Day 0 minus 4 or Day 2 of the 100 day process
The Day 0 minus 4 means it is 4 days until the transplant is planned. It is simply the bone marrow immune cells injected in me through the new 3 pronged port. It is reported to be pretty anticlimactic compared to what people expect. Then is the process of seeing if the cells and my body like each other.
Today went really fast even though much of it was waiting for people. The nurse practitioner was supposed to come about 7:30 but it turned out to be about 8:30. I was answering texts and such as we waited for the MD about 10:30. He came about 12:30. Vitals every 4 hours: 8, 12, and 4 (each am and pm). I didn't really have any pressing questions for either one of them, which is unusual for me. Maybe it's because the nurses are so proficient in answering my questions. The MD did say to eat as much as I can because "it takes a lot of energy to rebuild an immense system).
I was instructed to either take a shower daily with their special antibacterial pink soap or use these sticky smelly wipes that are at least warm. This is to cut down on bacterial infections of the ports.
I did have some rather disturbing news today. The staff all started wearing not only the usual gloves and masks, but disposable gowns they have to throw away after each use. It was explained that I had an antibiotic resistant infection when I had the UTIs, with the bacteria found in my urine. The doctor from Infection Control told me I had nothing to worry about in terms of spreading anything to others, as long as I wash my hands, which I do religiously.
The big problem, is that they won't let me leave the room without a medical professional from the hospital. I was planning on walking the halls of this floor I am on many times a day. Now I have to ask very busy people to walk with me. I even brought weights to try to gain back some of the muscle mass I have missed these last months while doing chemo.
I will talk to the MD tomorrow about this to see what can be done. I am hoping to be retested and found clear. I need to know either way.
I finally had the dressing changed from the port implantation that I think was pulling on my skin about 3:00. It feels much better now. Yay!
I am extremely sleepy and tired tonight. It may be because I needed Phenergin for nausea which can make you sleepy. I think it is giving me terrible dry mouth too.
It could also be the IV Fludarabine, which the nurses call chemo, I've had twice now. Last night about 9:30 - 10pm and today from about 2:30 - 3. It is the chemo I think I take for 3 days and then it changes to a different one for 2 days. Then I take an anti-rejection drug and others for 6 months.
I wish I could take my sweet Cath’s place. Hospitals are a tough environment! You go to them when you need physical healing usually. But they can test your mental fortitude(Cath knows this best as she is the one confined to a room). In my opinion, you never truly get proper sleep(which will wear anyone down). I guess hospitals have to make sure you don’t die in the middle of the night, so they wake you several times during the night from a deep sleep to make sure you have a viable blood pressure and take blood at 4 am so the doctors have her bloodwork right and early when they come on shift. I guess I needed to vent a little because it makes no sense to me to deny one of the most important things our bodies need for physical AND mental well being. That being peaceful sleep each night. Cath will be in this hospital up to 4 weeks, pray for her peace and endurance in this tough healing process and that she comes away a vibrant new immune system. Thanks for everyone’s love and support!
ReplyDeleteHey! You figured out how to reply to my posts. Most people give up since it isn't straight forward. Thanks for the TLC, understanding, and love, My Drew. Sleep tight!
Delete