Tuesday - 30 April 2013
Day 12
Had an 0900 appointment so Jane had to get up early. Did not need any supplements such as magnesium, potassium, platelets or blood. All is still going well. White blood cell count is going down slowly and is now at .2. Immune system almost gone so after that it is supposed to build back up with the new good cells. I am trying not too get cocky as this has been easy so far, but there is still time for unpleasantness.
"The best of the free life is yet to come, and the good times are not over for good." Line from, "Are the Good Times Really Over For Good." Merle Haggard
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Monday - 29 April 2013
Day 11
Received more magnesium today. I really run through that stuff. Also received Neupogene, to slow down the white blood cell reduction. Docs just want to control the process. Prior to today cells were slow to reduce but now are moving faster as I am down to .3 with a goal of less than .1.
Typical Day:
Ride to Clinic
Check in with receptionist
Proceed to assigned treatment room
Weigh self on scales
Proceed to vacant cubicle
Donate blood
Get treatment
I am beginning to feel like a trained goat.
"The only way to keep your health is to eat what you don't want, drink what you don't like, and do what you'd rather not." Mark Twain
Sunday - 28 April 2013
Day10
This was an easy Sunday morning with no problems. White blood cells are decreasing now and were down to .9 this morning. Docs are looking for them to go down to less than .1 and then to gradually start rising because of the new cells. Normal white blood cell count is 3.2 to 9.8. I did not make the 7 -10 day period as most patients do, but all are happy and say that , once again, I'm a little different. The goal of less than .1 is called Nadar and one is supposedly guaranteed to feel tired and have a fever whn reaching that period.
Our pharmacy was having trouble getting approval for payment for a prescription as Medicare insisted that I had to have a dismissal from the hospital to receive it. They could not understand that I had not been admitted so it's kind of hard to be dismissed. This is still ground breaking procedure.
It is a rainy cool Sunday here in Durham so we're just chilling.
"Adversity causes some men to break, others to break records." Willim Ward
Saturday - 27 April 2013
Day 9
I am afraid if something interesting doesn't happen soon, I may lose some readers. Anyway, I was a "quart low" on platelets today so I got some. White blood cells are finally going down as they are supposed to do. So all good news.
I would like to thank the Peters family consisting of my daughter, Amy, husband, Kevin, and my wonderful grandchildren, Julia and Sara, for holding a "Be The Match" event at their church in Huntersville, NC. This gives people the opportunity to register and be on the national donor list as possible bone marrow donor. People can also make contributions for the cause. The event was quite successful. Thank you. I heard that Amy received great accolades for presentation of the announcement of the event at the Sunday morning service.
"Keeping up the appearance of having all your marbles is hard work, but important." Sara Gruen
Friday - 26 April 2013
Day 8
Good day at the treatment center. I am rid of the mobile dispenser bag of immune suppressant which weighed about 11 pounds. I now take a pill instead. Our transplant doc says he is very pleased with how things are going and a little surprised about how well my body is coping, as in no side effects. So far, so good.
It is sad news that George Jones died today at age 81. Probably a good run considering what he put himself through. Back before they killed Music Row, radio DJ's would say, "Other than George Jones, who is the world's best country singer?" He will be missed.
"I ain't ready for the junk yard yet, I still feel like a new Corvette. An Eskimo needs a Frigidaire like I need your rocking chair." From "I Don't Need Your Rocking Chair." George Jones
Thursday - 25 April 2013
Day 7
Day 7 was uneventful. We had a 1400 appointment and had to receive IV doses of magnesium and potassium. Never really knew that I used so much of these.
Jane insisted that we should get a handicapped sign so we visited NCDMV today. I cannot get out of the car to go to any place except a Duke Medical Facility or our condo so I am not sure who needs the sign.
All is still good with no side effects.
"To succeed in life, you need two things: ignorance and confidence." Mark Twain
Wednesday - 24 April 2013
Day 6
Sitting in the Adult Bone Marrow Clinic (ABMC) listening to Otis Redding, getting blood transfusion as hemoglobin is approaching a lower level. You must understand that if I receive 1 unit of blood, about 3/4 of an unit is then taken out for testing. All is normal. Jane is back and discussing "Him" with the PA's and everybody. Joyse is at Whole Foods buying shrimp and stuff for tonight's dinner. I am a well fed patient.
"Don't tell me how rocky the sea is, just bring the ship in" Lou Holtz
(Advice that I have given to myself)
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