I need to start off by reminding everyone to help us maintain our anonymity on the web. Please make sure that you don't make any comments that could possibly identify me or my wife. We ask this for the sake of the security of our home. Thanks.
Yesterday was a crazy day. They added two drugs to my chemo cocktail. Melphalan didn't affect me, as far as I could tell, but Thymoglobulin really threw me. Within 10 or 15 minutes of taking it, I began shaking uncontrollably. The doctors call it rigors (rhymes with tigers). I've gotten that with the flu, but never like this. I could've gotten a job at Lowe's as a paint shaker. Fortunately, Nurse Mercy (her real name) brought me a demerol drip that killed the shakes within minutes. But the day was just getting started. My temp stayed high for hours, once getting up to 102.7. Thymoglobulin is known for giving you flu-like symptoms, but the doctors can't assume that the symptoms are just the result of the drug and not an actual infection. So at 9:30 last night, they sent me down to the 3rd floor for a chest x-ray. It was clean, so my symptoms are apparently just the drug. It really wiped me out all of yesterday afternoon and evening. I wasn't looking forward to today, since I'm getting the exact same treatment today that I got yesterday. They had told me that the first day on thymoglobulin would be the worst, and that my body would adjust somewhat. Also they extended the drip from 6 to 10 hours today. It's 3:45 right now, and I've been on it since 12:30 with no adverse reaction at all. Weird, but I'll take it.
You made it through the weekend - it doesn't sound at all like fun, but you did it! Hope the worst is over for now. I must admit, between the 'paint shaker' comment and Nurse Mercy, you had me going.
ReplyDeleteWe've been following your messages each day - thank you for doing this for all who love you.
And by the way, if Steve Martin has anything to do with any of this - well, that's all good, don't you think?
I'm sorry you'll be losing your A+ status – happens to be mine (Joyce S.), but whatever it takes . . . bring on the O+!!!
Always thinking of you,
Ken & Joyce
Thanks for the updates. Lots of healthy vibes coming your way from West Texas! ~L, T & Z
ReplyDeleteMikbar,
ReplyDeleteHang in there dude. I will send a mental butt slappin on them critters and knock um right out for ya. How much marrow is in a hip bone? That does sound like a lot.
Bert
Good Grief, Mikbar!
ReplyDelete'Rigors' sounds something like a rodeo ride on tigers AND bulls AND broncos! Some cajones you have there,dude!
It turns out that I have the opportunity to be in Houston in the not too distant future and have decided to bring JC and 'hopefully' combine it with a visit there at MDA. It goes without saying that we would always check with you guys first! ALWAYS. However, even tho I am in the medical profession, I am in the dark when it comes to the protocols for avoiding cross contamination of a totally immuno-suppressed person - not my forte'. Are HAZMAT suits in order?
Seriously tho, here on the eve of your bone marrow transplant, and given the effects of your treatments on your immunity, I assume that there would be even more stringent precautions in place. Are visitors other than a spouse even allowed? We can't be your only potential visitors who are wondering, JUST WHAT ARE THE PRECAUTIONS/PROTCOLS that will prevent complications? Would you mind addressing this issue when you have a spare moment in between treatments and such? Thanks.
Much Love and Healing Energy,
PT n JC
Wow Dad, and I thought living down the street where high school kids drive like crazy was filled with ups and downs.
ReplyDeleteDad, you are so thoughtful. You have so much going on but, who are you worried about, the security of our home and of course, we know you don't want anything to happen to Bunny, Bijou and most of all ME! Thanks Dad, you are the best Dad ever! Susan told me she got to visit you and I did not speak to her for several hours for not taking me to Houston with her...OK, I broke down when it came to feeding time, knew you would understand! But, told her next time we could come up with the perfect costume to get me in the hospital...throw a thesascope around my neck and no one will know that I'm not the doc in charge...I'll straighten out this Nurse Mercy! Dad, after I am through with your chart we will have things going good...Dr. Boogie, I like the sound of it, don't you...I'll let Susan, Bijou and Bunny know that my status has been elavated yet again!
Dad, seriously, I am so sorry you have been so sick. We all wish we could do something to make this easier on you and Mom. We are sending you postive energy every moment. Remember, we are connected by our hearts, you, Mom, Bunny, Bijou, and I. Dad, you have so much courage.
Love,
Boogie
PS: Thanks for the heads up about the paw prints on Susan's computer. Since I am a clean freak decided I had better make sure I cleaned the keys like I groom myself so she does not catch on. She is pretty cool about things so even if she caught me she probably would not be too upset as long as she does not find out about some of the other websites I go onto...ooops! Cats will be cats!