Journal 3/1
Main Page • John's Journal • CLL Information • Contact John • Seattle Cancer Care Alliance • MD Anderson
Bonus announcement...just added:
| Doctors just left from my morning exam. Dr.
Petersdorf told me I am going home tomorrow. I've been here 3
weeks and 1 day. I was supposed to be here 6 weeks. Praise the
Lord. |
Fourteen days post transplant. Yesterday was a much better
day than the day
before. The diarrhea is gone. I feel very good today, but get
tired easily.
The accumulated effects of the transplant have hit and now I will
just need
time to rebuild my strength. I won't be riding my bike home from
the
hospital. I would be asking for trouble if I did. My infusion
pump is
pretty empty. I am getting a small amount of TPN (Fluid Nutrition)
at night
and I am still getting fluids. Otherwise, everything else is given
to me in
pill form. Eating is getting easier as the mucositis sores on
my tongue
gradually improve. I am off all pain medications. However, I continue
to
rinse my mouth with saline solution and still use a three way
medicated rinse
which numbs my tongue, making it easier to eat. I took three walks
yesterday. It's so important to try and get out of your room and
if
possible, off the floor.
Overview of my blood counts:
| Hematocrit |
Yesterday(27%) |
Today(27%) |
Normal(34-55%) |
| Platelets |
Yesterday(14,000) |
Today(9,000) |
Normal(150,000) |
Neutrophils
(Poly's) |
Yesterday(1,880) |
Today(2,580) |
Normal(7,000) |
| WBC's |
Yesterday(2,800) |
Today(3,700) |
Normal(7,500) |
Tim and Denise Haisch visited yesterday. They took Michelle
home so she
could be with the boys. She hasn't been home since Sunday morning.
It is so
hard when Michelle leaves. I know it is best for her to go home
and be there
for the boys, but I miss her so much. I was feeling kind of down
in the mid
afternoon, but my buddy Jeff showed up and kept me company for
a few hours.
He came at a good time. Just before Jeff left my buddy Brad came
and visited
until about 9. Finally, my good friend Tim returned to spend the
night. I
can't say enough what a difference friends and family have made
in getting me
through this transplant. 
Rarely have I had
to experience being alone.
Companionship has been so important in keeping my attitude strong.
Sadly, there is too much loneliness on this cancer floor. It hurts
me deeply to see some people alone in their rooms hour after hour,
day after day.
My friends Tim & Denise brought me a CD yesterday and it
contained a powerful song which lifted me up so much. I will share
some of the lyrics and they
ring so true in my heart:
God is good all the time.
Through the darkest night, his light will shine
God is good. God is good. All the time
Though I walk through the valley, and the shadows are all around
Do not fear. He will guide you.
He will keep you safe and sound
He has promised, to never leave you or forsake you and his word
is true.
Though I may not understand all the plans you have for me
My life is in your hands.
Through the eyes of faith I can see.
God good. All the time.
God is good. He's so good. All the time.
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