UPDATE: Neutropenia

This is going to be a quick update because I have to get down to the hospital and I'm afraid I'm gonna hit rush hour traffic (so what else is new?)

John's doing pretty well. His blood count numbers are dropping daily. His is considered neutropenic, meaning his immune system is gone and he has to be careful of bacteria, mold and other fun stuff. He has to wear a mask when he leaves the room. I have to wash my hands whenever I enter his room. His meals must be fully cooked, no raw fruits or veggies, no soft cheeses, no blue cheese dressing, no fountain drinks, etc.

I wasn't able to go to the hospital on Friday or Saturday because I had to take Dani to college, so John had no visitors (this just pisses me off that his own sister and/or brothers don't call, don't go in and 2 of them live in the city!!!!) Sorry.. that was turning into a rant! He had a visit today from my daughter's boyfriend's aunt who works in cancer research at the hospital... a complete stranger takes the time but his own family won't. OK, enough of that.

Anyway, by Sunday morning, I'm getting text messages from John saying "I'm tired of being here". "The food is so bland. I don't want to eat it any more." "I have no more good movies to watch." I thought, "OH Lord! I need to get in there!" I walked in the door with 3 Red Box movies, Wawa Diet green tea and clean clothes for him and he was a happy man! He jumped out of bed, and gave me a big hug and started to cry! He just missed me so much! He cheered up right away which was good. I got his glasses fixed so now he can see clearly again.

So this morning, before I left for work, the doctor came in and told John he can expect to spike fevers in the next 4 or 5 days. He also thought John looked much better than most transplant patients at this stage, so that was encouraging!

John can expect to be in the hospital for and other 2 weeks or maybe even more. Only time will tell. I know there's nore I wanted to tell but now I can't remember!