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.
The Family Who is in ATL in Spirit
The grandchildren (Hanna and Grace), Keith and Jenny in spirit enjoying the farm in July. They all wish Dub would get to feeling better and the cells would start working so they can play on the farm with him again soon.
Friday, January 12, 2007
slow recovery
Recovery is moving along but taking the trip is no fun.The chemo is showing what it can do. Very weak,appitite gone,sore throat,but on the other hand it could be lots worse.Some people get the full load. No nauusa,no real mouth sores
I take antinausa medicine and it works.Also take varity of antibotics to ward off infection.White count is below 300 which means that my immune system does not exist.I have to wear a mask when I leave the room. This phase will go through Sun and they say things will improve.
No solid food..I'm surviving on Ensure. Service is good,no waiting for nurses. You ask for something and they get it immediately.They check in on you on a regular basis.
Thank for all your prayers and your interest.If you hve a question put it in a comment and I'll try to answer.
The Hospital address:W.Franklin Freeman,room E715,Emory Hospital,1364 Clifton Rd.,N.E.,Atlanta,Ga.30322.
Signing off for now.
I take antinausa medicine and it works.Also take varity of antibotics to ward off infection.White count is below 300 which means that my immune system does not exist.I have to wear a mask when I leave the room. This phase will go through Sun and they say things will improve.
No solid food..I'm surviving on Ensure. Service is good,no waiting for nurses. You ask for something and they get it immediately.They check in on you on a regular basis.
Thank for all your prayers and your interest.If you hve a question put it in a comment and I'll try to answer.
The Hospital address:W.Franklin Freeman,room E715,Emory Hospital,1364 Clifton Rd.,N.E.,Atlanta,Ga.30322.
Signing off for now.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Walking the Quad
I am supposed to walk a mile a day, so on the days that I have felt up to it, we have gone outside and enjoyed the warm sun and beauty of the Emory campus. How do you like my cancer cap?
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
start of recovery
Mon was the big day and not much happens in the way of drama after that.Tues was uneventful except that I had to take some antinausa medicine when I felt queasy.Not far from the Emory museum and I saw an exhibit advertised as Indian
dream paintings. Naturally interested in Native American art We went to look. I was disappointed to find it dealt with Hari Krishina stuff from India. Didn't stay long.
Today my appetite is gone and they are going to try me on some liquids with morenutrition.Also my mouth is becoming tender and starting to hurt some. May turn into mouth sores may not.For the next few days I will be treated for side effects of chemo as they may appear but I am hoping that it won't be too bad. They claim to have seen everything up here and are ready for anything.This gives us a level of comfort.
White counts are still dropping and are about 4000 today which means I can still go outside but have to wear a mask. Expect the counts to drop to about 300 by Friday and this will probably keep me on the floor until thsy improve. Am taking lots of antibiotics to prevent infection.
Thanks for all of your comments. I enjoy reading them.
dream paintings. Naturally interested in Native American art We went to look. I was disappointed to find it dealt with Hari Krishina stuff from India. Didn't stay long.
Today my appetite is gone and they are going to try me on some liquids with morenutrition.Also my mouth is becoming tender and starting to hurt some. May turn into mouth sores may not.For the next few days I will be treated for side effects of chemo as they may appear but I am hoping that it won't be too bad. They claim to have seen everything up here and are ready for anything.This gives us a level of comfort.
White counts are still dropping and are about 4000 today which means I can still go outside but have to wear a mask. Expect the counts to drop to about 300 by Friday and this will probably keep me on the floor until thsy improve. Am taking lots of antibiotics to prevent infection.
Thanks for all of your comments. I enjoy reading them.
Monday, January 8, 2007
exercise
They want usto walk a mile a day.Good idea butnstead of walking the halls Aimee and I have been trying to walk all over theHospipal which is a hugh place. If the weather iis decent we walk outside. Much better.. Found alternative menu for food such as hot dogs,grilled cheese, and fried chicken. Orded some. We'll see.
Blog flash. Lauran just added something. Take a look.hhhhhh
Blog flash. Lauran just added something. Take a look.hhhhhh
birthday party
Bone marrow went great and I just woke up about 11AM, eating some lunch and feeling good. Stem cells go in about 1PM. This will take about 30 minutes but will probably put me back to sleep. Could not have breakfast before marrow so some soup tastes real good.
Stem cells have gonee in and they are supposed to start doing there thing.Took about 30 minutes. Staff and nurses came in and sang happy birthday but I was under so much sedation I really didnt appreciate everthing. Still feel sedated but getting more awake.. Need to drink more fluid.White counts are expected to decline through Fri reaching a low of about .3 which is way below normal and means that my immune system is for all practical purposes is gone for a time. I will probably feel bad at that time but will start gradually getting better. while this is happening I may be getting mouth sore or I may not. They are going to give me Kelvance which is supposed build up mucus in mouth and prevent sore. We'll see.
Still feel good and going to keep fighting back!!!!!!!
Stem cells have gonee in and they are supposed to start doing there thing.Took about 30 minutes. Staff and nurses came in and sang happy birthday but I was under so much sedation I really didnt appreciate everthing. Still feel sedated but getting more awake.. Need to drink more fluid.White counts are expected to decline through Fri reaching a low of about .3 which is way below normal and means that my immune system is for all practical purposes is gone for a time. I will probably feel bad at that time but will start gradually getting better. while this is happening I may be getting mouth sore or I may not. They are going to give me Kelvance which is supposed build up mucus in mouth and prevent sore. We'll see.
Still feel good and going to keep fighting back!!!!!!!
Sunday, January 7, 2007
FULL OF CONFIDENCE AND READY TO FIGHT!!
JAN. 3 - We arrived at Holiday Inn Express to prepare for admision to Emory. The suite will be a suitable base, it is only 1 mile from the hospital which will allow Aimee to move back and forth (when possible).It contains all that we will need to set up house keeping during our stay and also has an indoor pool, exercise eqipment that will be of benefit to Aimee now and me later. We spent the last week or so cooking and freezing an assortment of dishes to give both of us a touch of home cooking. We felt like we were preparing for the long cold winter ahead. We both got in some good exercise in the exercise room (1 mile on the treadmill each day for me) and we enjoyed some nice dining experiences for the next several days of freedom. Cafe Alsace (Mike Dillion- Is this the one you and Angie suggested?) and Murphy's were both wonderful *****.
JAN. 4 - Labs were conducted and then Bone Marrow Biopsy. Emory again proved their belief in no pain. I had no problems and everything was set for admission on Friday noon.
Jan. 5 - RAINY DAY IN GEORGIA BUT FULL OF CONFIDENCE AND READY TO FIGHT!! I was admitted to 7E room 715 about 12:30 and the floor secretary (Tally) lived up to her promise. We have a big room with an absolutley breathtaking view of the Atlanta skyline. I quess if you have got to be here at least we can enjoy the view. Melphalan(chemo)- 30 minutes- was infused about 8 p.m. and preceeded fo have a good night sleep.
Jan. 6 - Feeling good and able to walk outside. Counts have not begun to drop so I escaped! We took in the beautiful Emory Campus quadrangle and got in at least my mile. Melphalan(chemo)-30 minutes- again at 2:30 and so far so good. The only compliant is the food, it is AWFUL. We decided that the food from home was going to come in handy. Lauran arrived safe and sound from Maryland and so glad she took time from her busy schedule to be with us.
Jan. 7 - Had a good breakfast - I guess you can't destroy eggs, etc. with quanity. Velcade(chemo) administered at 12 noon. Took about 10 minutes just shot it through the line. Sure beats all those sticks in the veins. NO PROBLEMS - NO NAUSA, NO MOUTH SORES, NO VOMITING. We have hope and confidence that through prayer and miracles of medicine it will continue and that the chemo is working.
Tomorrow is the big day - TRANSPLANT, the floor nurses call it your birthday and you get balloons on your door. By the way the nurses and staff up here are wonderful! I also have ANOTHER BONE MARROW BIOPSY and medicine to help prevent mouth sores called Kepivance.
JAN. 4 - Labs were conducted and then Bone Marrow Biopsy. Emory again proved their belief in no pain. I had no problems and everything was set for admission on Friday noon.
Jan. 5 - RAINY DAY IN GEORGIA BUT FULL OF CONFIDENCE AND READY TO FIGHT!! I was admitted to 7E room 715 about 12:30 and the floor secretary (Tally) lived up to her promise. We have a big room with an absolutley breathtaking view of the Atlanta skyline. I quess if you have got to be here at least we can enjoy the view. Melphalan(chemo)- 30 minutes- was infused about 8 p.m. and preceeded fo have a good night sleep.
Jan. 6 - Feeling good and able to walk outside. Counts have not begun to drop so I escaped! We took in the beautiful Emory Campus quadrangle and got in at least my mile. Melphalan(chemo)-30 minutes- again at 2:30 and so far so good. The only compliant is the food, it is AWFUL. We decided that the food from home was going to come in handy. Lauran arrived safe and sound from Maryland and so glad she took time from her busy schedule to be with us.
Jan. 7 - Had a good breakfast - I guess you can't destroy eggs, etc. with quanity. Velcade(chemo) administered at 12 noon. Took about 10 minutes just shot it through the line. Sure beats all those sticks in the veins. NO PROBLEMS - NO NAUSA, NO MOUTH SORES, NO VOMITING. We have hope and confidence that through prayer and miracles of medicine it will continue and that the chemo is working.
Tomorrow is the big day - TRANSPLANT, the floor nurses call it your birthday and you get balloons on your door. By the way the nurses and staff up here are wonderful! I also have ANOTHER BONE MARROW BIOPSY and medicine to help prevent mouth sores called Kepivance.
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