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Day +11 Update (on track so far)

The past week has been tough as I manage the side affects of all the chemotherapy and as the donor cell engraftment process continues.  If you’ve had the unfortunate experience of chemotherapy, you can relate to the fatigue, nausea, hair loss, digestive issues and other side affects.  This is just much worse due to the intensity of the chemotherapy given over a short period of time.  But, the nurses here are absolutely amazing and know how to help you get through it all. Most importantly, all signs are that I'm on schedule and the process continues to progress as planned.  

My white blood cell count went to 0.0 on day +6 and has remained there since.  When this count begins to increase, the side affects should lessen.  My platelet count is also low.  Since I had the craniotomy just prior to the transplant, I have an increased risk of serious bleeding.  They are keeping the platelets at a safe level of above 30 which requires almost daily platelet transfusions.  Several walks a day, as Connie and I take the dog for a walk, go on a bike ride or other visualization have been helpful.  Five laps around the floor is a mile.  There are 48 rooms of stem cell patients on our 18th floor, and the same on the 17th floor.  We are contained to our temporary home on the 18th other than Connie doing laundry once per week.

This week is what I'm referring to as "waiting on a friend", which is for the white blood cell count to begin to increase.  For an allogeneic (donor) transplant, this usually occurs on Day +14, but could happen sooner or later.

Thank you again for continuing to keep those positive thoughts and prayers coming.

Gary

Comments

  1. UnknownNovember 17, 2020 at 9:48 PM

    The Denver CCL group met this evening. Lori read your update to the group. Hopefully it won't be long before you can join us. Looking forward hearing that your "Friend" has arrived. Thinking of you and sending lots of positive thoughts your way. Mark

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownNovember 18, 2020 at 4:01 PM

    We really appreciate the update. Hang in there buddy! You're gonna beat this thing!

    ReplyDelete
  3. SauravNovember 19, 2020 at 4:00 AM

    Hi Gary, wish you a super fast recovery, and lots of smiles ahead.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Nort and SusanNovember 19, 2020 at 7:50 AM

    Gary we are thinking about you and praying that your Friend comes soon! No more waiting! You are strong and brighter days lie ahead. We love you.

    ReplyDelete
  5. ManiNovember 19, 2020 at 12:04 PM

    Gary, Glad to see your regular updates. Sending good vibes and positive thoughts your way to get through this challenging phase smoothly!

    ReplyDelete
  6. UnknownNovember 20, 2020 at 4:12 PM

    Hang in there buddy!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Denise GrillsNovember 20, 2020 at 4:13 PM

    Hi Gary, Sending you lots of good thoughts and prayers. We finished our LLS auction and should add another at least $1500 into the LLS coffers after printing and shipping. Next year when you are back we can take the auction to the next level.

    Best to Connie and we will watch for updates.

    Denise Grills

    ReplyDelete
  8. Mary Kay De SpainNovember 24, 2020 at 7:07 AM

    Thinking about you daily Gary and so appreciate the updates. I hope your “Friend” shows up soon and the ill-effects of Chemo leave even sooner. Our thoughts & prayers are with you both.

    ReplyDelete

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