard to realize that this WILL NOT be a fast process. We continue to pray for complete remission, speedy recovery and minimal side effects.
Sorry for the length but it is so hard to condense. We have one request about the priceless comments that you are entering. Please comment on the most recent post so that we do not fail to enjoy your comment. Both of us look so forward to checking them daily. I know you all will be ready for Franklin to feel like posting again so they won't be so lengthy.
Jan.16 - Platelets were given due to nose bleed. Diahera began in early morning. This coupled with muscle fatique made for a frustrating day for Franklin to say the least. These struggles are to be expected even though, like Franklin stated so well before, the journey is no fun. Lonial felt like the tongue and throat swelling has gone down some but tapering of the steriod dexamethasome will not happen until he is eating and drinking and counts rising. A physical therapist was called in to assess and will be working with him daily. Even though the staff is working hard to cover all bases, it is hard to realize that this WILL NOT be a fast process. We continue to pray for complete remission, speedy recovery and minimal side effects.
Sorry for the length but it is so hard to condense. We have one request about the priceless comments that you are entering. Please comment on the most recent post so that we do not fail to enjoy your comment. Both of us look so forward to checking them daily. I know you all will be ready for Franklin to feel like posting again so they won't be so lengthy.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
TOMORROW IS ANOTHER DAY!
What a day! When Franklin went to sleep last night, he was talking about trying to eat some tomato soup tommorrow. Well a few temporary stumbling blocks kept that from happening but tommorrow is another day. The 4 a.m. bloodwork came back with white counts <300, platellets - 12,000. Franklin felt the drop, he was achey, feverish, sore throat and just generally listless. Emory docs. and nurses went to work. They started him on IV fluids which included assorted antibotics to cover all possible infections and ordered platellets. Small amount of morphane was given to ease the discomfort. Needless to say Franklin was in the bed and even admitted he did not feel good. (One of the few times he has made that statement so we all knew he felt really awful.) NO Walking today just lots of sleeping.
This afternoon his blood pressure dropped very low when he tried to get up, with the help of the nurses and a quick call to the docter things settled down until he tried to get up again and the same thing happened. Thank goodness he probably won't remember a lot but I won't soon forget it. A visit from the doctor and some more antibotics got things under control again. They are monitoring continuously and he is much more comfortable.Even though today's events were hair raising, the medical staff say that these conditions are not particually uncommon. Blood pressure is still low along with elevated temperature but with prayers, this wonderful medical team, confidence and determination tommorrow WILL be a better day. Maybe even some tomato soup.
This afternoon his blood pressure dropped very low when he tried to get up, with the help of the nurses and a quick call to the docter things settled down until he tried to get up again and the same thing happened. Thank goodness he probably won't remember a lot but I won't soon forget it. A visit from the doctor and some more antibotics got things under control again. They are monitoring continuously and he is much more comfortable.Even though today's events were hair raising, the medical staff say that these conditions are not particually uncommon. Blood pressure is still low along with elevated temperature but with prayers, this wonderful medical team, confidence and determination tommorrow WILL be a better day. Maybe even some tomato soup.
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