Here we are at University of PA Hospital. Today is Day Minus 6, aka a week before the actual stem cell transplant. John will be getting 6 days of chemo (Tuesday to Sunday), followed by a day of rest (Monday) Then next Tuesday is Day 0, aka Transplant Day (John's new birthday). The transplant is just one day, but he'll need to rebuild his immune system, so he'll be here for several weeks doing just that. It's possible he might need a transfusion or two during the course of all this.
The chemo drugs are different than the 2 treatments he's had in the past 2 months. The first dose, which they'll do tonight, has an alcohol base, so he might get hangover symptoms! This man has never been drunk in his life, so he has no idea what a hangover feels like!
I wish I could remember what else I had typed here! When I have more info, I'll let you all know.
UPDATE ON THE UPDATE!
John has a rash or a bug bite or poison ivy or something on his neck, about the size of a nickel. He first noticed it on Thursday (I saw it Saturday when i got to his place for the weekend) I've been putting Neosporin on it. It's gone down from the size of a quarter. The nurse practitioner noticed it today and now they want a dermatologist to look at it.
He also showed a fever of 100.2 this afternoon (after registering 99.5 30 minutes earlier and they retested and he was 99.4). So they wouldn't start the chemo until a doctor looks at him.
All his blood work is good... he's not showing any signs of neutropenia (very low white blood cells). They are being SO careful!
14 comments:
Oh my! I had no idea a hangover was involved! Can you give him two tylenol before the procedure? It might lessen the headache a little!
I remember somebody saying that fron a job I used to work at.
Can he at least get the chemo drugs in a funnel so he can have fun earning that hangover!! :)
Keeping you both in my thoughts!!
Hallie
Can you and the nurses chant "chug, chug, chug" to make it more authentic?
Bummer...a hangover without the journey and his first time too.
I'll be thinking about you two!
A hangover without the fun prep work is no fun. Sending cheerful thoughts and hoping the alcohol is vodka based. (No hangover on those, I hear.)
Sharon, actually they'll give him tylenol, benadryl and another drug beforehand.
LOL Garret! I'll do that! They're starting tomorrow.
His transplant is getting so close.
There is a 4 year old girl in my school who just went through this procedure and I'm happy to report that all her scans are clear and she's eating up a storm.
All good news.
It's good they're being so careful before they get to Day 0.
But that doesn't make it any easier on you!
Let us know what the thing on his neck is.
Keeping you both in my prayers. How are you planning to keep him entertained for all those days he's in the hospital?
Amy, John brought his laptop, a big stack of books and about 15 DVDs. I'll be switching them out every now and then too.
I know what we WON'T be doing to keep him occupied! LOL Meet Mr. and Mrs. Celibate!
Please keep us posted!
Thanks for the update. I will catch you on facebook and get more later! Sending John some positive thoughts!
Continuing to keep you both in my thoughts. :-)
This whole process is so draining - for both of you! He's so strong, and you are too, I just know you're both going to get through this with flying colors. You're in our daily prayers.
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