I finished radiation today and started chemo today (yeah!) I still have my hair and am walking up and down the hall to get exercise. I am sleeping alot but that appears to be normal.
I am still getting blood (yum) and platelets when needed. The staff at Duke is great, from the people who push me down to radiation treatment to the nurses, doctors, and assistants who take care of me.
The girls are great. Kim visited me between business trips. Heather visits frequently, and she is a lifesaver for us as she is watching Annie (our dog). She is a vegetarian and she has to put up with meat smelling canned dog food.
Well, that's all for now. Still feeling good. Remember, give blood any chance you get.
Peter
Friday, October 26, 2007
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Monday, October 22, 2007
I'm In!
Finally here and ready to go! Wendy has the computer so check her blog www.wendy-thevampireswife.blogspot.com for the most up to dat information.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
It begins (2)
Meeting with Duke team went sideways for a while. They were concerned with my chest x-ray done Thursday morning and thought I might have pneumonia. Received a six pack of platelets and scheduled a CAT scan for Thursday night which indicated they were wrong.
Friday I was scheduled for removal of porta-cath and new Hickman catheter but my platelet count needed to be at least 50K. Something told me this was going to be a show stopper and I was right. Looking back at my history since January 2007 I have never been close to 30K so I had this feeling no way. Well after two units of whole blood, yum, and another platelet bag I am still below 30K so the surgery is on hold. I was told to go back to my new home for the weekend and rest.
The current plan is to admit me into transplant unit on Sunday , as planned, and then use a "HTH" matched platelet transfusion which should get me up pass 50K. Wish me luck. They seem to believe that this will get me high enough. Then I can receive my new Hickman on Monday with my first radiation that afternoon.
I am frustrated with all of these plan changes so early in the process but I guess i am moving ahead. My biggest gripe is the fact that they have my medical records which include my blood counts and they could see that one transfusion of platelets would not get me where they want but the plan did not include any backup system. Everyone needs to be an advocate for them selves and their family to remind medical personnel that things are not usually text book and that they need to be aware of each person's medical quirks for lack of a better term.
Well I feel good and am ready for whatever comes next, I just wish whatever was on the plan we have agreed to. I hate this one forward two steps back stuff. thanks for letting me vent. Pray that my medical team can look ahead enough to ask the right questions now so that once we get started we can at least finish one thing as planned.
Friday I was scheduled for removal of porta-cath and new Hickman catheter but my platelet count needed to be at least 50K. Something told me this was going to be a show stopper and I was right. Looking back at my history since January 2007 I have never been close to 30K so I had this feeling no way. Well after two units of whole blood, yum, and another platelet bag I am still below 30K so the surgery is on hold. I was told to go back to my new home for the weekend and rest.
The current plan is to admit me into transplant unit on Sunday , as planned, and then use a "HTH" matched platelet transfusion which should get me up pass 50K. Wish me luck. They seem to believe that this will get me high enough. Then I can receive my new Hickman on Monday with my first radiation that afternoon.
I am frustrated with all of these plan changes so early in the process but I guess i am moving ahead. My biggest gripe is the fact that they have my medical records which include my blood counts and they could see that one transfusion of platelets would not get me where they want but the plan did not include any backup system. Everyone needs to be an advocate for them selves and their family to remind medical personnel that things are not usually text book and that they need to be aware of each person's medical quirks for lack of a better term.
Well I feel good and am ready for whatever comes next, I just wish whatever was on the plan we have agreed to. I hate this one forward two steps back stuff. thanks for letting me vent. Pray that my medical team can look ahead enough to ask the right questions now so that once we get started we can at least finish one thing as planned.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
It begins.
Thursday I have my final meeting with Duke Team for my transplant. I will have my old porta-catheter removed on Friday and my new Hickman ( multi port ) installed. Sunday I check in to Duke to begin my radiation and chemo process. That takes eight days and a day of rest and I get my new stem cells.
I am concerned but not frightened about the process. I feel confident that I will receive the best care and know that you are all there praying for me. I feel good, although weak and am glad that we can begin. It has been hell for the last 18 months with the ups, CCL cured and the trip to Italy and the downs, My problem in January and the present problem. I am looking forward to getting better and being able to sit at the beach someday.
Is this a life changing experience? So far I do not feel I need to make changes but I will appreciate good health more and being able to enjoy my life which has been great. Thanks for all your support. I will be updating as much as I can. Remember to give blood and blood products whenever you can. You will make more and you could save a life.
Oh! There is one change in my life. I do not faint every time I see my own blood being drawn. It's a start, don't you think.
I am concerned but not frightened about the process. I feel confident that I will receive the best care and know that you are all there praying for me. I feel good, although weak and am glad that we can begin. It has been hell for the last 18 months with the ups, CCL cured and the trip to Italy and the downs, My problem in January and the present problem. I am looking forward to getting better and being able to sit at the beach someday.
Is this a life changing experience? So far I do not feel I need to make changes but I will appreciate good health more and being able to enjoy my life which has been great. Thanks for all your support. I will be updating as much as I can. Remember to give blood and blood products whenever you can. You will make more and you could save a life.
Oh! There is one change in my life. I do not faint every time I see my own blood being drawn. It's a start, don't you think.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Progress
I have met with the transplant team and we are on target for the near future. My heart is good, breathing good and I have been measured for the radiation treatment. My blood platelet count was really low on Wednesday so I got a bag as I was giving my Bone Marrow Sample. Jill, one of my team members did a great job and it was OK, not as bad as some of the others. For the men reading this call me if you want a good guy story I can not post.
Wendy and I have found and booked a hotel to stay at so she can be nearby during my first month in the hospital and for the two months after I am released. With luck I should be back home around Valentine's Day.
I will finish up this week at work and take short term disability. My team at work are well trained so I expect the place will not see any drop in production or quality.
Again Thank You all for your encouragement and prayers. I also appreciate your support of Wendy during this stressful time. If you get an oportunity to give blood or blood products please do so because the life you save might be mine.
Wendy and I have found and booked a hotel to stay at so she can be nearby during my first month in the hospital and for the two months after I am released. With luck I should be back home around Valentine's Day.
I will finish up this week at work and take short term disability. My team at work are well trained so I expect the place will not see any drop in production or quality.
Again Thank You all for your encouragement and prayers. I also appreciate your support of Wendy during this stressful time. If you get an oportunity to give blood or blood products please do so because the life you save might be mine.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)