Wow! Has it really been three weeks since the stem cell implant? It seems far, but as I learned today, I have much farther to travel. My numbers were good this morning, so the doctor said we didn’t have to come back to the hospital until Thursday...cool. HOWEVER, because of my experience with the pentamidine administered by nebulizer a few days ago, they have been wondering about my parents’ insistence that I am allergic to sulfa drugs. Wednesday, I will see a allergy specialist who will test this 55+ year old allegation. If I am no longer allergic or they can find a workaround, I could take bactrim and avoid the lung irritation and subsequent sleepless nights spent sitting up and coughing.
OK, at least we had today and tomorrow without hospital visits. Ring, Ring goes my cell, “Mr. McKellar, you tests show your magnesium level is low, you need to come back today for a two hour IV infusion.” Oh well. I asked for a warmed blanket when we arrived, two hours later they woke me up, mouth open, snoring like a sailor.
The doctor this morning, told me things were going well, perhaps a bit too well. I said that I was pleased not to have any Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD) symptoms yet, and he laughed at my statement. “We’re not even close to worrying about GVHD yet.” On day +30 or so, they will test my prodigious cell growth. They need to know if these are Kevin’s cells growing or my own cells growing. If not enough are Kevin’s cells, I will get another infusion from my brother Kevin’s gift (the back up cells), because they want me to have GVHD symptoms. Without GVHD, there is no Graft Versus Leukemia (GVL) effect to clean up the remaining cancer cells.
I gotta get down there in their tiny locker room and give them a pep talk.
Thursday, I meet with Dr. Litzow, Head of Hematology and lead doctor on my transplant. I pray the news is good. I will, of course pass along any news fit to print.
So Much on an Opinion
It dawned on me during today’s doctor meeting just how much my faith in a positive outcome could be shaken by a chuckle and a bit of patronizing patter. I am not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV...yet two days ago, a physician’s assistant asked me if I had had medical training, because of the detailed questions I was asking. I guess my ego got a slight bruise, but after all, I feel like I’ve had enough damage, maybe his verbal pat on the head was just a bit heavy-handed. After all, it’s my life, not a case file...
It’s late. Marian and I spent more than an hour after supper, talking with another native of the Calumet area, comparing notes and talking about home. Time flew and so did my energy.
We received some wonderful cards in today’s mail. Thank you all. It was, as always, the brightest spot in the day. Thank you also for your prayers and good thoughts.
Bless you and good night.
Mick.