Yesterday was a great day. I felt great. I started my morning off with a
shower, breakfast, fifteen minutes on my stationary bike, and ten push-ups.
My goal continues to be to maintain as much strength and stamina as possible
throughout my stay in the hospital. The stronger I am, the shorter my
recovery time will be. The doctor tells me some patients are feeling back to
normal in four to six months, whereas, others take almost a year. I am
focusing on being back to normal in three to four months. It is important,
however, not to overdue it and push too hard. Know your limits. A persons
physical condition prior to the transplant and their age (I'm 37) are
important factors in the time it takes to return to normal strength and
energy. Dr. Petersdorf told me yesterday I am doing unbelievably well. I
am thankful.
My Hematocrit was 28%, up from 22% before the transfusion. As mentioned
in yesterday's journal, I got two units of blood and each unit usually gives
about a 3% increase. My platelets were 15,000, up from 7,000 before the
transfusion. This morning my Hematocrit was 25% and platelets were 9,000.
I am getting more platelets today, but they will wait another day for the
RBC's.
The mucositis has been causing some sores on the sides of my tongue. I
continue to do my saline rinse religiously, which helps keep the sores under
control. My speech is a bit slurry because of the pain on my tongue. It is
best if I don't talk too much. The back of my throat has become more
painful, making swallowing a bit more difficult. I am meeting with the pain
doctor later today to discuss increasing my pain medication(dilaudid). I
don't want to increase the meds too much, because I want to avoid being tired and
groggy all the time. Eventually, I may have to get some of my nutrition
through the IV. I am trying hard to avoid TPN (nutrition through IV) as long
as possible, because eating regular food helps keep the GI tract healthy.
Dave and Teresa Hockman and my little brother Chad visited yesterday. We
had a nice visit.
Michelle went home
to take the boys skating and my buddy Kirk Dodge spent the night. We watched Dirty Rotten Scoundrels...funny
movie. I highly recommend comedies during a transplant. Laughter is great
medicine. I don't think Kirk realized the limitations on my diet because of
my mucositis. He brought cheetoes, jerky, cheese wiz & crackers, licorice,
and candy. He cracks me up. Even though my mouth was sore, I couldn't
resist the cheetoes. They were worth the pain.
Part of my plan during this transplant has been to always have someone
spend the night with me. Michelle stays with me most of the time. However,
on nights she needs to be home I have other family members or a good friend
sleep over. It is very comforting to always have someone with me for
support. A hospital can be a lonely place. Fortunately, my family and
friends have made sure I am never lonely.
To my students: I hope you are having a wonderful midwinter break. Be
safe. Be kind. Do the right thing. I miss you all and look forward to
seeing you at Movin' On Night in June.
Blessings to all of my friends and family. I love you all so much.
"Never stop praying." 1 Thessalonians 5:17