Well, it certainly was a quiet day. But not one without any moments. Medicationwise, all that was needed was some potassium, the last day of the anti-nausea drug (yeah!!), and an anti-biotic.
I am now officially neutropenic which means that my white blood cell count (neutrophils) is so low that should I contact any type of infection – it could be life threatening. This is to last 7 to 10 days and the expectation is that my body will then start to build up those counts on its own. As to how your body feels – you have no clue that you are in this state. From a hospital standpoint, it means that they monitor everything verrrrry closely and backfill with various IV treatments as necessary to make sure that my other counts are at the proper. I think the doctor put it best this morning when I commented that we are in a holding pattern for a while – he said that it was more like “protective custody”.
My appetite and ability to eat have returned rather quickly with the cessation of the chemo on Wednesday. For lunch today, I had a bowl of chili from the Au Bon Pain downstairs and it was really tasty! When the nurse was informed of this later on, she was incredulous that I could eat something as spicy as that so soon after the completion of the chemo. Tomorrow for lunch, I’ve asked my daughter to bring me a pastrami and cheese sandwich – I am so looking forward to that!
I have to have food brought in. Because, other than some breakfast foods, the food that I have ordered ranges from barely palatable to completely inedible. When I informed the nurse of my opinion this morning she claimed that the quality of the food has improved! If so, I wonder what the rank below inedible is!
I had a substitute doctor drop by this afternoon. He could not believe how well I was doing for someone who had just come through chemo. Reading between the lines, my wife and I gathered that I was supposed to be so drained by the chemo experience that I would be barely able to function at this point.
Also had a minor scare when they came in and said that I would have to change rooms! As I said before, this is a double room with the other bed removed so it allows us to set up a “lounge area” without everyone being crowded around the bed. Reluctantly, we made ready to move. After having done that, they came back and said that the move was off! Thank God we dodged that bullet! Hopefully permanently – but I have my doubts.
No visitors today. My sister-in-law and brother-in-law were going to come but they had to take my mother-in-law to the hospital to be treated for bronchitis and rightfully decided to not risk coming here afterward. I am eternally grateful!
In a nutshell, my health is still excellent for someone in my condition and we are still moving forward according to plan.
Bob
November 14, 2008 6:55
Today was a busy day. Nurses, doctors, visitors, and other hospital help were in and out all day. The main reason was they had to fill me up with so much stuff – blood, platelets, electrolytes, antibiotics of several types, etc. that it took all day to accomplish the task. Believe it or not - because there are only 2 lines in, they actually go through the process of setting up a line time schedule for each bag! In some instances they can T 2 things together and buy another line for a while.
It was also an ironic day in a way. Because I am in here, I had to cancel my doctor’s appointment this morning. It was merely a precaution, but I wanted to have a small lump checked to make sure that it was not cancerous! I don’t think that I am not quite so concerned about it at this point.
I also got a visit from my parish priest. He spent most of the afternoon here and I think it was beneficial for both parties. For me, I think that the reasons are quite obvious. But for him - he said that he was surprised to see me in such good shape!
My daughter, Jen, and my wife were here for a while as well. They left early in order to go home and go out to dinner with her family to celebrate her birthday of yesterday. I have to admit that not being able to attend family events like that is really a bummer! But life must go on for all those around me and we can all look forward to the day when I will be back. I am sure that it will make next year’s celebration that much more special!
In any case, take it from my priest. Even though my counts are down low (the way they are supposed to be), I do look good for a man who isn’t supposed to look good and I do feel fine for a man who isn’t supposed to feel fine either! As I am writing this, I am also not tethered to my IV pole – and I don’t miss it a bit! Being able to walk around without that thing makes me feel like a human once again!
So there is now a bit of normality to my life. I can feel my appetite slowly returning and I think that my taste buds are also making a recovery as well. These are certainly good signs that I am starting on the road back.
Kind of a quiet entry for today. But, rest assured, it was most certainly a day full of positives.
The Jets were lucky!!!
Bob
It was also an ironic day in a way. Because I am in here, I had to cancel my doctor’s appointment this morning. It was merely a precaution, but I wanted to have a small lump checked to make sure that it was not cancerous! I don’t think that I am not quite so concerned about it at this point.
I also got a visit from my parish priest. He spent most of the afternoon here and I think it was beneficial for both parties. For me, I think that the reasons are quite obvious. But for him - he said that he was surprised to see me in such good shape!
My daughter, Jen, and my wife were here for a while as well. They left early in order to go home and go out to dinner with her family to celebrate her birthday of yesterday. I have to admit that not being able to attend family events like that is really a bummer! But life must go on for all those around me and we can all look forward to the day when I will be back. I am sure that it will make next year’s celebration that much more special!
In any case, take it from my priest. Even though my counts are down low (the way they are supposed to be), I do look good for a man who isn’t supposed to look good and I do feel fine for a man who isn’t supposed to feel fine either! As I am writing this, I am also not tethered to my IV pole – and I don’t miss it a bit! Being able to walk around without that thing makes me feel like a human once again!
So there is now a bit of normality to my life. I can feel my appetite slowly returning and I think that my taste buds are also making a recovery as well. These are certainly good signs that I am starting on the road back.
Kind of a quiet entry for today. But, rest assured, it was most certainly a day full of positives.
The Jets were lucky!!!
Bob
November 13, 2008 5:55 PM
Let’s begin with the really good news! Happy Birthday, Jen!!! (She’s one of my daughters)
Well, I am sitting here pondering what to say today. In many ways, it’s been uneventful. In other ways, it has its fair share of things that have gone on.
Of course, the biggy is that the 7 day chemo regimen is over. It means that I do not have to remain tethered to an IV pole 24/7. What does that mean? It means that I can now shower! Which is precisely what I did this morning! It also means that at times, I can feel like a real live human being because I do not have to be connected to it 24/7 any longer! When I first got here, the nurses told me that some patients were not only physically attached to the pole – they became emotionally attached as well and would give the pole a name! Personally, I think that there must be something seriously missing in your love life if you have to backfill it with an IV pole!
More importantly, everything is still going according to plan. But, for me, there is still an element of the surreal about everything. I have felt fine from the get go and continue to so. Other than being tired at times, I have never had any problems. I am certainly not complaining, mind you, and I am grateful for every “feel good” moment. I would certainly have to say that any and all prayers have been answered so far. And I thank each and every one of you who is thinking of me in that regard.
Next Tuesday is when the bone marrow biopsy will be done according to the doctor’s comments this morning. Final results will be available on Friday. That result is a BIG DEAL. Because if everything is in full remission, I get to stay here for another 2 weeks and then go home for a bit before we launch in part 2 of the program. If it is not in remission, then I go back to a 5 day chemo regimen and have to remain here for another 4 weeks. For all of you who are praying for me – let me give you a hint – I prefer the 2 week option!!
As an aside, so many of you have commented about my writing style. As I said at the outset it was just going to be a stream of consciousness thing about what is going on here. That is what makes it so easy to write about. I know that I get carried away with it at times and have a little fun. But, you know, I have the time and that’s me! And isn’t that what writing is all about – taking you and your thoughts and simply bringing them to the printed (in this case, electronic!) page. I’m glad that you enjoy the entries and I am happy to get such comments because it means that I am not writing simply to express myself but that there are many people who do care enough to take the time to read my meanderings and find them of some value. Again, thanks to all of you!
Funny, when I sit down to compose the entry for the day, I kind of wonder what I am going to say and before you know it - a whole page of ideas have been put down. I keep thinking that I have set the bar so high that I will feel like I’m shortchanging everyone if I don’t keep up the pace. But, you know what? I’ll get over it!
Tonight’s the Pats game which, obviously, I will watch.
Go Pats (sorry Paul)
Bob
Well, I am sitting here pondering what to say today. In many ways, it’s been uneventful. In other ways, it has its fair share of things that have gone on.
Of course, the biggy is that the 7 day chemo regimen is over. It means that I do not have to remain tethered to an IV pole 24/7. What does that mean? It means that I can now shower! Which is precisely what I did this morning! It also means that at times, I can feel like a real live human being because I do not have to be connected to it 24/7 any longer! When I first got here, the nurses told me that some patients were not only physically attached to the pole – they became emotionally attached as well and would give the pole a name! Personally, I think that there must be something seriously missing in your love life if you have to backfill it with an IV pole!
More importantly, everything is still going according to plan. But, for me, there is still an element of the surreal about everything. I have felt fine from the get go and continue to so. Other than being tired at times, I have never had any problems. I am certainly not complaining, mind you, and I am grateful for every “feel good” moment. I would certainly have to say that any and all prayers have been answered so far. And I thank each and every one of you who is thinking of me in that regard.
Next Tuesday is when the bone marrow biopsy will be done according to the doctor’s comments this morning. Final results will be available on Friday. That result is a BIG DEAL. Because if everything is in full remission, I get to stay here for another 2 weeks and then go home for a bit before we launch in part 2 of the program. If it is not in remission, then I go back to a 5 day chemo regimen and have to remain here for another 4 weeks. For all of you who are praying for me – let me give you a hint – I prefer the 2 week option!!
As an aside, so many of you have commented about my writing style. As I said at the outset it was just going to be a stream of consciousness thing about what is going on here. That is what makes it so easy to write about. I know that I get carried away with it at times and have a little fun. But, you know, I have the time and that’s me! And isn’t that what writing is all about – taking you and your thoughts and simply bringing them to the printed (in this case, electronic!) page. I’m glad that you enjoy the entries and I am happy to get such comments because it means that I am not writing simply to express myself but that there are many people who do care enough to take the time to read my meanderings and find them of some value. Again, thanks to all of you!
Funny, when I sit down to compose the entry for the day, I kind of wonder what I am going to say and before you know it - a whole page of ideas have been put down. I keep thinking that I have set the bar so high that I will feel like I’m shortchanging everyone if I don’t keep up the pace. But, you know what? I’ll get over it!
Tonight’s the Pats game which, obviously, I will watch.
Go Pats (sorry Paul)
Bob
November 12, 2008 9:10 PM
Boy, I never thought that I would get the opportunity to write today’s entry. For most of the day, my energy level was about zero. Obviously the chemo plays a big part in that; but it doesn’t help when you visit the bathroom every ½ hour either. Another major issue is that every night from about 4 to 7, the heating system goes into Amazon jungle mode and the temperature must be 85 degrees in here. It is so stifling that you cannot breathe, your clothing gets soaked and so does the bed linens. And there is nothing you can do about it! There is no reliable way to adjust the heat in the room. I think that I am going to have to ask 1 of the nurses to come in and fan me!
I feel better now because later in the day they have started to load me up with so much stuff to make up for the effect of the chemo. All day long when my wife was here, I was a dishrag. Now that she had to leave and go home, I feel a lot better.
My sister came by today to have her blood taken to see if she is a viable bone marrow donor candidate. As I said before it’s only a 1 in 4 shot but you have to try. She says that if she is the donor that I will owe her “big time”. Well I can see that she has neglected to take into account all of the wonderful things that I did for (to) her when we were growing up! I think that if she really puts it all in perspective she will come around to my way of thinking and see that this should just about draw us even!
While I was shaving this morning, the nurse came in and almost had a heart attack! No one told me that I was not allowed to shave! Having little or no white blood cells means that any cut has much less of a chance to heal. So now I will be growing a mustache and a beard. Come to find out, according to one of the nurses, you really have no idea what hair you will lose. Men do not always lose their facial hair – including eyebrows and eyelashes. We’ll see what happens in my case. As an aside, my wife wants me to lose the hair in my ears!
Big event later tonight – the chemo ends!!!!! It’s been 7 days – time flies when you’re having fun! It really has been uneventful – thank God. I wrestled with a little nausea 3 or 4 times but it was fleeting and it did not go beyond that. So a week of waiting now begins in preparation for the bone marrow biopsy next week.
In short, right now I am feeling fine and everything is still on track.
Bob
I feel better now because later in the day they have started to load me up with so much stuff to make up for the effect of the chemo. All day long when my wife was here, I was a dishrag. Now that she had to leave and go home, I feel a lot better.
My sister came by today to have her blood taken to see if she is a viable bone marrow donor candidate. As I said before it’s only a 1 in 4 shot but you have to try. She says that if she is the donor that I will owe her “big time”. Well I can see that she has neglected to take into account all of the wonderful things that I did for (to) her when we were growing up! I think that if she really puts it all in perspective she will come around to my way of thinking and see that this should just about draw us even!
While I was shaving this morning, the nurse came in and almost had a heart attack! No one told me that I was not allowed to shave! Having little or no white blood cells means that any cut has much less of a chance to heal. So now I will be growing a mustache and a beard. Come to find out, according to one of the nurses, you really have no idea what hair you will lose. Men do not always lose their facial hair – including eyebrows and eyelashes. We’ll see what happens in my case. As an aside, my wife wants me to lose the hair in my ears!
Big event later tonight – the chemo ends!!!!! It’s been 7 days – time flies when you’re having fun! It really has been uneventful – thank God. I wrestled with a little nausea 3 or 4 times but it was fleeting and it did not go beyond that. So a week of waiting now begins in preparation for the bone marrow biopsy next week.
In short, right now I am feeling fine and everything is still on track.
Bob
November 11, 2008 9:45 AM
I apologize for no blog entry for yesterday but at the end of the day when I have normally done it, I was a little bit under the weather battling a fever - which is to be expected. The fact that I am now doing this is a good indication that I have certainly overcome that minor setback and am feeling a lot better.
But I will tell you that the heating system in here leaves a lot to be desired. Either it kicks out cold air so that it feels like the arctic tundra or it kicks out warm air and you feel like you are deep in the Amazon jungle. Thus if you feel cold, you cannot be sure that it is simply the way the heat works or maybe you are actually running a fever. Ditto when you are feeling hot - it could simply be the heat once again.
My little IV pole yesterday had more stuff hanging on it than a Christmas tree - what with blood transfusions, chemo therapy, antibiotics, blood supplements, and a bunch of other stuff as well.
Had some visitors yesterday as well in the morning and afternoon - so in spite of my condition at the end of the day - it was a good day. Its always nice to connect with friends and family.
Now for the important stuff - my all important numbers are where they are supposed to be - so that is a good sign. I am now into day 6 of the chemo - only 1 more to go - but that is when all the fun starts because your counts are down and they have to be very watchful for any type of ailment because you have no resources to fight them.
I look forward to having an uneventful day today - will let you know later on.
Bob
But I will tell you that the heating system in here leaves a lot to be desired. Either it kicks out cold air so that it feels like the arctic tundra or it kicks out warm air and you feel like you are deep in the Amazon jungle. Thus if you feel cold, you cannot be sure that it is simply the way the heat works or maybe you are actually running a fever. Ditto when you are feeling hot - it could simply be the heat once again.
My little IV pole yesterday had more stuff hanging on it than a Christmas tree - what with blood transfusions, chemo therapy, antibiotics, blood supplements, and a bunch of other stuff as well.
Had some visitors yesterday as well in the morning and afternoon - so in spite of my condition at the end of the day - it was a good day. Its always nice to connect with friends and family.
Now for the important stuff - my all important numbers are where they are supposed to be - so that is a good sign. I am now into day 6 of the chemo - only 1 more to go - but that is when all the fun starts because your counts are down and they have to be very watchful for any type of ailment because you have no resources to fight them.
I look forward to having an uneventful day today - will let you know later on.
Bob
November 9, 2008 7:50 PM
It’s been a really good day - the Pats won! Other than that, as I said before, my appetite is ebbing and I definitely feel more tired. But, the good news is that the doctors are impressed with my numbers and continue to say that everything is going to plan. At 10:00 tonight, day 5 of chemo begins - leaving only 2 more after that. As you can see, I am not keeping score.
Speaking of keeping score, the nurses have placed a chart on the wall that monitors my counts as they go down and then as they go up. To make it interesting, we started a pool here to see which numbers get to zero first - my counts or the stock market! Likewise, I fully expect my numbers to back to normal faster as well.
Had some visitors today. Unfortunately, I think that I am fading as being good company because I require more frequent naps. Of course, I know that many of you will say “What’s the difference?”
I have been remiss in not thanking Michael Duffy’s mother for the beautiful shawl. Coincidentally, she knit it in my favorite colors. Many people say that there is no such thing as coincidences - only God incidences. I have seen it happen many times which only lends more credence to the saying for me.
All in all, a quiet day - just as the doctor ordered.
Bob
Speaking of keeping score, the nurses have placed a chart on the wall that monitors my counts as they go down and then as they go up. To make it interesting, we started a pool here to see which numbers get to zero first - my counts or the stock market! Likewise, I fully expect my numbers to back to normal faster as well.
Had some visitors today. Unfortunately, I think that I am fading as being good company because I require more frequent naps. Of course, I know that many of you will say “What’s the difference?”
I have been remiss in not thanking Michael Duffy’s mother for the beautiful shawl. Coincidentally, she knit it in my favorite colors. Many people say that there is no such thing as coincidences - only God incidences. I have seen it happen many times which only lends more credence to the saying for me.
All in all, a quiet day - just as the doctor ordered.
Bob
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