April 17, 2012
-
O Platelets, Platelets, Where for Art Thou Platelets?
Posted by Stephanie 8pm CST from the hotel Houston, TX
Howdy folks. Been quite busy in the week since I posted, so I wanted to hop on and get everyone caught up!
As I mentioned in my previous post, I discharged from the hospital last Monday, which was AWESOME. Three days certainly beats a whole week, like I was previously accustomed to. The hydration battle continues. Despite drinking so much fluid that I felt like I was going to float away, my creatinine rose slightly for a couple of days (challenging to replace the 6 liters a day I was getting via I.V. in the hospital!), but has since come down to an acceptable level.
In the world of blood counts, my immune system didn’t put up much of a fight, and within two days of my escape from the hospital, it was already headed downhill. That’s a bit quicker than normal, but not really surprising, considering how much it’s been beat up in the past. My white count and hemoglobin held on for a few days, but my platelets didn’t last long, and when they were at a measly 8K on Thursday, I had a platelet transfusion. Over the weekend, white count and hemoglobin joined the ranks of the non-existent, and I really started to experience some of the nastier side effects that come with a non-functioning immune system—ongoing low-grade fever (as high as 101.1 the other night), swollen gums, sore teeth and throat, raw esophagus and stomach, elevated heartrate (at rest it’s 126 bpm), nausea, vomiting, and severe fatigue. Walking from the couch to the bathroom is like running the last 0.2 miles of a marathon. Okay, so I haven’t ever actually run a marathon to know for sure, but I’ve got to imagine that’s what it’s like. That first platelet transfusion held me for a couple of days, but Sunday they were low enough to warrant another one. As I write this, they continue to drop (back down to 17K today), so if they get below 10 again, I’ll be looking at a third platelet transfusion. Two in one round, I’ve done, but three?! Come on! I was thrilled to learn today that my white count has turned the corner and start to climb (from 0.3 to 0.4, woohoo), and I’m hoping that my hemoglobin, at an oxygen depleted 8.4 (normal is 14), and platelets get with the program quickly.
I do feel less puny today than I have the last few days, with the only real issues being fatigue and a nasty raw esophagus and throat. It’s made eating a challenging task, but I’m working to eat something small every couple of hours. I’ve lost a few pounds since starting treatment, and I don’t want that!! My weight was already down quite a bit since January’s surgery, and I need to keep it on and stay nourished so that I can fight back against the chemo side effects. Speaking of nourishment and nutrition, I am taking real charge of that this time. Listen, I’ve always eaten healthy—organic, lots of produce, lean protein, high fiber, minimal dairy and gluten, etc. But I also loved a good cheeseburger slathered with mayo and a giant order of fries, a big slice of pizza, or a giant bowl of comforting mac and cheese. I’m not messing around this time. Over the years, dad and I have done lots of research on the amazing benefits and results of a nutrient-dense, high anti-oxidant diet. Disease reversing, life saving nutrition. Green smoothies, superfoods, and most important, nothing processed. If it comes in a box or a can, it’s not going in my body. I’m making my own bread, chicken stock from scratch, and so on. Dad has ordered me a vita-mix blender (so excited!), and I’m taking supplements that support my diet and help to detoxify and fight against the cancer in my body. I feel empowered doing this, which is vital in a situation where I could easily feel powerless and victimized. But that’s not me! I am powerful, I am healthy, and I am well!
Great news on the housing front. Mom (who arrived last Wednesday to relieve Sammy so he could head home and get back to work) and I moved from Joe and Sarah’s into a hotel on Friday, since I need to be a hermit when I have no immune system. I knew there was a possibility of being stuck in the hotel for awhile—last year it took more than three weeks for something to open up—so I was thrilled when I got a call Sunday afternoon that an apartment was available this Wednesday (as in tomorrow). It’s in the same apartment complex where we stayed for a couple of weeks during surgery in January—a different place than our usual stomping ground, but a really nice complex, and very close to the hospital. It’ll be great to spread out a little bit, get settled, and have access to a real kitchen (though mom has done WONDERS with what minimal equipment and space she has to work with in here!).
Alright, I’m off for now. Time to eat some dinner and pack up for the move to the apartment tomorrow, or more accurately, sit here while mom does the packing, since being upright takes great effort! I will be posting more regularly now that things are settling into a routine. Have a great night!
Steph
