Update 12/15/10

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to give a quick update on my dad.  During the middle of last week, he developed an infection (probably in his lungs) and a fever.  The doctors put him on antibiotics, and a few days later he was feeling much better and his fever was down.  Apparently, iinfections and fevers are not uncommon when a patient leaves the hospital after extensive chemotherapy and a stem-cell transplant. 

This week, he is feeling more energetic and his cell counts are looking good.  His last white blood cell count was at 4,300.

I will keep everyone updated if any changes occur.

Happy Holidays!

Michelle 

Home

Hi Everyone,

My dad is home from the hospital and resting.  He has a follow-up appointment on Monday.  I will let everyone know what the treatment team has to say after his appointment.

Thanks,

Michelle

Discharged tomorrow!

Hi Everyone,

Good news-my dad is being discharged from the hospital tomorrow!  He initially had a discharge date of this coming Friday, but his blood cell levels have increased so much that he is getting out early.  His white blood cell count is already at 6,600!  The doctors said that people who recover the quickest are patients who are physically fit, have a hopeful attitude and a good outlook on life.  Thanks to everyone for all of your support.  I am sure all of your phone calls, emails and cards helped him with his speedy recovery from this phase of treatment.

In the coming weeks he will be at home resting and getting his strength back.  Although he does have a few follow up appointments he is finished with the bulk of his treatment and his body is now making its own, healthy blood cells.

Feel free to give him a call or send an email.

Thanks,
Michelle

Update 12/2/2010

Hi Everyone,

My dad is doing well as his blood cell count numbers continue to decline.  Today, his hemoglobin levels were low (under 8) so he received a transfusion of platelets followed by 2 pints of blood.  The extra fluids should help his numbers increase and give him more energy.  Although his numbers are low-the treatment team expects that by tomorrow or Saturday his numbers will begin to rise.

I will keep everyone posted.

Thanks,
Michelle

Update 11/30/2010

Hi everyone,

My dad's cell counts are continuing to drop.  Currently, his white blood cell count is at 100 and his red blood cell count is low as well.  Hopefully, his cell counts will drop to zero.  Ideally, all of the old blood cells will be wiped out and replaced by his new stem cells.  The doctors feel like tomorrow his numbers may drop again. 

Due to the low cell counts, he is feeling very tired and is starting to struggle with some nausea.  These side affects are very normal and should resolve within a few days when his cell count numbers begin to increase. 

Thanks to everyone for their well wishes.  It is much appreciated by everyone.  I will post again soon.

Thanks,

Michelle

update 11/26/10

Hi Everyone,

My dad's stem cell infusion went well and he received all he needs in one day.  As expected, his hemoglobin, red blood cell and white blood cells are all declining.  The doctors expect that by tomorrow or Sunday his cells will be very low.  Once he is neutropenic (extremely low white blood cell count), he will begin his neupogen injections. 

Currently, he is feeling increasingly tired as his cell counts continue to decrease.  He should regain his energy in the next few weeks. 

Please feel free to give him a call.  If he is resting feel free to leave him a voicemail.

Thanks,
Michelle

Done with Chemotherapy

Hi Everyone,

My dad has finished his chemotherapy!  He received a dose Saturday and a dose yesterday.  It went well-his dosage of diuretics was quadrupled with the anticipation that he would retain water as in previous rounds.  So far, he has mentioned some swelling in his ankles but not enough to affect his breathing.  We are all very pleased that he is through that portion of the treatment.


 Instead of having a day of rest, the treatment team decided to give him his first dose of stem cells today.  The procedure takes about an hour and he was placed in what is called a "twilight" or barely conscious state for this.  Although nausea can be a potential side affect of this procedure so far, my dad is feeling well and not having any troublesome symptoms.  He will probably recieve at least 2 more rounds of stem cells and then the treatment team will assess how he is doing.

I will keep everyone posted on his upcoming stem cell transplants and subsuquent recovery.

Thanks,

Michelle